Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Oral Surgery
Should I get my wisdom teeth out?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in your mouth and have the potential to cause crowding, pain, and damage to nerves, jawbone, or adjacent teeth if not aligned correctly when they grow in. Talk to us today to find out if you need your wisdom teeth out!
What is an implant?
An implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed in your mouth making it possible to put in your new tooth, with an implant you will have a secure and strong hold for your new tooth.
What is Laser Gum Therapy?
This reverses and stops the effects of Periodontal Gum Disease. Laser gum therapy is the most effective and beneficial course of action for treating gum disease. Conveniently it is also one of the fastest healing procedures and has minimal discomfort as periodontal laser therapy is less invasive than regular surgery.
What is IV Sedation?
IV sedation is a beneficial option when undergoing extensive dental procedures. It is also known as sleep dentistry because the patient is under sedation while the procedure is in process. Common uses are for wisdom teeth, or other intensive procedures.
What does Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) do, and what are the benefits?
This helpful gas relaxes and calms the patient during a dental procedure. Laughing gas is available to all our patients on request. Because of the calming and relaxing effects of the laughing gas, it is a favorite of many patients and can be used with any dental procedure.
How do I fix a missing tooth?
If you are missing a tooth and need a replacement you’re in luck, because there are three great options for fixing a missing tooth.
1. Partial denture – This is removable, though it looks like a permanent tooth. This is a very cost effective option.
2. Bridge – This uses crowns on the teeth that sit on either side of the missing tooth. The replacement tooth is held between these two crowns. This is usually the fastest way to replace a missing tooth.
3. Implant- This is a titanium tooth root that is placed in the spot where your tooth is missing allowing Dr. Gardner to mount a replacement tooth. This is usually the most durable option for patients and feels the most like a natural tooth.
I have dentures, can I still do implants?
Yes you can! Doctor Gardner has helped many patients do this before. Dentures won’t stop you from getting implants! Call us for a consultation to find out more about your specific dental needs.
Dental
What is a white filling?
Composite White FIllings are a mixture of tooth colored plastic and glass materials that replace parts, reshape or fix damaged teeth. Fillings serve as a cosmetic and restorative process to get your teeth back to their natural beauty.
What is a crown?
Crowns rebuild and provide protection for severely damaged teeth. White zirconia crowns are composed of a solid material similar to cubic zirconia. They do not contain metal or dark lines like older style crowns. Zirconia crowns are exceptionally durable and are recommended to re-enforce and protect the tooth.
What is included in cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry can be any number for fixes that make our teeth look and feel better. For example, straightening, lightening, reshaping and repairing teeth to there natural looking appearance. Cosmetic treatments include veneers, crowns, bridges, tooth-colored fillings, implants, braces, Invisalign and tooth whitening. We offer all these cosmetic services to help you achieve your #smilegoals.
Can your smile be brighter and better?
YES! When you are looking to make that smile of yours shine brighter and whiter, stop by and we can help you. We offer both a Venus one hour in house teeth whitening and Venus at home whitening trays. Both of these processes will leave your smile whiter and give you a smile you can be confident about.
Why would you need a root canal?
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
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Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
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Injury or trauma to the tooth.
This process may take more then one visit as advised by the dentist, but is very important to complete if you would like to save the tooth. Having a root canal done on a tooth may save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. After root canal treatment it is extremely important for your tooth to be protected with a crown to reduce the chances of a badly damaged tooth breaking in the future.
Orthodontic
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, backed by more than two decades of innovation. Unlike braces, Invisalign clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible. There are no wires and brackets, so you don’t need to change the way you brush and floss. And, you can continue to eat all your favorite foods. Let us know if you have questions and to see if you are a candidate for Invisalign.
When should I get braces?
Braces use wires and brackets or clear aligners to straighten and align crooked teeth and more. They are generally used by those experiencing crowding, crooked, protruding or spaced out teeth. Braces are a great way to straighten your teeth for that beautiful confident smile you are looking for. It’s never too late to straighten your teeth, if you have any of these smile problems, stop by to get them straightened out. We do braces for kids and adults just let us know if you have questions.
Do I need a Retainer?
Retainers are a appliance used to keep your teeth from moving and reversing the process of braces. We can both create new and replace retainers. We can make both fixed and removable orthodontic retainers. So if your retainer is broken, lost or simply no longer fits, let us know and we can make you a new set before your teeth start to move.
Dental Hygiene
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
When it comes to teeth cleaning, it’s not a question of if you should get your teeth cleaned, but how often you should get your teeth cleaned. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist at least twice a year to get a routine examination and cleaning unless you are recommended by your dentist to go more often.
How do I know if I have Gum Disease?
It can be hard to know if you have gum disease because it is often painless. Look for these signs and symptoms:
- Swollen, red, tender or bleeding gums
- Gums that recede or move away from the tooth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in mouth
- Loose teeth
- Visible pus surrounding the teeth and gums
What is the difference between an Digital X-Ray and a 3 Dimensional X-ray (CT)?
Digital X-Rays give us a clear digital image of your teeth, while 3D X-Rays gives us more indepth crystal clear images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan.
Sleep Apnea
Can you fix snoring?
If you or your significant other spend night after night awake or sleeping poorly because of your snoring problem, today should be the day you get help and start getting proper sleep. The answer to your problem is a snore guard, give us a call and let us help you get a good night’s rest.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea is a serious sleep disorder that happens when you stop breathing during sleep. Heavy snoring often occurs as well in those experiencing sleep apnea. This interruption of your sleep will leave you exhausted and drained in all of your day to day activities. We use an oral appliance that helps treat sleep apnea.
Do you have sleep apnea?
Do you or your bed partner snore? Need to get some better sleep? Use our home sleep study to discover, in the comfort of your own home and bed, if you need treatment for sleep apnea. We can make an oral appliance that can tame even the loudest snorers. As always your comfort and health is our priority!
Laser Assisted New Attached Procedure (LANAP)
What is LANAP?
LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Therapy and is a comfortable method using state of the art laser technology to treat gum disease. The laser technology, PerioLase, inserts fiber between the tooth and gums which sends light to clear out bacteria, infected tissue, allowing the gums to re-attach to the tooth.
What is the difference between LANAP and traditional gum disease treatments?
LANAP is meant to be less painful and more comfortable unlike most gum disease treatments. Traditional treatments involve stitches, significant swelling, pain, and most patients experience a 2-4 week recovery process. With the new Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, the recovery process is about 24 hours without stitches, swelling, and significant pain.
Am I a candidate for LANAP?
Patients with mild or severe gum disease are great candidates for LANAP and also patients who fear traditional scalpel surgery.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Most of the time, gum disease symptoms are not painful and are hard to notice unless bone and gum destruction is present. Some symptoms of gum disease are: blood when spitting in the sink after brushing or flossing, bad breath, and red and swollen gums. If you are concerned about gum disease, call Smile Docs to schedule an appointment!
