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1415 Broadway Denison
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1415 Broadway
Denison, Iowa 51442 1.800.362.3980
712.263.5615
Office Hours 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday - Thursday
Emergency
1-800-362-3980
Emergency After Hours
(712) 263-6459 or
(712) 263-8685 |
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For more dentistry information
you can visit
www.agd.org
View a list of Dental Terms
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What is a Dental Emergency?
Playgrounds: Site of Tooth
Traumas?
How can I get the yellow out of my teeth?
How long does bleaching last?
I smoked for years -- can my teeth be whiter?
My old fillings in the front have turned
dark. Can they be bleached?
What is Bonding?
Am I a good candidate for Dental
Implants?
Am I too old for implants?
How long do Implants last?
How will I benefit from Dental
Implants?
What are Dental Implants?
My teeth are loose.
My tooth is sensitive to air. How come?
Can I make minor adjustments or
repairs to my dentures?
Should I use a denture adhesive?
What is an overdenture?
Will my dentures need to be
replaced?
Do you accept my insurance plan?
Why do I have to have x-rays? Won't it cause
cancer?
At what age should children first see a
dentist?
How does fluoride work?
How often should I have my teeth
professionally cleaned?
My son chews tobacco -- will it cause cancer?
What are Sealants?
Which teeth can have Sealants?
How Can I tell if my child needs
orthodontic treatment?
I'm in my 50's. Am I too old for braces?
My gums bleed when I brush or floss. Is
this normal?
My gums have shrunk making my teeth look
larger, what can be done?
What are the signs of Gum Disease?
What is Gum Disease?
What is Plaque?
What is the difference between
Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
What is the correct way to brush?
What is the correct way to floss?
How can I get the yellow out of my
teeth?
The first step is to get a cleaning using a "prophy jet" with a
baking soda spray and tooth polishing as the last step. This
will help your dentist evaluate the type and amount of real
discoloration present in your teeth. Then, a two-step in-office
bleaching technique using heat/lamp or the new laser approach is
combined with the usual "matrix home bleach" for the safest,
quickest way to whiter teeth. Subsequent follow-up is
recommended to maintain your new tooth color.
How long does bleaching last?
Each person is different. It depends on many factors including
your diet, the original color of your teeth, and each person's
ability just to absorb the bleaching products.
I smoked for years -- can my teeth be
whiter?
Yes. External bleaching may or may not help. If not, the teeth
can be covered with a light composite resin bonding or beautiful
"stick on" porcelain laminates. However, continued heavy smoking
will unfortunately shorten the longevity of any treatment
result.
My old fillings in the front have
turned dark. Can they be bleached?
Bonding and composite resin fillings do not bleach. Usually,
polishing may help but if not, you can have the surface of the
fittings redone. Otherwise, it's time to replace with newer
bonding or porcelain laminates for longer lasting results.
Remember, only replace these fillings after bleaching in order
to match the new improved color of your own natural tooth.
What is Bonding?
Advances in dental materials have given us a new approach to
broken, strained, or discolored front teeth. In a relatively
simple procedure, a composite resin or porcelain material is
added directly to the roughened enamel surface of the tooth.
Often no anesthetic is required. Bonding can be used to close
gaps or spaces between teeth or to make crowded teeth appear
straight. Cosmetic dentistry can have an impact on a person's
smile that is like magic.
Am I a good candidate for Dental
Implants?
Most patients who are healthy enough to undergo normal dental
treatment and maintain good oral hygiene can have dental
implants. Since general health conditions or structures of the
mouth may prevent the use of an implant individual evaluation is
necessary.
Am I too old for implants?
Age is not the determining factor for having dental implants
placed. We have placed implants on patients in the mid-eighties.
If you are in relatively good general health then you are a
candidate for dental implants. Many patients in their 70's and
80's suffer needlessly from loose dentures. When they finally
have their implants placed to support their dentures, they are
very happy that they had it done.
How long do Implants last?
Statistics indicate that they may last in excess of 30 years.
Once successfully integrated with the surrounding bone, implants
have long-term potential as natural teeth, if properly taken
care of.
How will I benefit from Dental
Implants?
The benefits of implant treatment include appearance, the
enhanced ability to chew and enjoy your food, and often
protection of your remaining teeth and jawbone. Dental implants
offer many benefits never before available for the treatment of
missing teeth. In short, dental implants will look, feel and
function like your real teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are biocompatible substitutes for lost natural
teeth. They are devices for attaching artificial replacement
teeth firmly to the bone. Implants can be used to support a
single crown, or as anchors for fixed bridges, fixed or
removable partials. or complete dentures.
My teeth are loose.
Have a teeth cleaning (prophylaxis), full mouth x-rays and
periodontal probing to determine why they are loose. Chances are
you will want to have a consultation with your dentist to help
determine the cause and develop a plan to treat the condition.
My tooth is sensitive to air. How
come?
· A sensitive root. As we get older, more of the root of a tooth
can become exposed, and this exposed root can be susceptible to
dehydration or touch. This tooth may need either a filling or a
protective coating to prevent undue irritation of the tooth
· Sensitivity to air can also be aggravated by any other
irritation to the tooth -- a deep filling, decay, or recent
dental treatment.
· If part of a tooth has broken off, or part of a filling is
missing, the tooth can also be sensitive to air.
Can I make minor adjustments or
repairs to my dentures?
You can seriously damage your dentures and harm your health by
trying to adjust or repair your dentures. A denture that is not
made to fit properly can cause irritation and sores.
See your dentist if your dentures break, crack, chip, or if one
of the teeth becomes loose. A dentist can often make the
necessary adjustments or repairs on the same day. A person who
lacks the proper training will not be able to reconstruct the
denture. This can cause greater damage to the denture and may
cause problems in your mouth. Glue sold over-the-counter often
contains harmful chemicals and should not be used on dentures.
Should I use a denture
adhesive?
Denture adhesive can provide additional retention for
well-fitting dentures. Denture adhesives are not the solution
for old, ill-fitting dentures. A poorly fitting denture, which
causes constant irritation over a long period, may contribute to
the development of sores. These dentures may need a reline or
need to be replaced. If your dentures begin to feel loose, or
cause pronounced discomfort, consult with your dentist
immediately.
What is an overdenture?
A removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining
natural teeth or implants. The natural teeth must be prepared to
provide stability and support for the denture. Your dentist can
determine if an overdenture would be suitable for you.
Will my dentures need to be
replaced?
Over time, dentures will need to be relined, rebased, or remade
due to normal wear. To reline or rebase a denture, the dentist
uses the existing denture teeth and refits the denture base or
makes a new denture base. Dentures may need to be replaced if
they become loose and the teeth show signs of significant wear.
Dentures become loose because a mouth naturally changes with
age. Bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, causing jaws to
align differently. Shrinking ridges can cause dentures to fit
less securely. Loose dentures can cause health problems,
including sores and infections. A loose denture also makes
chewing more difficult and may change your facial features. It's
important to replace worn or poorly-fitting dentures before they
cause problems.
Do you accept my insurance plan?
Our practice accepts a wide variety of insurance plans. To
determine if your plan is one of these, simply call our office
and we'll be happy to research it for you. We're well-versed in
the latest coverage trends, and are more than happy to discuss
the particulars of your plan with you prior to any treatments
you may undergo.
Why do I have to have x-rays? Won't it
cause cancer?
X-rays show a variety of things not seen by a visual exam
including bone loss, tooth decay, impacted teeth, some tumors
and cysts. Most dental x-ray machines today are low dosage. For
the very concerned patient, a new technology called
radiovisiography uses the lowest amount of radiation. For
instance, an entire set of complete x-rays is equal to one
conventional x-ray using 90% less radiation.
At what age should children first see
a dentist?
We're convinced that good dental health begins early. In fact,
it's not too early to bring your child in for their first dental
visit after their primary teeth have erupted, or generally
around their third birthday. This provides us with an
opportunity to spot and prevent any potential oral health/dental
problems; it also gives your child a positive, non-threatening
dental office experience.
How does fluoride work?
Tooth decay is an infectious and transmissible bacterial
disease. When a person eats sugar, or other refined
carbohydrates, some oral bacteria produce acid that removes
minerals from the surface of the tooth (demineralization). If
the demineralization process continues for a period of time, a
cavity is formed. If fluoride is available, the demineralization
process can be reversed thereby preventing the formation of a
cavity. In addition, fluoride reduces the ability of the oral
bacteria to produce acid.
How often should I have my teeth
professionally cleaned?
Each person is different...twice a year is based on most
insurance coverage, but most patients need to have a
professional dental cleaning every 3 to 4 months. Decay and gum
disease is caused by bacteria in a colony that takes about 8-10
weeks to become destructive or must be removed or broken up
within this base period.
My son chews tobacco -- will it cause
cancer?
It sure can! Even worse than cigarettes because of the
concentration of tobacco. Chewing tobacco is an absolute cancer
producer.
What are Sealants?
Sealants are, without a doubt, the finest, preventive service
that we can provide our patients. In this process, the grooves
in the teeth are sealed with a thin but hard plastic resin
coating that effectively eliminates the potential for tooth
decay. With no pain, no shots, no drilling, sealants are
radically improving the health of our children and adult
patients. That's great!
Which teeth can have Sealants?
Cavity Prevention At Any Age
Primary molars
Pre-Teens molars
Teens bicuspids and molars
Adults bicuspids and molars
How Can I tell if my child
needs orthodontic treatment?
It is usually difficult to know if your child will need
orthodontic treatment until your child is 8-12 and their
permanent teeth start to come in. We recommend that you bring
your child in to the orthodontist when your child is 8 to
evaluate whether treatment will be needed. Generally, the
orthodontist will evaluate your child, and if your child needs
treatment, the orthodontist will take corrective action to avoid
costly and painful treatment later on.
I'm in my 50's. Am I too old for
braces?
No. Many adults are choosing tooth-colored ceramic braces which
hardly show. A removable appliance may even work with certain
patient problems. Orthodontics is usually the most cost
effective treatment because treatment means eliminating the
cosmetic problem while retaining your natural teeth. Restorative
treatment always has a "life expectancy" on any restorations
meaning you will have to continually do whatever treatment you
choose.
My gums bleed when I brush or
floss. Is this normal?
No! A thorough soft tissue evaluation including x-rays, with a
prophylaxis (cleaning) and good homecare instructions is an
essential beginning. Usually bleeding is a beginning symptom of
gingivitis or periodontal disease, and may require conventional
gum surgery if necessary. Talk to your dentist who can do
different forms of treatment from simple cleaning of the teeth
to antibiotic therapy, and as a last resort, surgery.
My gums have shrunk making my
teeth look larger, what can be done?
Sometimes a gum graft can be done to cover sensitive roots and
stop the downward progression of your gums. New techniques with
little discomfort and great results are available. You may also
need bonding, or other restorative treatment as part of the
treatment plan.
What are the signs of Gum Disease?
If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, see
your dentist immediately:
· gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
· red, swollen or tender gums
· gums that have pulled away from the teeth
· bad breath that doesn't go away
· pus between your teeth and gums
· loose teeth
· a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
· a change in the fit of partial dentures
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection of
the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major
cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually
painless, however, you may not know you have it.
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that
constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that
can damage the gums.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a bacteria-laden white substance, which forms on the
teeth and contributes to tooth decay, gum disease and bad
breath. Effective flossing will help remove plaque missed by
brushing before it contributes to these harmful effects.
What is the difference between
Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
In the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums
can become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the
disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by
daily brushing and flossing.
In the more advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis,
the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously
damaged. The teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be
removed by a dentist.
What is the correct way to brush?
Place the head of the toothbrush next to your teeth, with the
bristle tips at a 45-degree angle next to the gum line.
Move the brush back and forth in a small circular scrubbing
motion.
Brush the outer surfaces of all teeth, upper and lower. Make
sure you keep the bristles angled against your gum line.
Now, brush the inside tooth surfaces, using the same brush
strokes.
To reach the inside surfaces of your front teeth, tilt your
brush vertically and use gentle, up and down strokes with the
head of the brush.
Scrub the chewing surfaces of all back teeth.
What is the correct way to floss?
Use a piece of dental floss approximately 18 inches long. Wind
each end of the floss around your middle fingers.
Holding the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers,
leave about an inch of floss in between. Use a gentle, back and
forth motion to guide the floss in between your teeth. Avoid
snapping the floss, which may cause some unnecessary irritation
to the gums
When the floss is at the gum line, curve it into an arc around
each tooth until there is mild resistance.
Holding the floss in the arc position, gently slide it up the
side of the tooth, making sure the floss goes under the gum.
Move the floss up and down (not back and forth) several times to
remove the plaque from under the gum.
Repeat this procedure on both sides of each tooth.
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