FAQ's from a Cosmetic Dentist

As a cosmetic dentist, we are regularly asked questions about our practice and our approach to dental care.  Many patients want to know what the difference is between a cosmetic dentist and a general dentist. In the beginning – nothing.  All dentists start with the same basic education in order to receive their degree in dentistry.  Afterward, certain dentists go on to receive additional education and training or focus their practice on a specific area of dentistry.  This is where you will begin to see the differences. As a cosmetic dentist, we believe that there does not need to be a distinction between procedures that are beneficial for your health and ones that also improve the appearance of your smile.  We understand that by changing the materials that we use or the way that we perform a procedure, we can address both issues at the same time.  This is beneficial for our patients overall well being.

In addition to being a cosmetic dentist, we are unique in that we focus on more complex procedures.  With that in mind here are some facts that you should know –

Does a cosmetic dentist have a different way of replacing teeth?
Tooth loss is an incredibly common problem with most adults facing it at some point during their lifetime.  Our goal is to replace your teeth in a way that feels, looks and behaves entirely natural.  This is the best solution for your oral health and also for your appearance and well-being.  This is why we offer dental implants.  This is the only surgically placed solution to tooth loss.  In this procedure, we implant a titanium post under the gums and secure it to the jawbone.  Titanium is unique in that the body treats it like organic matter.  As a result, the titanium post and jaw will fuse together.  This process takes a few months, but it has amazing health benefits because the implant will begin to provide the jaw with the stimulation it needs to prevent resorption.  Simultaneously, the implant will be as secure as a natural tooth.  The end result is a tooth that looks and behaves so naturally that even you will have a difficult time telling it apart from your natural teeth.  Since we specialize in oral surgery in our office, we are confident in our ability to provide you with superior results.

Is there a better way to treat gum disease?
Yes, as a cosmetic dentist, we focus on using the latest technology to treat gum disease.  We believe that we can provide patients with the same high-quality care in a less invasive manner.  This is better for your health and the appearance of your gums.  As a result, we use laser treatments to both clean the gums and to restore them once they have started to recede.  This means no sutures.

How can a damaged tooth be saved?
While we can certainly help with extractions, we believe in the importance of maintaining natural teeth whenever possible.  As such, we recommend that damaged teeth be restored whenever possible. This can be done using dental bonding, dental veneers, or dental crowns – all of which can look entirely natural.

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, call and schedule a consultation.

Implant Dentist  >  Gum Recession

Dental Oral Surgery and Gum Recession

If you need oral surgery for gum recession, we can help. It may sound scary, but our gum recession oral surgery will actually benefit your smile and oral health, rather than harm them. Oral surgery sounds more invasive than it is. We can provide you with a minimally invasive gum graft that will protect your teeth from the damage caused by gum recession.

Gum Recession

If you have questions about what gum recession is or what damage it can do, you can learn more by reading further or visiting our office. Gum recession affects up to 12 percent of adults, and it occurs when the margin of gum tissue surrounding the teeth begins to pull away or wear down. Gum recession is a gradual process that can occur over a several years. This process exposes teeth and vulnerable teeth roots. When the gums pull away from the teeth, pockets form, leaving an opening for bacteria to grow and harm the supporting dental structure of your teeth and gums. You could eventually experience persistent discomfort, tooth loss, and other structural damage. If you are unsure of whether or not you may have receding gums, visit our office for confirmation. It is vital to have gum recession treated as soon as possible in order for you to keep your smile natural-looking and healthy.

Gum Recession Causes

There are many causes of gum recession. Your genes are a major factor, with nearly 30 percent of patients having a predisposition for gum recession. Gum recession can be catalyzed by brushing and flossing too vigorously every day. Firm pressure is necessary to remove plaque, but a quality toothbrush should be doing most of the work, not intense pressure.

Periodontal disease, a severe gum infection, is another common cause of gum recession. Periodontal disease creates chronically inflamed gums that begin to deteriorate due to bacteria. If periodontal disease is not treated, it can easily get out of hand and cause accelerated gum recession and dental structure damage. Hormonal changes and poor oral hygiene are other reasons gum recession occurs. To learn more about how you can combat gum recession by caring for your teeth and gums properly, visit our office for instructions.

Oral Surgery for Gum Recession

Oral surgery also referred to as gum surgery, can be performed if you need to have your gums repaired before more damage occurs. The oral surgery we perform will provide more protection for your teeth and keep your dental structure from discomfort and infection. We can also provide you with oral surgery if you are interested in improving the appearance of your smile. Gum recession can cause your teeth to appear longer or protrude. A gum surgery can revert them back to their attractive, normal appearance. Before oral surgery, you will most likely receive a deep clean that could help your gums rebound on their own. Oral surgery options for gum recession include gum grafts, pocket reduction surgery, and tissue regeneration, among others.

When you visit our office for gum recession oral surgery, we will go into detail about the options you have for treatment. We will try to make the least invasive options work before we consider other surgical treatments. We will be able to improve your smile and your dental health in no time.

Gum Recession  >  Cosmetic Dentist