How often should I get new dentures?
Everyone is different, But a good rule of thumb is every 6 to 8 years. Old denture teeth get worn down and harder to chew with. Your mouth changes (bone and ridges shrink) which causes your dentures to become loose and uncomfortable. Perhaps worst of all, this shrinkage and wear causes your bite to close which leads to the appearance of premature aging

If I get a crown will I need a root canal?
Probably not, approximately 20% of teeth that get crowns end up needing root canal (endodontic) therapy. Some teeth arc in such bad shape that we will suggest that you get endodontic treatment first, but in most cases it is not recommended unless the tooth is in very bad shape.

I just had a root canal done on my tooth. Does it need a crown now?
Probably all back teeth (molars and bicuspids) are usually crowned after a root canal to protect them from fracturing. Teeth that have bad root canals are more brittle and therefore more apt to break. Molars especially are prone to fracture. Worse yet, molars tend to fracture in such a way (vertically, towards the bone and between the roots) that fractured molars usually cannot be saved and must be extracted. An exception to the "must crown" rule is front teeth. Some front teeth that receive root canals do not need Crowns but this must be carefully diagnosed and worn depending on your bite, the number and size of previous fillings in the tooth and the esthetic appearance of the tooth.

Do you have payment plans available?
Yes. We have payment plans for qualified patients that allow 12 month interest free loans. Also we accept most credit cards. And we allow 5% discounts for cash prepaid for treatment plans.

Are there partial dentures available that don't show those unsightly metal clasps?
Yes, until recently, if you wanted a removable partial denture that fit and functioned well you had to have one made with a heavy metal framework that clasped your natural teeth and often interfered with your smile. Now there are partials available that use a new flexible acrylic and are usually almost invisible. You may have seen them recently on the TV show Extreme Makeovers. We have been using them for over a year now and have had great success with them.

Why does a tooth need a crown?
Teeth can need crowns for several reasons, but most commonly a tooth is crowned when it has lost it's structural integrity, either because decay has weakened it, a large filling is breaking down or some new trauma has created cracks in the tooth that jeopardize it's long term stability.

What's the difference between a gold and porcelain crown? Is one better than the other?
Both cover and protect a tooth and give it a longer life. With gold we can be more conservative with the amount of tooth we remove for the crown. Most people prefer porcelain because they are tooth colored therefore more esthetic.

What is a metal free crown?
A metal free or all ceramic crown has no base metal. These crowns are bonded into place instead of cemented like a regular porcelain crown.

Why are the old silver fillings rarely used anymore?
Until recently, silver fillings were the standard of care for most dental fillings. Tooth colored composite fillings were available, but there were some problems with strength and longevity. Recently however, materials and techniques have improved to the point that composite fillings have many advantages over silver fillings and they are now the filling material we use most often. However, there are times when the best choice is a silver filling and your dentist will tell you when those cases arise.

What's the best way to get a more youthful smile?
The fastest and least expensive is by bleaching or whitening your teeth. Further enhancements may be done by cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers or crowns. By this method we can brighten, straighten and give you the smile you've always wanted. AKA Hollywood makeovers.

What's the big deal about flossing?
Flossing is a big deal because it's the only way to clean the areas in between your teeth effectively. Many new cavities begin in between teeth in areas where it's impossible: to clean with a toothbrush. Also, and perhaps most importantly, bacteria that accumulate in these same areas often lead to gum disease and bone loss. People who don't floss are at a much greater risk for tooth loss due to gun disease later in life!

Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
This could be for a number of reasons. Usually it's because your teeth have not been professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Plaque turns to tartar which is a calcified irritant under the gum line. The body will send extra blood to parts of the body that may be wounded. This includes the gums. If this irritant is not removed the gums that are engorged with more blood will bleed very easily when you brush or floss. This is a sign that your teeth are not clean. Certain medications and pregnancy can also cause your gums to bleed more easily. Routine dental visits could minimize this problem.