Question 1

How can I prevent tooth decay and gum disease?

Accepted Answer

Good oral hygiene starts at home, though it needs to be supplemented by regular visits to our dental practice. Key steps include: Proper flossing — Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Thorough brushing — Brush at least twice a day (especially before going to bed) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste. Use of mouth rinse — After flossing and brushing, use a mouth rinse with fluoride for decay prevention, or with alcohol for gum disease. Regular dental visits — At every appointment at Weston Dental Care, your dentist will carefully check your teeth, gums, mouth, and neck, including a clinical dental examination, a set of digital X-rays, and a dental cleaning (prophylaxis).

Question 2

How does fluoride help prevent tooth decay?

Accepted Answer

Fluoride helps reverse and prevent tooth decay in three ways: 1. Promoting Tooth Remineralization — Acids can demineralize a tooth, creating weak spots that develop into cavities. Fluoride promotes remineralization, which can reverse the very early stages of tooth decay. 2. Helping Teeth Become More Resistant to Tooth Decay — Fluoride strengthens teeth, giving them natural protection against future decay. 3. Inhibiting Oral Bacteria's Ability to Create Tooth-Attacking Acids — Fluoride disrupts bacteria's ability to metabolize sugars, the process that leads to the attack of tooth enamel.

Question 3

What are the stages of gum disease? How is it treated?

Accepted Answer

Gum disease has several stages. The initial stage is called gingivitis — gums become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. The underlying bone is unaffected at this stage. In later stages (periodontitis), gum disease can lead to bone loss and the loosening or even loss of teeth. Treatment varies according to the stage. At its mildest stages, gingivitis can be treated by clearing plaque and tartar deposits from the gum pockets. Severe gum disease might require treatment that includes bone and gum grafts.

Question 4

What causes sensitive teeth? How can they be managed?

Accepted Answer

Sensitive teeth occur when dentin becomes exposed due to: fractured or chipped teeth, teeth injured by clenching or grinding, or receding gums caused by gum disease or improper brushing. Effective treatments include a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent gum irritation, toothpaste designed to insulate the nerve that registers pain, and a fluoride rinse or gel. Visit Weston Dental Care to discuss your symptoms — we can help determine the cause and develop a course of treatment.

Question 5

Are X-Rays really necessary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. X-rays are necessary to detect decay between teeth and areas not visible to the naked eye. Since gum and bone problems happen slowly over time, they are often not felt or detected from the surface. X-rays are also necessary for detecting bone loss and infections at root surfaces.

Question 6

Do cavity fillings need to be obvious?

Accepted Answer

No. New advances in tooth-colored porcelain and composite materials not only allow fillings to go unnoticed, but in many cases are stronger and more wear-resistant than amalgam (silver fillings). At Weston Dental Care we use only mercury-free, tooth-colored composite fillings. In addition to filling new cavities, these beautiful restorations can replace old metal fillings that have blackened, fractured, popped out, or that simply take away from the beauty of your smile.

Question 7

My teeth are crooked. What are my options?

Accepted Answer

We use Invisalign® — a system of orthodontics that uses invisible plastic aligners to comfortably shift your teeth into place. Numerous other cosmetic dentistry techniques can provide "instant orthodontics" that require no braces at all. Composite bonding and the application of porcelain veneers are both conservative ways to mask the appearance of crooked teeth. Be aware that these cosmetic approaches cannot address orthodontic issues such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, and therefore are not suitable for every patient.

Question 8

How does professional teeth whitening work? Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Physician-supervised teeth whitening systems such as ZOOM!® are widely considered the safest cosmetic dentistry treatments. Chairside teeth whitening procedures are performed with a specially formulated peroxide gel that allows oxygen to permeate your tooth enamel, lifting stains — without affecting the structure of your tooth enamel. The system can make your smile 6–10 shades whiter in about an hour. We also offer take-home whitening trays. The most common side effect is temporary tooth sensitivity.

Question 9

How can I know I will be happy with my cosmetic dentistry results?

Accepted Answer

The highly experienced cosmetic dentists at Weston Dental Care take an individualized approach toward each patient's treatment. Our dentists apply an artistic eye to smile makeovers, and they always consider your facial shape, the natural form of your teeth, and other factors so that you achieve optimal results. Quality cosmetic dentistry takes both aesthetics and function into consideration, so that you will not only look great, but enjoy hassle-free long-term results.

Question 10

What causes bruxism (teeth grinding)? How can it be treated?

Accepted Answer

Teeth grinding can be caused by a range of factors — often both emotional and physical factors are involved. Causal factors include stress, sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, and crooked or missing teeth. Treatment methods may include relaxation techniques, physical therapy, muscle relaxants, and a custom plastic night guard. In severe cases, restorative dentistry techniques such as inlays or porcelain crowns are needed to rebuild damaged teeth.

Question 11

If I am missing one or more teeth, what are my options?

Accepted Answer

Patients today have an array of options for replacing missing teeth. Dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants all have their advantages and disadvantages, though modern restorative dentistry has come to favor dental implants because they look and function just like real teeth and require no special care. If you have lost a tooth or several teeth, we urge you to seek treatment. Adjacent teeth can shift into the gap left by a lost tooth; in addition, a missing tooth can lead to bone loss, hygiene problems, difficulties with speaking and eating, and much more.

Question 12

What is a dental implant?

Accepted Answer

A dental implant is a titanium cylinder that is placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. A crown is then attached to the implant to simulate a natural tooth. Dental implants are durable, stable, and highly functional — mimicking the chewing capacity of natural teeth. They require no special care beyond normal brushing and flossing.

Question 13

How is a dental implant different from a dental bridge?

Accepted Answer

A dental implant literally replaces a missing tooth — it simulates the root of a tooth, engages the bone, and keeps it healthy. Because it is an individual tooth, it is also easier to floss. A dental implant does not rely on or affect neighboring teeth. A dental bridge is non-surgical and uses adjacent teeth as anchors to support a new cosmetic tooth. A bridge can be a good choice if the adjacent teeth are also in need of restoration.

Question 14

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Accepted Answer

Nearly anyone who is missing one or more teeth and desires a superior, long-lasting aesthetic result is a good candidate for dental implants. However, patients must have enough bone to support and stabilize the implant. Some individuals who have suffered bone loss as a result of gum disease or another condition may need bone grafting before a dental implant can be placed successfully. A consultation at Weston Dental Care will determine your candidacy.

Question 15

How long does the dental implant process take?

Accepted Answer

Once a person is deemed a good candidate for dental implants, there is one visit to surgically place the implant. Some applications are ready for immediate restoration; others may be required to wait anywhere from 3 to 6 months for bone growth to solidify around the implant before it can be restored to completion. In select cases, thanks to our CEREC technology, you can leave with a new smile in just one visit.

Question 16

How can I finance my dental treatments?

Accepted Answer

We offer an array of financing options that allow patients to spread the cost of their dental care over time. We accept payment by a variety of methods, including: Most Dental PPO Insurance Plans, all major credit and debit cards, personal checks, cash, and CareCredit financing. Call us at (954) 389-1212 to discuss which payment option works best for you.

Question 17

Do you accept dental insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept most Dental PPO Insurance Plans. Our team will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits and make dental care as affordable as possible. Please call our office at (954) 389-1212 to verify that we accept your specific insurance plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Maintaining Dental Health

Cosmetic Dentistry

Replacing Missing Teeth

Financing & Insurance

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