The following are some our most frequently asked questions, along with answers for you to peruse at your convenience.

Please note that the information contained herein is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended and should not be construed as the delivery of dental or medical care and is not a substitute for personal hands on dental or medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. Persons requiring diagnosis, treatment, or with specific questions are urged to contact Dr. Mainker’s office for guidance on appropriate dental care.

Caring for your Teeth [Top]

Q: How often should I see a dentist?

A: The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings, although we may recommend visits more often for patients who build up deposits (tartar) at a faster rate, or have other special conditions to be monitored.

Q: Why are regular check-ups so important?

A: Aside from keeping your teeth sparkling, it is important to catch early warning signs before a problem area can get worse. A cavity can easily be taken care of, but gone unnoticed it can turn into something else quickly. Keeping a close watch on your teeth and gums through regular cleanings can help avoid periodontal disease. Unhealthy gums are a major warning of problems ahead and the possibility of future tooth loss. This can also be an indication of systemic health problems. In pregnancy presence of periodontal/gum disease can affect the baby like low birth weight and preterm labor. That’s why regular check-ups are so important for yourself and your family.

Q: Which type of toothbrush should I use?

A: The most important is selecting the right type of bristle and the size of the head. A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation, teeth attrition, and abrasion, and contribute to recession of the gums. A toothbrush with a smaller head is simply easier, and allows you to maneuver around each tooth. It is also less likely to injure your gums. It isn’t necessary to scrub hard, but it is recommended that you brush at least twice a day using the proper technique. Always brush away from the gums – downward direction on upper teeth and upward direction on lower teeth. Electric toothbrushes are also available and can be used to maintain good oral health. What makes a difference is the technique used in brushing.

Q: Is one toothpaste better than others?

A: Generally, no. However, it's advisable to use a toothpaste containing fluoride because it has been proven to help decrease the incidence of dental decay. Sometimes we give a prescription fluoride toothpaste especially in cases where there is high evidence of cavities or when a patient has sensitive teeth.

Q: Should I use floss?

A: Flossing your teeth at least twice a day helps to prevent cavities by removing stray food and built up plaque from forming between the teeth. It can really help in places where your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing also promotes healthy gums. Electronic flossers are also available.

Braces or Orthodontics [Top]

See Invisible Braces!

Conscious Sedation Dentistry or Nitrous Oxide (N2O2) [Top]

Q: I get a little nervous about visiting the dentist. I’ve heard about laughing gas, do you use it in your practice? How does this work?

A: Nitrous Oxide (N2O2), otherwise known as laughing gas, is a technique we utilize to make dental procedures as comfortable as possible for your patients. This sweet-smelling gas is given through an individual mask that fits snugly over the nose. This mask is yours exclusively to protect you against cross-contamination. The use of N2O2 is called Conscious Sedation Dentistry. This type of treatment helps you to relax while you are being treated for your dental concerns. Nitrous oxide is quick to act, taking less than five minutes to go into effect, and the recover is usually between five and ten minutes with few side effects. It can be individually adjusted to your personal need. The patient is fully recovered before they leave the office and can drive on their own.

Q: Who can use Conscious Sedation Dentistry? Who should not use it?

A: Nitrous Oxide can be used safely with adults, as well as children. More than 80 percent of pediatric dentists use it with their patients. It should not be used if you are pregnant, or on someone who is too young to understand the procedure. It is a great option for adults who have had a bad dental experience in the past.

Q: Will I feel pain?

A: The use of N2O2 makes a patient less sensitive to pain, and it can be used along with the localized numbing of an area being treated so little or no discomfort is experienced during the treatment. Nitrous Oxide can be implemented before an injection is given to anesthetize a particular area being worked on.

Q: Will I be unconscious?

A: You will only be partially sedated and in a deeply relaxed state, allowing you to respond when spoken to. Our staff constantly monitors you throughout the use of Nitrous Oxide.

Q: Do I need someone to accompany me?

A: No, recovery is rapid, and you can drive yourself home.

Dentures [Top]

Q: How do I know if I need dentures?

A: If you've lost all of your natural teeth, whether from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile. Your speech and your ability to eat properly can be affected by missing teeth. Replacing them will benefit your appearance and your health.

Q: What process is used in getting fitted for dentures?

A: The health of your gums and oral tissues and the shape of your jaws are all important factors in the decision to opt for dentures. Dr. Mainker can provide proper assessment and recommend the correct types of dentures in your situation. Measurements to make a model of your jaws usually occur during the first visit. A conventional full denture is made from this model and then placed in the mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, a process which may take several months. An immediate complete denture is inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. Partial dentures are also possible.

Q: What is a partial denture?

A: Both dentures and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A partial denture can be an option when a few teeth are missing and it is retained by clasps to any remaining natural teeth. A partial denture is also removable.

Dental Implants [Top]

Q: I lost a couple of teeth in an accident. Are dental implants a good idea?

A: Your speech and your ability to eat properly can be greatly affected by missing teeth. If the missing teeth are not replaced, the remaining teeth can drift out of position to compensate for the missing one. Please do not delay in seeking Dr. Mainker’s counsel to review your options. There are many options for treatment and, because of improvements in technique and advances in materials, dental implants are a widely accepted option. Dental implants are a permanent way to help restore normal function and appearance. Bridges and dentures are also methods of replacing missing teeth. Dr. Mainker can help you select the one that will best suit you and your lifestyle. Maintaining dental implants requires meticulous oral hygiene routines.

Q: How involved are the steps with dental implants? Will I miss any work?

A: A dental implant to replace a tooth (or several teeth) is a two step process that can span three to six months, depending on your conditions and the number of teeth being replaced. The first step is to prepare the missing tooth area to accept an anchor for the artificial tooth. Sedation is recommended for this procedure. The tissue surrounding the anchor must have a chance to heal and the bone is must be given a chance grow around it, thus stabilizing it, before the next step can be taken. A temporary bridge, or partial denture, is worn during this period. We recommend that you plan to take one or two days of rest before returning to a regular schedule, or at least plan this procedure just before a restful weekend. The second step involves fitting the anchor with a mounting post, and the artificial tooth is place and adjusted to the gum line for a natural look.

Q: Is there an age limit for considering a dental implant for a missing tooth? What are the risks?

A: Children as well as adults can benefit from dental implants. More important factors to consider are the general health of the individual, the composition of the jaw, and overall dental health. A thorough assessment is made, including a complete medical history and x-rays are involved. Maintaining dental implants requires meticulous oral hygiene routines. The risks are similar to those of any other surgery and great care is taken to asses the individual’s readiness for such a procedure.

Fillings & Crowns [Top]

Q: Can you tell me about silver versus white-colored fillings?

A: Although the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there is no health reason not to use amalgam (silver fillings), more patients today are requesting "white" or tooth-colored composite fillings. We recommend tooth-colored or white fillings because they "bond" to the tooth structure and therefore help strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. White fillings tend to be less sensitive to temperature, plus we think they look better. Fillings cannot be used in every situation and Dr. Mainker will advise you if a tooth is better off with a crown instead. Tooth-colored fillings also are more conservative in terms of the need for tooth reduction.

Q: When is a crown necessary? Do they have to be metal or can they be the color of my teeth?

A: A crown is the restoration of a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth after removing old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and any resulting decay. You have a choice of restoration material: gold, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal crowns.

Invisible Braces [Top]

Q: Can you tell me about alternatives to metal braces?

A: Yes, Dr. Mainker has special training to offer Invisalign®, the invisible new way to straighten teeth without brackets and wires. Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires.

Q: How does Invisalign® work?

A: Invisalign® uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made "Aligners" are produced. Each "Aligner" moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Q: What are the primary benefits of Invisalign®?

A: It’s nearly invisible - you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. It's also convenient and comfortable. You can eat and drink what you want while in treatment; you can also brush and floss as you normally would. There are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation, and you spend less time in the doctor's chair getting adjustments. Please contact our office to set up a free consultation appointment.

Root Canals [Top]

Q: What is a root canal? When does it become necessary?

A: When the integrity of the inside of your tooth, known as the pulp, is compromised a root canal is the best option. Unfortunately, an infection in the pulp chamber or root canal will not heal, it will only progress. The pulp is comprised of the tooth's nerve and blood supply, and other soft tissues.

Q: Do I need to have a root canal just because I have to have a crown?

A: No. While most teeth which have had root canal treatments do need crowns to strengthen the teeth and to return the teeth to normal form and function, not every tooth needing a crown also needs to have a root canal.

Teeth Grinding & Night Guards [Top]

Q: I have a habit of grinding my teeth and it's starting to cause me problems. Is there anything Dr. Mainker can do to help?

A: Grinding is a common occurrence among many people at some time or another. If you develop facial pain, headaches or other TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) problems including worsening headaches, earaches, neck pain, jaw pain, and mysterious tooth pain, please contact our office. If you are a more frequent grinder, Dr. Mainker will probably be able to tell from the wear on your teeth. Grinding your teeth, a condition called bruxism, can cause your teeth to become painful or loosen as well. A single treatment or combination of treatments may be appropriate. When stress is the major cause of bruxism, it is important to determine what might be the causes of your stress and find ways to relax. In some cases, an abnormal bite may be the reason for teeth grinding. Minor adjustments to alter your bite, thus removing the "high spots" of a tooth can make a big difference.

Q: What about night guards? Are they effective?

A: Another treatment involves wearing a plastic mouth guard at night to prevent bruxism (teeth grinding). A custom night guard is made from a mold of your teeth. It is a removable plastic device which prevents teeth from coming together while you sleep at night. In some cases, such as with an overbite, it may eventually improve the bite and can be very effective in alleviating a night grinding problem. Dr. Mainker is trained to help you with TMJ dental conditions and can help you find a solution.

Tooth Whitening or Bleaching [Top]

Q: What causes tooth discoloration?

A: The color of you teeth is an inherited trait. The causes of their discoloration over time can be divided into two categories: Internal and External. Drinking coffee, tea, colas, and the use of tobacco products are external factors. Internal causes include tetracycline discoloration, disease, injury, previous dental work, and the normal aging process. Tetracycline is a powerful antibiotic, which when given to children can result in the permanent discoloration of their teeth.

Q: What is tooth whitening? What are my options?

A: Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discolorations of the enamel and dentin. The tooth-whitening process is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth. Natural Smile Dentistry offers two options for tooth whitening, it can be done completely in the dental office (known as chairside bleaching) or a system can be dispensed to use at home (nightguard bleaching). Dr. Mainker would be happy to provide you with a consultation to discuss which option will best fit into your lifestyle and achieve the best results. Please contact us for an appointment.

Q: Will over-the-counter products work just as well?

A: Store bought products which are self-administered are not recommended. Bleaching treatments should only be done under the supervision of a dentist following a proper examination and diagnosis of the discolored teeth. Dr. Mainker and her staff use only whiteners with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance that have been proven to be safe and effective.

Veneers [Top]

Q: What are porcelain veneers and when are they used?

A: Porcelain veneers are used to esthetically correct discolored, chipped, or misaligned teeth. In most cases with veneers, there is no need for removal of sensitive tooth structure. Contact lens thin layers of porcelain are bonded to the front surface of existing teeth to make a cosmetic improvement in their appearance. The decision on whether or not porcelain veneers are a good choice is only possible after a thorough cosmetic evaluation by Dr. Mainker. We use Cerinate Lumineers, a particular type of porcelain veneer, because clinical studies have proven the long-term strength and esthetics. Cerinate Lumineers have a patented formulation which has the high strength of some aluminous porcelains and thus providing great strength and reliability.

Q: Why haven’t I heard about this before?

A: Cosmetic dentistry has taken great strides in recent years. Porcelain veneers are one of the latest introductions.

Q: What makes Porcelain Veneers so unique?

A: Veneers are unique because of their ability to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. This natural look is a result of the translucency of the veneer material. In previously used techniques, the light reflected off the surface of the restoration, resulting in a clean but "flat" look to the restored tooth. Porcelain veneers allow light to penetrate, and reflect only from the inside surface of the tooth structure. This penetration of light produces a translucency which is very natural looking and attractive.

Q: How long will porcelain veneers last and do they stain just like my real teeth over a period of time?

A: Porcelain veneers can last for up to 10 years or more with proper care. Porcelain Veneers may need replacement if they are damaged or chipped or if the bonding with the underlying tooth structure is compromised.

Q: How do I take care of porcelain veneers?

A: Practice good oral home care, just like before your veneers, brushing twice a day and flossing once a day to avoid decay which can weaken the underlying tooth structure. Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth, since this action generates tremendous force and can break teeth, with or without a veneer! Also, avoid biting on hard things, such as bottle caps, pencils, and ice cubes.

 

 

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