Experience Being Heard
You've heard it said before that "knowledge is power!" And, we want to empower our patients to partner with us in bringing together optimal dental health and stunning smiles. Several of the most commonly-asked questions are listed here, along with answers that will give you the power to take control of your dental health. If you do not see your question listed, email or call us. Someone on our team will be happy to provide you with the best possible answer.
Click on a question below to expand the answer.
A: Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Most often this is due to untreated gum disease, cavities, or another dental infection. Once those problems are corrected, your breath will improve.
Here is a checklist of procedures that can reduce the problem: twice daily brushing, daily flossing and tongue cleaning; regular professional cleanings; and, careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances. However, if your hygiene is meticulous and we have ruled out gum disease, cavities, and dental infections, but the problem still persists, we can offer several alternative solutions.
First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue, significantly alleviating odor. Or, we can recommend a specially-prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break-down the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, we may suspect a systemic or internal problem, such as an infection or underlying condition, in which case we may recommend a visit to your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.
A: Yes. It is certainly not desirable to have bleeding gums following brushing. Most often this is sign of gum disease, which is a bacterial infection in your gums and which may also affect your bone. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough "scrubbing" instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled toothbrush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or, gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. Bleeding gums can be a sign of infection, diabetes, and other systemic conditions and should be evaluated if they last more than seven-to-14 days. If the problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods, or if it occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set-up an evaluation appointment.
A: Yes, we do offer digital X-Rays. Digital X-Rays use 80-90% less radiation and are much safer for you than traditional film X-Rays. You will find that in our dental practice, we research the latest trends in technology in order to find the solutions that promote your overall health, safety, and comfort.
A: If a crown has been recommended to you, it is likely either to correct a broken tooth or to repair a tooth that has deteriorated due to cavities (decay). The decay in your tooth eats away healthy tooth structure much like rust eats away at metal. If not removed, decay will deteriorate the tooth to the point where extraction is the only viable treatment option. Sometimes, decay is removed, leaving healthy tooth structure, but not much of it. A crown can then be placed, restoring the look and function of your tooth, while allowing you to keep your natural, underlying tooth structure. Most crowns are precision-milled porcelain or full metal (gold or silver) and are individually customized for each application in each patient, giving you a natural, long lasting smile.
A: By replacing missing teeth either with an implant or a bridge, you will alleviate the problems associated with missing a tooth and give your smile back its beautiful, full appearance.
Dental Implants. A dental implant is an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has bonded to the bone, it can act as a new, solid support for a natural looking, porcelain restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth, or an entire set of teeth, offering more function and permanence than traditional dentures. This is
Porcelain Bridge. A porcelain bridge is another solution for replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, Dr. Santiago places a porcelain restoration into the vacant space, restoring the functionality and look of your smile.
A: Porcelain veneers improve your smile by correcting a multitude of cosmetic concernsm including: gaps in teeth; chipped or broken teeth; dull or yellowing teeth that cannot be whitened by traditional means; "gummy smiles" (showing too much gum when you smile); and, crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers broaden, straighten, whiten, and beautify most any smile. Many of our patients feel like porcelain veneers were the best improvement they could have made to increase their overall confidence! Ask us how porcelain veneers can improve your smile at your next visit.
My whole life I was totally anxious at the thought of going to the dentist. I could really get myself worked up over this, even when it was for a cleaning and exam. I can hardly believe it when I tell you that now I actually forget to feel anxious when I come to the dentist. Meeting Dr. Santiago and her team has really changed my life. I am so excited to say good bye to my dental phobia!
Thank you!
Janice McCune
A: Yes, we offer you many ways to help you relax during your time with us. Many people are uncomfortable with visiting the dentist. Rest assured that your comfort is our highest priority and that our office is designed so that you can enjoy the most relaxing dental visit possible. For entertainment and distraction, we have personal iPods with music, blankets, pillows, eye masks or dark glasses, warming mitts, and a leg massager, so you can keep your mind on more pleasant things.
Nitrous oxide is also offered to keep you comfortable and relaxed. Valium can also be a helpful adjunct. Our patients tell us that our gentle manner, calm explanations, and tender care help ease their anxieties most of all. In addition, we work with a wonderful dental anesthesiologist who can come to our office to provide comfortable sedation for you, if necessary.
Every single person that I met or talked to during my visit was so friendly and welcoming. It made me feel like I had been a patient for a long time rather than it being my first visit. It was very nice.