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Q: What is
Zoom! tooth whitening?
A: Zoom! is a bleaching process that
lightens discoloration of enamel and
dentin.
Q:
Is whitening safe?
A: Yes, Extensive research and clinical
studies indicate that whitening teeth
under the supervision of a dental
professional like Dr. Sanchez is
safe. In fact, many dentists consider
whitening as the safest cosmetic dental
procedure available. As with any tooth
whitening product, Zoom! is not
recommended for children under 13 years
of age and pregnant or lactating women.
The
most common staining include aging and
consumption of staining substances such
as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red
wine, etc. During tooth formation,
consumption of tetracycline, certain
antibiotics or excessive fluoride may
also cause tooth discoloration.
Q:
Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
A: Almost anyone. However, treatment may
not be as effective for some as it is
for others. Dr. Sanchez can determine if
you are a viable candidate for this
procedure through a thorough oral exam,
including a shade assessment.
Q:
What are the most common cosmetic
dentistry procedures?
A: Bleaching – Chemical or
laser treatment of natural teeth for a
whitening effect.
Laminate Veneers – A porcelain
facing placed on a tooth to change the
color, shape or size of the tooth.
Bonding – An adhesive dental
restoration technique using a tooth
colored resin to change the color or
shape of a tooth.
Crown – A Cap put on a tooth,
which may be made of gold, inert metals,
porcelain or a combination of these
materials. The type of material used to
make a crown can determine the cosmetic
appearance of the crown.
Bridge – A non-removable,
tooth-supported, framework that replaces
one or more missing or damaged teeth
with lab fabricated teeth.
Laser Gum Contouring – A
relatively quick and painless procedure
in which small amounts of gum tissue are
removed or reshaped in order to treat
unhealthy tissue, or to change the
appearance of the length or shape of the
adjacent tooth.
Q:
At what age should my child
have an orthodontic evaluation?
A: By age 7, enough permanent teeth
have come in and enough jaw growth
has occurred that the dentist or
orthodontist can identify current
problems, anticipate future problems
and alleviate parents' concerns if
all seems normal. The first
permanent molars and incisors have
usually come in by age 7, and
crossbites, crowding and developing
injury-prone dental protrusions can
be evaluated. Any ongoing finger
sucking or other oral habits can be
assessed at this time also.
Q: What causes tooth loss?
A: Tooth decay and periodontal disease
are the most common causes of tooth
loss. Tooth decay takes place when most
of the tooth's mineral makeup has been
dissolved away and a hole (cavity) has
formed. While tooth decay primarily
affects children, periodontal disease,
or gum disease, affects mostly adults.
Periodontal disease is an infection of
the gums connective tissue and
surrounding bone caused by the buildup of
plaque and calculus, and its earliest stage is known
as gingivitis.
Q:
How many times a day should I brush my
teeth?
A:
Most dental
professionals recommend that you brush your
teeth at least twice a day. Brushing after
every meal (and flossing at least once a
day) is also a good way to maintain dental
health.
Q:
When
should a child have his/her first dental
appointment?
A:
A child should have
his first dental appointment no later than
his third birthday. Many dentists recommend
a child have his first appointment when his
first tooth comes in.
Q:
What
causes oral cancer?
A:
Tobacco (cigarettes, pipes, cigars,
chewing tobacco, and snuff) is the most
common cause of oral cancer. Combining
tobacco use with heavy drinking can also
foster the development of oral cancer. Bad
hygiene, prolonged irritation of the oral
cavity, and extended exposure to strong
sunlight on the lips are among other causes
of the disease. Many dentists believe
vitamins A and E can help prevent the
acquisition of oral cancer.
Q:
What are
the warning signs of oral cancer?
A:
Early symptoms of oral cancer include: a
sore on the lip, in the mouth, or in the
throat that does not heal; a lump on the
lip, in the mouth, or in the throat; a red
or white patch found anywhere in the mouth;
unusual pain or bleeding in the mouth;
swelling of the mouth; and any difficulty or
discomfort felt in chewing or swallowing.
Q: How do dental sealants protect teeth?
A.
Because fluoride is effective in
preventing decay from forming on the
smooth surfaces of teeth, and dental
sealants protect the grooves of teeth,
these treatments are best used in
conjunction.
Dental sealants are particularly
effective for protecting children's
teeth. The first permanent molars emerge
when a child is about 6. A dental
sealant treatment performed shortly
after these first permanent teeth emerge
protects the teeth from developing
cavities. Another good time for applying
sealants occurs when a child is about
12, when the second permanent molars
emerge.
We
may also recommend sealants for adults
who are at a particularly high risk of
tooth decay.
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