Frequently Asked Questions

Periodontics focuses on the study and treatment of soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth and jaw. Our periodontist is a specialist authorized by the American Dental Association to diagnose, treat, and prevent different forms of periodontal disease.

Periodontal or gum diseases begin as a buildup of plaque near the gum line on the tooth’s surface. If this plaque is not removed by regular cleanings, brushing, and flossing regularly, it can harden into tartar. Plaque will continue to build over the tartar, eventually causing your gums to become inflamed, red, swollen, and irritated. The first step of this disease is called gingivitis. It later evolves into periodontal disease.

It is both preventable and treatable through non-surgical treatment, periodontal surgery, periodontal therapy, dental implants, and at-home care.

Visit your dentist for an authentic diagnosis. Some symptoms include:

• Inflamed, swollen, sore gums
• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Teeth that appear longer and looser
• Large spaces forming in between teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• Gums that begin to pull away

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that involves treatment of the root canal and surrounding tissues. When you look at your teeth in the mirror, you view your crown; the portion hidden beneath your gumline are called roots.

All endodontists are dentists, but less than 3% of dentists are endodontists. This is a specialty field, and endodontists complete an additional two or more years of training beyond dental school. This training focuses on recognizing and diagnosing tooth pain, performing root canal treatment, and other procedures related to the interior of the tooth and gumline.

If you experience symptoms such as visible injury or swelling around the tooth, sensitivity to temperature, or pain, your dentist may recommend non-surgical root canal treatment. Trauma to the teeth, such as fractured or cracked teeth, may also require root canal therapy.

All-on-4 is a dental implant technique where the upper or lower set of teeth is replaced with just four implants. These four implants act as a support mechanism for the placement of a new set of fixed teeth.

All-on-4 can completely restore an entire arch of teeth in one sitting. This cuts downtime during your procedure and decreases the number of surgical procedures needed to restore your teeth.
Tooth loss can lead to jaw bone loss, especially with a lengthening in time between the loss of the tooth and treatment. The more bone you lose, the more complications arise with dental implants due to bone grafts needed for the procedure. All-on-4 decreases the need for bone grafts. Your dentist can choose areas where the bone is plentiful to place the implant, meaning you may not need a bone graft at all.

If you’ve lost all or most of your teeth or need to have your teeth removed, this is the procedure for you. If you’ve experienced bone loss, this procedure is more effective than standard implants.
This is a more cost-effective way to replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth. It requires less surgery by replacing many teeth at once as opposed to individualizing your procedure.

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be removed and placed back into your mouth. Dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable at first, but this is a process that patients have to get familiar with.

-When handling your dentures, stand over a folded towel or basin of water. Dentures are delicate and may break if dropped.
-It is important to keep your dentures in a cleansing or soaking solution so that they don't dry out. Never use hot water—this can cause them to warp.
-Brushing your dentures daily will remove food deposits and plaque, which will help prevent them from becoming stained over time. An ultrasonic cleaner may be used to care for your dentures, but it should not replace a thorough daily brushing.
-Brush your gums, tongue, and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.
-See your dentist if your dentures break, chip, crack or become loose. Don't be tempted to adjust them yourself—this can damage them beyond repair.

Family dentistry is concerned with addressing oral health at every stage of life, and most importantly, developmental stages. Our dentists have more experience working with children and catering to their comfort.
What do family dentists do?

• We focus on general and preventative dentistry, including
• Regular cleanings and exams
• Fluoride treatments and dental sealants
• Cavity checks and fillings
• Gum disease treatment