Why do I have bad breath?
Anaerobic Bacteria create waste products known as Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VLCs) on the surface of the tongue, throat, teeth, and periodontal pockets in the gums which cause bad breath. Thus twice yearly dental check-ups are a good idea. This is because people often do not become aware of dental problems until considerable damage has occurred. A dentist can recognize potentially damaging problems early. In addition, the dentist can diagnose other problems which cause bad breath including abscesses, periodontal disease, cavities, and impacted teeth.
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What are Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are custom-crafted, fingernail-thin porcelain shells that are bonded to natural teeth. Because of their subtle color and near transparency, porcelain veneers can make a dramatic and very natural looking improvement to your smile.
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What are Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (synthetic material) that is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The benefit of using implants is that they don't rely on neighboring teeth for support, they are permanent and stable. Implants are a (good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth. Implant material is made from different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue. There are different types of dental implants: one is placed directly into the jaw bone like natural tooth roots: the second is used when the jaw structure is limited, therefore, a custom-made metal framework fits directly on the existing bone. Talk with your dentist about whether you are an implant candidate. You must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums for the implant to stay in place. People who are unable to wear dentures may also be good candidates. If you suffer from chronic problems, such as clenching or bruxism, or systemic diseases, such as diabetes, the success rate for implants decreases dramatically. Additionally, people who smoke or drink alcohol may not be good candidates. The success rate for implants depends on the tooth's purpose and location in the mouth. The success rate is about 95 percent for those placed in the front of the lower jaw and 85 percent for those placed in the sides and rear of the upper jaw.
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What are All Porcelain Crowns?
All-porcelain crowns (also called caps) are a beautiful, long-lasting choice. The procedure involves reducing and carefully shaping the supporting tooth, creating an impression from which a model of the prepared tooth is made, and having the crown fabricated (usually in a dental lab), then fitting and permanently cementing or bonding the crown in place. Crowns made of porcelain with a metal base do not look as natural and may eventually result in a noticeable dark line at the gums.
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What are White Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Until recently you had no choice about the color of your fillings. Now you can have old silver or gold fillings replaced with nearly invisible porcelain or resin restorations. Another advantage - they can be bonded to the teeth which gives a tighter seal and adds more strength to the tooth.
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What can be done for my chipped tooth?
It is extremely important to visit your dentist promptly, even if you are in no discomfort. Teeth may fracture for a variety of reasons: cavities, inherited weak enamel, brittle teeth due to root canaled treatment, and trauma. Fracture lines within a chipped tooth may continue to increase as well, creating greater risk of further chipping or discomfort. Treatments for fractured teeth range from placing new fillings to crowns, or veneers. Extensively fractured teeth may require root canal treatment or even possibly extraction if left too long unfixed.
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Are Amalgam (Silver) Fillings Safe?
Dental amalgam is still considered a safe and extremely durable material to restore teeth. The American Dental Association states that "based on available scientific information, amalgam continues to be a safe and effective restorative material." FDI World Dental Federation and the World Health Organization consensus statement on dental amalgam stated, "No controlled studies have been published demonstrating systemic adverse effects from amalgam restorations." Thus this material is still supported by the dental society at present. Of course, extensive long-term research still is being conducted.
If you are still uncomfortable with silver fillings, please consider composite (tooth-colored) fillings.
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I am interested in Whitening my teeth. What do I have to consider?
---The whitening procedure is non-invasive and may take only 7-10 days to complete.
---You may choose to whiten your teeth while you sleep or during the day (as little as 30 minutes/day).
---Today's whitening gels are more effective than ever before and temporary tooth sensitivity has sharply reduced.
---Yellow stained teeth tend to whiten the most effectively.
---Fillings and crowns will not whiten, thus discolored crowns need to be redone and fillings replaced with natural tooth colored fillings.
---For patients who prefer a more immediate option, we offer in-office whitening appointments that last only about an hour.
---If your natural teeth are darker than your crowns, you may want to consider whitening to help brighten your entire smile!
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If you have a question unanswered, please call Westdent at (702)869-8858 or email us at Drlani@myvegasdentist.com. We will gladly respond ASAP. Thank you for visiting us.
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