Houston dentist, Dentist in Houston, TX

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do all patients who want cosmetic makeovers get the same kind of teeth?

Absolutely not! Each person has a look they want for themselves and they have facial structure and skin tones that guide us in making individual selections that vary in size, shape, and color for each person.

Do I have to get my teeth capped to get rid of spaces between my front teeth?

In most cases capping to correct spaces isn't necessary. Today with beautiful, natural looking porcelain veneers (also called porcelain facings) we can easily make dramatic cosmetic changes to remove spaces, fix cracked teeth, do minor tooth straightening, and change the color of your teeth. In many instances, little or no tooth structure needs to be removed to create the smile of your dreams.

Is "tooth whitening" safe?

Most bleaching procedures are safe and some are approved by the American Dental Association. The problem remains that there are so many options to choose from (Zoom, Take home trays, a multitude of different strengths of bleach and varying lengths of time to use the bleach). Over the counter bleaching strips and now (self made trays) may cause problems if you have recession or tooth decay. Your safest option is to consult with your Dentist to see which bleaching treatment is right for you.

Is gum surgery essential if I have periodontal (gum) disease?

We have found, many times, surgery is not necessary following a conservative course of periodontal treatment. This type of care typically includes a series of nonsurgical gum treatments. Even when surgery is required, it often is needed only in a few areas of the mouth and results can be greatly enhanced by nonsurgical preparation.

If periodontal disease is such a problem, why doesn't it hurt?

This is, unfortunately, a very good question. Periodontal problems can become quite serious and extremely advanced without any pain whatsoever. That is why it is so important to be attentive to the warning signs - bleeding gums when brushing and flossing, swollen gums, receded gums, teeth changing position, pus or swelling around gums - to name a few.

What are the benefits of a dental radiograph examination?

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal:

• small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings);
• infections in the bone;
• periodontal (gum) disease;
• abscesses or cysts;
• developmental abnormalities;
• some types of tumors.

Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort. It can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumor, radiographs may even help save your life.

How do dental X-rays compare to other sources of radiation?

We are exposed to radiation every day from various sources, such as frequent airplane travel and high altitudes, minerals in the soil, and appliances in our homes (like smoke detectors and television screens).

What are dental implants?

People often refer to a dental implant as a replacement tooth, but it is actually a metal post or appliance that replaces the patient's tooth root or roots. Once the artificial root or roots are in, replacement teeth are put in place and thus anchored firmly to the bone by the implant. The patient's new teeth look, feel and work just like natural teeth. There are several types of dental implants suited to various dental conditions.

What are the benefits of implants?

Dental implants are an alternative for:

• The patient who cannot function comfortably with conventional dentures.
• The patient who has lost teeth and wants to avoid removable partial dentures.
• The patient who needs a crown or fixed bridge but doesn't want to damage his or her adjacent healthy teeth.
• The person who wants to have the dental solution that is the closest to what Mother Nature created.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Because of recent advances in implant technology, more and more people are implant candidates. The only way to know for certain is to be evaluated by a practitioner who has received advanced training in implant dentistry. Typically, if a patient is healthy enough to undergo fixed bridgework procedures or routine extractions, he or she can also undergo dental implant procedures.

What will happen without dental treatment?

When you lose your teeth, you gradually lose the bone that supports the teeth. As this bone shrinks, problems with a lack of support lead to increased discomfort, mobility, lack of retention of dentures, and sharp, painful ridges, movable gums and sore spots. The tongue also enlarges to accommodate the space. With tooth loss, a five-fold decrease in function occurs and the diet shifts to softer foods. When bone is lost, the incidence of numbness to the lower lip or even fracture of the jaw increases. In addition, this progression will affect our ability to provide the treatment we could have before so much bone loss. It could require more implants or more extensive treatment. Or,it may be possible that we will not be able to provide the same treatment we recommend now. At its worst, the bone loss could be so severe that the only way for the person to have teeth of any kind would require a hip graft (taking bone from the patient's hip).