Dental FAQ
 Below is a list of some of the questions our patients most frequently ask. If you have a question that isn't answered below, feel free to give us a call and our team at Century Dental will be happy to assist you.
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Gums
How often should I visit the dentist?
How often should I brush and floss my teeth?
What is the proper way to brush my teeth?
What is plaque?
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
What is periodontal (gum) disease?
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
Teeth Whitening
Why do our teeth turn yellow?
What are the different types of teeth whitening options?
How long does teeth whitening last?
All About Dental Implants
Are implants the right decision for me?
Are implants or bridges a better choice?
Can implants be used to restore multiple teeth?
Are implants expensive?
How long do implants last?
What if I do not have enough bone in my jaw for implants?
When an implant is surgically placed, how long until I get my new tooth?
How can I get a full set of teeth in one day?
Porcelain Veneers
What are veneers?
How much of my tooth is removed with veneers?
Will my veneers change color?
How long does it take to get a set of veneers, or even just one?
How many veneers do I need?
How long do veneers last?
Other Common Questions
What can I do about bad breath?
What is cosmetic dentistry?
What is the easiest way to improve my smile?
What are composite fillings?
Should I get my mercury fillings removed?
What are the options for mercury replacement?
Is the mercury dangerous to remove?
Answers to FAQ
How often should I visit the dentist?
Typically, we encourage our patients to visit us at least two times a year. Regular dental cleanings do a lot to prevent issues like tooth decay from becoming too big to treat easily. Dental exams can easily detect issues while they are still small and easily treatable. If you let your appointment slip for too long you run the risk of building up significant amounts of plaque or even tartar which can lead to gum disease.
How often should I brush and floss my teeth?
Brushing should be done at least twice a day. In the morning, after breakfast and before bed. Brushing after major meals is a great way to prevent food particle buildup. Flossing at least once a day is encouraged.
What is the proper way to brush my teeth?
The following guidelines outline the best method of brushing your teeth:
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Always use a soft bristled brush as hard bristled brushes can damage the enamel on your teeth, there is no way to fix damaged enamel.
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The brush should be held at a 45 degree angle to your gums. The bristles should contact both your gums and your teeth.
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Brush using short strokes in a back and forth motion. You can also use circular motions to brush but each motion should be no larger than the size of each tooth.
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Gentle pressure is highly encouraged when brushing. Pressing too hard can wear down the enamel on your teeth and plaque is easily removed with a light hand.
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Make sure to brush each surface of each tooth - the inner, outer and chewing surface should all be brushed equally.
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Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth each session. A quick brush is often not enough to ensure that all surfaces have been brushed thoroughly. |
What is plaque?
Plaque is a substance that is made mostly of food particles and bacteria within your mouth. It is clear and sticky and will generally accumulate on your teeth both below and above the gum line. Plaque can be removed by daily brushing and flossing but if it is allowed to stay it can form tartar. If allowed to sit on teeth for long periods of time plaque can easily lead to gum disease and cavities. Plaque can also be controlled by avoiding sugary snacks and eating a balanced diet.
What is periodontal (gum) disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and the bone that hold your teeth in place. It occurs when plaque is allowed to harden, which forms tartar. Usually the only way tartar can form on teeth is through poor brushing habits. Symptoms of periodontal disease include red and swollen gums. Often it can be hard to tell if you have gum diseases like gingivitis because there is no pain or discomfort associated with it. Once it has been allowed to progress into the later stages of gum disease soreness of the gums and pain while chewing can occur. It is not uncommon for a person with an advanced stage of gum disease to experience tooth loss and even bone loss.
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
The following are signs of periodontal (gum) disease – please contact us immediately at (971) 708-1608 if you experience any of these symptoms:
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Bleeding gums after brushing
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Swollen, red, or tender gums
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Gums that have separated from the teeth
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Persistent bad breath
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Pus between your teeth and gums
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Teeth that a loose
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A change in how your teeth fit together
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A change in the fit of partial dentures |
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
The key to preventing gum disease is a thorough dental hygiene habit. This means brushing at least two times a day, after meals, and flossing at least once a day. You should come to see us at least twice a year for a routine examination and cleaning. Maintaining a healthy diet is a good way of ensuring continued dental health.
Why do our teeth turn yellow?
Over time our teeth change from a bright white color to a more off-white and sometimes yellow color. At the center of our teeth is a yellow colored substance called dentin. Dentin is yellow in color and as the white part of our teeth (enamel) wears down the dentin is allowed to show more and more. It boils down to the loss of enamel over time.
What are the different types of teeth whitening options?
Below are the three most popular teeth whitening options available today:
In-office teeth whitening
In-office teeth whitening is generally the fastest method of teeth whitening. The procedure is done here at our office and usually only takes about an hour. We apply a gel made of peroxide to the teeth in high concentrations. This method of teeth whitening provides amazing results very quickly.
Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits
Professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits are purchased at our office and used at home. These kits are not quite as potent as the in-office treatments and are therefore allowed to be worn for longer periods of time. These kits consist of trays that you wear over your teeth that are filled with a whitening solution. They are applied once or twice a day for anywhere from one to three hours at a time. They can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks to achieve the desired results depending on how many shades lighter you wish to go.
Over the counter whitening
Over the counter teeth whitening kits are bought at pharmacies and drug stores and are generally the weakest of the teeth whitening solutions available to consumers. They tend to be a cheaper solution than the in-office or take home style kits but that is because they can take a lot longer to work. They are less effective because they aren’t as strong as either of the other options. These solutions can sometimes be irritating to your mouth because they are not fit specifically to your mouth.
How long does teeth whitening last?
How long your whitening solution lasts depends on a few factors. Generally, you can count on your teeth to stay their new whiter shade for at least one to three years. It is a lot easier to touch up teeth that have been whitened previously.
Are implants the right decision for me?
Implants are made of titanium which is a metal that is considered to be biocompatible. Given some recovery time the bone in your jaw will fuse with the titanium and will be structurally sound. Implants can be used to replace a tooth in both form and function. Benefits of dental implants include:
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They are integrated into bone and act like a tooth root to support new teeth
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They do not decay or have the same gum disease risk as natural teeth
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Implants look, feel, and act like natural teeth, unlike other options |
Are implants or bridges a better choice?
Generally, an implant is always going to be a better option than a bridge. It doesn’t require the sculpting of neighboring teeth to be placed and it acts almost exactly as a normal tooth would. Depending on budget restrictions and how many teeth are missing you might choose to have a bridge placed instead of many implants. Because this a question that is so case dependent we would ask that you come into our office to have a consultation on what the best option would be for you.
Can implants be used to restore multiple teeth?
Implants can indeed be used to restore multiple teeth or even a full set of dentures. When teeth are lost and not replaced often the bone structure that would have supported the tooth begins to recede. This bone loss can be prevented with implants. We offer both permanent dentures and removable dentures.
Are implants expensive?
When used to replace a single tooth there are few options as affordable as dental implant procedure. The cost to place dental implants rises with the complexity of the procedure and the history of tooth and bone loss in the mouth.
How long do implants last?
Implants have seen tremendous success over the history of the procedure. With proper care and good dental habits it’s not uncommon for implants to last anywhere from thirty years to a lifetime!
What if I do not have enough bone in my jaw for implants?
Bone grafting is a procedure that can add bone to places that have experienced bone loss. This is a common procedure for us. Our highly skilled and capable staff are excellent at providing the kind of expert planning and care required for bone grafting procedures.
When an implant is surgically placed, how long until I get my new tooth?
The way dental implant procedures usually work is the titanium post is placed in your jaw during the first visit. While we craft the crown that will be placed on the post, the post is allowed to rest and recover from the procedure. This is the case with posterior teeth. With front teeth implants we will try to place a temporary crown the same day as the post as front teeth are not used to chew as much as posterior teeth. The posterior teeth receive a decent amount of force from the act of chewing so sometimes it can take seven to ten months for us to place the crown. In all cases, clinical experience and prevailing research guides our decision to finalize the implant restoration. As always, our goal is for the long-term success of your dental treatments.
How can I get a full set of teeth in one day?
With the use of CAT scan planning we can plan for immediate teeth replacements and the ultimate in surgical precision. Planning takes all the time in these cases, however we can deliver exceptional care quickly and never leave you without teeth, regardless of your particular need or treatment.
What are veneers?
A veneer is a thin shell made (usually) of durable porcelain. A dental veneer is used to cover the front and edges along with a small portion of the back of the tooth. Veneers are used for cosmetic and restorative purposes – mostly to give your teeth a fresh, dazzling white face. Veneers are also used to give space to teeth that appear too crowded or fill in gaps for teeth that are too far apart. They are extremely versatile and lend themselves to fixing many different cosmetic issues in the mouth.
How much of my tooth is removed with veneers?
When compared to crown procedures, veneer procedures require the removal of a very small portion of the tooth – usually just a bit of the enamel. Some veneers don’t require the removal of any of the tooth. We take great pride in the craftsmanship of all the procedures we do here at Century Dental and will work our hardest to make sure your veneers turn out perfect!
Will my veneers change color?
Porcelain does not stain like enamel or many other forms of dental material. It is common for veneers to keep their original color for the life of the veneer.
How long does it take to get a set of veneers, or even just one?
We can work quickly if that is your request, or we may take a longer period of time to ensure your satisfaction with the aesthetic result. The processes of cosmetic dentistry are as much an art as they are a technical exercise. It is important to relay your expectations to us throughout the process of creating your new smile so that we can continue to strive to give you the outcome you desire. We take a great deal of pride in helping you take pride in your mouth!
How many veneers do I need?
This question is best answered by taking a look at your smile in the mirror. For many people, their smile only includes the top four to eight teeth so would only require that many veneers to make a big difference for them. Some people have wide and tall smiles that show many upper and lower teeth. Big smiles can include twelve to twenty teeth. We are able to transform as many or as few teeth as you would like.
How long do veneers last?
Veneers are not able to withstand large amounts of pressure or abuse. They can chip or crack if you chew on hard things like ice or use them to open packaging. That said, they are very durable and we stand by our work for two years.
What can I do about bad breath?
To treat bad breath, it is important to understand where it comes from. Bad breath can be cause by many different factors including, but not limited to: the food you ingest, dry mouth, and periodontal disease. When you come to see us, ask about why you may have bad breath so that we can help you narrow down what it is that might be causing it for you. A good start on the road to getting rid of your bad breath is a solid oral hygiene routine. Brushing after meals, flossing, and seeing us at least two times a year for regular cleanings and exams will go a long way in your efforts to stop bad breath. Rinsing your mouth out with water after meals can help to wash away food particles and the bacteria that causes plaque. These simple oral hygiene steps will also help to prevent the bigger causes of bad breath like periodontal disease. If you have dentures it is important to clean and soak them overnight in a solution of antibacterial. Finally, brushing your tongue will help to get rid of left over residue from eating.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
We use restorative dentistry to give your mouth back the function it may have lost. We use preventive dentistry to prevent bad things from happening to your mouth. We use cosmetic dentistry to improve upon the look of different aspects of your smile. We offer everything from crowns and veneers to teeth whitening and Clear Correct orthodontics. Jefferson Call, DMD and Dix Densley, DDS have devoted a great deal of their time and education to the practice of giving you the smile you want. They are fully prepared to help you change anything from that subtle nagging detail to an extreme makeover. Just let us know how we can best serve you and we will find a way to make it happen!
What is the easiest way to improve my smile?
The biggest difference you will see in your smile also happens to be one of the easiest to achieve – teeth whitening. We offer a few different options when it comes to whitening teeth so please, let us know if it is something that interests you.
What are composite fillings?
Composite fillings are tooth colors fillings that are made up of a mixture of resin and ceramic materials. This mixture is chemically bonded to your teeth and is made to match the natural color of your tooth so it is virtually impossible to tell you have a filling. This resin can also be used as a more cost effective substitute for porcelain veneers.
Should I get my mercury fillings removed?
Mercury based amalgam fillings pose a potential toxicity risk to those who have them. Further, they do not bond to the tooth structure and are visually unsightly. The statistics from Harvard dental school list a 90% rate of decay under mercury fillings. Most have existed long after their designed lifetime. In our office we offer replacement options for every mercury filling we encounter.
What are the options for mercury replacement?
There are a few different options which depend mostly on the size of the area needing to be filled. Small restorations can easily be replaced with composite fillings. Larger restorations typically require very strong materials in order to maintain the structural integrity of the tooth. Things like pressed ceramics are able to fill in large areas of the tooth and maintain it’s integrity.
Is the mercury dangerous to remove?
We take measures to ensure your safety during the removal of metal debris from your mouth. Removal is not considered a health risk by the profession. |
