Frequently Asked
Questions
Cosmetic
Dentistry - Dentures - Root
Canal Treatment Costs
Cosmetic
Dentistry
Q. Can existing porcelain crowns or
laminates be bleached?
A. No, porcelain does not change color when
exposed to dental bleach
Q. How long should bonding last?
A. Bonding lasts 3-5 years, depending on wear
and tear.
Q. How long do porcelain laminates
last?
A. In excess of 10 years, when properly maintained.
Q. Why do people choose porcelain
laminates over bonding?
A. Laminates look more realistic, do not stain,
feel more natural, and are stronger.
Q. Can porcelain laminates or crowns
give me lip support?
A. Yes, if they are built out with bulk, provided
it does not interfere with function and local biology.
Q. How do you get rid of spaces between
teeth?
A. With porcelain laminates or bonding. Crowns
may be used on more severe cases.
Q. Does it hurt to have teeth prepared
for laminates?
A. No, it is a painless two visit procedures.
Local anesthesia can be given to highly sensitive patients,
but is usually not necessary.
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Dentures
Q. What Is A Denture?
A. A denture is a removable replacement for
missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic
resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. Complete
dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture
fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents
other teeth from changing position. Complete dentures are
either "conventional" or "immediate."
A conventional denture is placed in the mouth about a month
after all the teeth are removed to allow for proper healing,
whereas an immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth
are removed. The drawback behind an immediate denture is
that it may require more adjustments after the healing has
taken place.
Q. Who needs a denture?
A. Candidates for complete dentures have
lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable
for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture
improves chewing ability and speech, and provides support
for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance
and smile.
What happens when you get a denture?
A dentist can make a full conventional denture
when all teeth have been lost or all extraction sites have
healed (up to eight weeks or longer.) The denture process
takes about one month and five appointments: the initial
diagnosis is made; an impression and a wax bite are made
to determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position;
a "try-in" is placed to assure proper color, shape
and fit; and the patient's final denture is placed, following
any minor adjustments. New denture wearers need time to
get accustomed to their new "teeth" because even
the best fitting dentures will feel awkward at first. While
most patients can begin to speak normally within a few hours,
many patients report discomfort with eating for several
days to a few weeks. To get accustomed to chewing with a
new denture, start with soft, easy-to-chew foods. In addition,
denture wearers often notice a slight change in facial appearance,
increased salivary flow, or minor speech difficulty.
Q. How do you care for a denture?
A. A denture is fragile, so it is important
to handle it with care. Remove and brush the denture daily,
preferably with a brush designed specifically for cleaning
dentures, using either a denture cleanser or toothpastes.
Never use harsh, abrasive cleansers, including abrasives
toothpastes, because they may scratch the surface of the
denture. Don't sterilize your denture with boiling water
because it will cause it to become warped. If you wear a
partial denture be sure to remove it before brushing your
natural teeth. When not in use, soak it in a cleanser solution
or in water. Get in the habit of keeping the denture in
the same safe and handy place to reduce the likelihood of
misplacement.
Q. Should a denture be worn at night?
A. While you may be advised to wear your denture
almost constantly during the first two weeks- even while
you sleep-under normal circumstances it is considered best
to remove it at night. Research has shown that removing
the denture for at least eight hours during either the day
or night allows the gum tissue to rest and allows normal
stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva. This
promotes better long-term health of the gums. Continue seeing
your dentist regularly
It is important to continue having regular
dental checkups so that a dentist can examine oral tissues
for signs of disease or cancer. As of aging, your mouth
will continue to change as the bone under your denture shrinks
or recedes. To maintain a proper fit over time, it may be
necessary to adjust your denture or possibly remake your
denture. Never attempt to adjust a denture yourself and
do not use denture adhesives for a prolonged period because
it can contribute to bone loss. When in doubt, consult your
dentist.
Q. Are there any alternatives to dentures?
A. Dentures are no longer the only way to
restore a mouth that has little or no non-restorable teeth.
Strategically placed support, or implants, can now be used
to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the
need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the
implants and bridges more closely resemble the "feel"
of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative
of choice to dentures, but not everyone is a candidate for
implants. Call your dentist for advice.
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Root
Canal Treatment Costs
Q. What are the Costs Associated with
Root Canal Treatment?
Generally the cost of root canal treatment
is directly related to the chair time necessary to perform
the treatment as well as to the costs of the dentist staff,
training, and technology that the dentist has available
when performing the procedure. Be sure to ask your dentist
about patient financing credit, dental treatment financing,
or if there is a possible loan for dental work available
Q. What factors influence the amount
of chair time necessary to treat any particular tooth?
