FAQs
What are Sealants?
A sealant is a protective shield against decay. It is a clear plastic material that is bonded to the chewing surface of the back teeth where decay happens the most. Sealant material covers these grooves and irregularities that are sometimes too deep for the bristles of a regular toothbrush to properly reach. Sealants are primarily placed in children, as they benefit the most from this extra protection. This is not a painful procedure; actually the material is applied quickly in a three step process involving cleaning the tooth, preparing the surface, applying and protective coating. The American Dental Association and the National Institute of Health both recongnize that sealants can play an important role in prevention of tooth decay.

How much pop should you drink in an average week?
Soft drinks are no longer an occasional treat. They've become a daily habit for a growing number of people, especially kids, teens, and young adults. Unfortunetly, this steady diet of pop is becoming the leading cause of dental decay. Here's how it works. Sugar in pop combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid, even diet pop has it's own form of acid, this weakens the tooth enamel as the acid attacks your teeth. Each acid attack lasts about 20 minutes and starts over again with every sip. The bacteria that is feeding off this acid causes cavities as the tooth enamel is weakened. Some ways to reduce this decay are: Drink soft drinks in moderation if at all, don't sip for extended periods of time and use a straw whenever possible. Never drink pop or juice before bedtime as the liquid pools in your mouth and coats the tongue and teeth with the acid. Drink water instead of pop, it has no sugar, no calories and NO acid. Be sure to get regular checkups and cleanings to remove plaque buildup. Use fluoride toothpaste daily to protect your teeth.

What is gum disease and why did I get it?
Most gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a thin, sticky colorless film of bacteria that form on your teeth every day. The bacteria in plaque feed on the sugars that forms on your teeth every day. The bacteria in plaque feed on the sugars and produce the acids and harmful byproducts that irritate your gums. The seven warning signs of gum disease are:
  1. Gums that bleed when you brush
  2. Gums that are red, swollen, or tender.
  3. Gums that have pulled away from your teeth.
  4. Permanent teeth that are loose or seperating.
  5. Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
  6. Any change in the way your partial dentures fit.
  7. Bad breath.

When plaque is not removed daily, the gums become swollen, red, and bleed easily. The unremoved plaque hardens into a deposit called calculus, or tartar, which collects under the gum line and makes it more difficult to remove. If regular cleanings do not happen, then the disease progresses and pockets forms as the gum pulls away from the tooth, which leave more area for the bacteria to grow and spread. Eventually, the bone support and teeth are destroyed. The best way to prevent gum diesease is to remove the plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth 3 times a day, eat a well balanced diet and limit snacks, visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check your mouth often for the above signs of gum disease.


What is CEREC?
CEREC means we can quickly and economically restore damaged teeth using a durable ceramic material that matches the natural color of other teeth in your mouth. CEREC is an acronym for Charisde Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.

First and foremost, the restoration can be performed in a single session, usually in about one hour. With CEREC there's no need for us to make an impression and send it to a lab. We won't inconvenience you by asking you to return for a second visit.

Secondly, the restoration is natual looking, because it is made of tooth-colored ceramic material. It's metal-free -- no silver fillings to discolor your smile! The ceramic material is compatible with tissue in your mouth and is high-grade, anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant. It allows us to be extremely precise and save more of the healthy part of your tooth.

© 2007 Tessa Buchanan, D.D.S

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