FAQ
A metal or amalgam filling contains a mixture of gold or silver, mercury, and other metals. For decades dentists used this material because it was durable and non-corrosive. In the last few years however, amalgam fillings have been known to crack and can leak mercury which can be poisonous. Dr. Nguyen fills cavities with composite resin which is extremely strong and long lasting. Composite resin also more closely matches the color of your natural teeth. If you have a question about your amalgam fillings or want to schedule a consultation, call our office today.
Absolutely, there are a variety of ways to improve the appearance of your teeth without wearing braces. Invisalign and porcelain veneers are two of the more popular options, however, the best method depends on your mouth and what you want to do. Call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nguyen. After listening to your goals and concerns, he can recommend the best way to help you straighten your smile.
The majority of our patients ask about whitening their teeth. Since each person is unique, we need to evaluate your teeth to recommend a specific method. If your teeth are cracked, chipped, or discolored, Dr. Nguyen may recommend porcelain veneers to whiten your teeth or if you just want to bleach your teeth, we use the latest technology with the ZoomII in-office bleaching.
The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Dr. Nguyen would love to meet you and offers a free initial exam, limited x-rays, and consultation to discuss your dental concerns or just to meet Dr. Nguyen and the staff. To set up an initial visit, contact us today.
Bleeding gums are not normal and indicate that an active gum infection is present. Gum disease is the most common disease in the world, yet often goes undetected because it produces very little pain. Gum disease, however, is the leading cause of tooth loss. Gingivitis is one form of gum disease where the infection is in and under the gums around the necks of teeth in areas where plaque and calculus have accumulated. Periodontitis is a more serious gum disease where the infection has spread into the supporting tissues and bone around the teeth. Clenching, smoking, diabetes, improper diet, and poor health can advance gum disease. All gum disease can be helped by proper diet, good oral hygiene, brushing, and flossing,. Regular check-ups and cleanings are fundamental. Gingivitis is specifically treated by having the teeth professionally cleaned more often, and often scaling and root planing is required. Periodontitis is treated by more extensive scaling and root planing, and if serious enough, it requires referral to a periodontist for gum surgery.
A root canal is generally needed when a prolonged and untreated cavity has become so deep that it affects the nerve of the tooth. A root canal is a procedure where Dr. Nguyen makes a small opening at the top of your tooth. Then, using the latest dental technology in the tooth root, he removes the nerve and cleans the inside of the root. The empty nerve space in the root is then filled with an inert material. A strengthening build-up filling is then placed in the tooth, and then a crown is usually needed over the tooth to prevent shattering. Root canals are needed to alleviate the pain, infection, and swelling of a sick tooth.
We accept the majority of Dental PPO. We will be glad to confirm your benefits ahead of your appointment and discuss them with you. We accept Cash and Credit Cards or we can also arrange financing for dental treatment with easy monthly payments through Care Credit.Just ask one of our team members about options to fit your individual needs that will make dentistry affordable for almost every budget.
You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits.
Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health.
These include:
- Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your overall health and also your dental health.
- Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
- Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
- Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
- Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
- Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
- Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
- Teeth polishing : Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
- Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
- Review dietary habits : Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health.
As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care, and to do so will require regular check-ups and cleanings.