Frequently Asked Questions
 It’s important to us at Harrison Dental that you feel comfortable and confident in our working together for your dental health. Part of that confidence comes in being able to get answers to your questions.
We have compiled a number of questions that many patients have asked about our practice and about dentistry in general here. But please know that any time you have specific questions you can call or ask us directly. Thanks.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept new patients?
We are often surprised when we ask a patient if they have ever referred a patient to us and they respond, “I didn’t know you were accepting new patients.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau a little over 14% of the U.S. population moved last year. This fact, coupled with the fact that we are actually growing, means we gladly accept and are seeking new patients.
Do you accept referrals?
In over 20 years experience we have found that our best new patients almost always come from our current best patients. We are excited when our current patients refer their family and friends to us. This means two things to us:
- That our patients trust us as their dental care partners and that we will treat their referred family or friends with the same respect and care they enjoy.
- That when the newly referred patient arrives, he or she already has an expectation of quality care and personal attention.
Yes, we welcome your referrals of family, friends and colleagues and will do all we can to assure they receive expert dental care and personal interest in their lives and their dental health needs.
How do I make an appointment and low long will it before I can get it?
Making an appointment at Harrison Dental is very simple:
Call our office during regular business hours at 342-3695. Lindy, our scheduling coordinator, will help you find a time and day that best meets your schedule.
OR
Request an appointment by email. Simply click Make an Appointment here or on any page on our website. You will then complete a simple email form, including the best time and place to contact you and the best time and day for your appointment. Lindy will then call you at the number and time you suggest and coordinate a time that best meets your needs.
If you have a dental emergency please call us immediately. We can generally see you the same day.
If you need a general dental exam you can usually expect an appointment within two weeks. We’ll work with you to schedule a time that works with your busy schedule.
What do you do to ensure patient safety?
Patient health and safety is our number one priority in how we care for you and your family during each visit. Some of our safety precautions you will see, such as our use of sterile gloves during your procedure, glasses worn by both you and us, and face masks worn by each of our dental care team. But many of our safety efforts happen “behind the scenes” – measures such as our hospital-grade sterilization equipment and the sterile packaging of our hand tools, a state-of-the-art sterilization center, and procedures that happen before and after each patient is seated in the dental chair.
You can feel secure knowing that we exceed all state and federal sterilization standards to assure your health and safety at Harrison Dental. If, at any time, you would like to learn more about our safety equipment and systems please just ask. We’ll be happy to share with you just how important your safety is to us.
What do I do if I have a dental emergency when the office is closed?
Whenever a dental emergency happens, day or night, call our regular office number: 342-3695. During regular office hours we will generally see you the same day. If your emergency happens after hours, call our same number and you will be instructed how to reach the doctor.
To prepare for possible dental emergencies please click our Dental Emergencies link to learn about common dental emergencies and how to treat them. Remember, we won’t leave you hurting, so please call.
Can you accept my insurance plan and what payment options to you have available?
At Harrison Dental we have worked hard to make quality dental care affordable. For this reason have worked to become a Delta Dental and a Blue Cross of Idaho preferred dental care provider. Additionally, we accept virtually all major dental insurance plans.
When you come to our office and bring your dental insurance information with you we will review your policy and do all we can to help you maximize your benefits. We can then help you by filling your policy out for you. Please remember that your insurance policy is an agreement between you and your insurance carrier and ultimately you are responsible for your dental fees. We do everything we can to help you enjoy the full benefits your policy offers.
In addition to dental insurance, for your convenience we also accept all major credit cards. For those who prefer to keep their healthcare finances separate we also offer the CapitalOne Healthcare Finance plan. Click here and patients who are interested can apply only in private. Within minutes you will be notified of you’re acceptance and you can begin receiving the care you need right away.
No matter what your situation may be, we can generally help you receive the dental health care you and your family needs.
How can I make dental care more affordable?
The most affordable dental care available is the dental care that doesn’t have to be done. The first step in keeping dental care affordable is to practice proper home dental health habits and to make sure to come in each six months for your professional hygiene cleaning and dental exam. With these regular dental exams we can monitor your ongoing dental health. When a problem surfaces we can then help you avoid it or treat it while the problem is still small and before extensive and expensive dental treatment is required to restore your health. This is the absolute, most cost-effective way to keep your dental care costs affordable.
Additionally, when we visit with you about any dental treatment you may need we let you know the dental options available to you. This way you maintain control over your dental care and costs.
One more thing. When Dr. Fife took over Harrison Dental he brought with him a philosophy to make quality dental care available to as many people as possible. For this reason, one of the first things he did was to actually lower the previous fees. You can feel secure knowing that at Harrison Dental we work with you to make quality dental care affordable.
I don’t have dental insurance. What can I do to receive the dental care my family and I need at a cost I can afford?
According to the Center for Policy Alternatives* about 160 million Americans lack dental insurance. That works out to about 53% of the American population that lacks dental health insurance. With recent medical reports indicating that many deadly health conditions, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes, may be caused or affected by dental disease, the need for proper and consistent dental care has never been greater.
In addition to the previously mentioned ways of making dental care more affordable, Harrison Dental is also striking out for affordable dental care with the introduction of our Harrison Dental Plan. Harrison Dental Plan is not an insurance program, rather it is a prepaid dental discount program. For a prepaid monthly fee individuals or whole families can receive two comprehensive dental exams and cleanings plus necessary X-rays each year at a discount that works out to about 50% off the regular cost, plus significantly discounted fees for any other dental procedures. No preauthorization or insurance company refusals of treatment – no red tape – no non-dental business people deciding what dental care you can receive. To learn more about the Harrison Dental Plan and how you can enjoy the benefits of dental insurance without the insurance, click here.
If you are a business owner who is looking for a dental benefit plan for your employees but are shocked at the high cost and low benefits of dental insurance, consider the Harrison Employer Dental Plan and click here for more information.
* Center for Policy Alternatives - http://www.stateaction.org/issues/issue.cfm/issue/OralHealth.xml
How do you keep up-to-date on all the current dental techniques and materials?
Dental treatment and materials are constantly changing. In order to make sure our patients receive the best proven dental care available Dr. Fife and the entire Harrison Care dental team constantly seek out continuing education throughout the country. Dr. Fife currently participates in over 50 hours of continuing education programs each year. Our hygienists recently returned from specialized dental laser courses in San Francisco. You can be assured that you are receiving up-to-date proven dental treatment, materials and care at Harrison Dental.
I’m really kind of scared to go to the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
This is a very real concern for many people. It is estimated that as many as 15% of Americans say they avoid going to the dentist because of dental anxiety. The most important thing you can do is to discuss your concerns and your fears with our dentist. He will take your concerns seriously. Once he knows what your fears are we can work with you in determining the best ways to help you feel less anxious and more comfortable.
The exciting news is that there are a number of ways today to help reduce dental anxiety and pain. Some of these ways may include medications, nitrous oxide, using lasers instead of drills and several other methods to give you the benefits of quality dental health in a comfortable environment.
If you have dental concerns or anxiety call our office for a special visit with our dentist. Together you can discuss your concerns and needs and ask questions. We can then custom-tailor a reduced stress approach to your individual dental situation. With today’s advances in dental technology and comfort options we feel everyone should be able to enjoy the health and appearance benefits of dental health.
Questions About Dental Health Care
How frequently should I brush?
In a perfect world it would be best to brush after every meal or snack to make sure that the food particles and sugars don’t end up feeding both you and the bacteria that live in your mouth, especially along the gums and the cracks and crevices of your teeth.
But we recommend that you brush at least two times each day. Make sure that one of those times is after your final meal or snack before going to bed so the bacteria don’t have an uninterrupted feeding frenzy all night.
Tooth brushing has three purposes — removing food, stimulating gums, and preventing plaque buildup. There are a few variations in tooth brushing technique, based on the needs of the individual and the actual condition of the mouth and teeth. When you come in for your professional hygiene cleaning our hygienist will instruct you in how to brush your teeth and answer any of your questions. But basically we recommend you brush your teeth like this:
- Start on the outside surface of your top teeth, beginning with your back molars and working forward.
- Place the bristles against the gum line at a slight angle (about 45°). Using a short, rolling stroke, gently brush down to ward the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Repeat this about five times before moving forward, slightly overlapping the last brush site.
- When the outside surfaces are finished repeat this same process over the inner surfaces of the teeth.
- When the top teeth are finished, repeat with the bottom teeth, brushing up from the gum line toward the chewing surfaces.
- To get behind the top and bottom front teeth, hold the brush vertically with the bristles pressing against the interior surface of the teeth. Move the tip of the brush up and down over the teeth and gums.
- To clean the chewing surfaces of the teeth, use short back-and-forth strokes pushing down slightly so that the bristles reach into the grooves of the teeth.
- Next, brush your tongue. Place your toothbrush as far back toward the throat as you can without gagging. Brush forward six to eight times. Or you can use a flexible tongue scraper. Brushing your tongue can also help eliminate bad breath.
- Finish by brushing the roof of your mouth.
How often should I change my toothbrush?
After awhile your soft bristled brush will become frayed and worn. It’s time to replace your toothbrush. We recommend that you change your toothbrush about every three to four months.
What kind of toothbrush should I use?
When was the last time you walked down the dental hygiene aisle of your local supermarket and looked at toothbrushes? Despite the hype and hoopla about colors and angles and rubbery inserts amongst the bristles, the requirements for a toothbrush are quite simple.
Choose a toothbrush that has a bristle head about an inch long and half inch wide with a long handle. The bristles should be soft with rounded ends. Beyond that, pick whatever colors and designs that may strike your fancy. (By the way, when you come in for your hygiene cleaning we’ll give you a toothbrush that meets our recommendations – we may even give you a couple colors to choose from.)
What kind of toothpaste should I use?
When shopping for toothpaste it seems you are bombarded with dozens of choices: gels, pastes, whitening toothpaste, tartar control toothpaste, toothpaste for sensitive teeth, toothpaste for children, and the list goes on. The choice is much simpler than that.
We recommend you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Any additional chemicals added to the toothpaste, such as whiteners, tartar control additives, etc., increase the possibility that your teeth and gums become irritated and sensitive. When in doubt, simply ask Dr. Fife or one of our hygienists if one of these “specialty” toothpastes is for you.
How do I floss my teeth?
Dental floss is basically a special nylon string used to clean between teeth where food gets trapped and bacteria flourish.
Break off about 18 inches of floss, wrapping the ends around the middle finger of each hand. Then, pinching or holding the floss tight with your index fingers, leaving about 1” to 1 ½” between your fingers, work the floss between our teeth, past the contact point where the teeth touch each other. If your teeth are fairly tight you may need to use a slight back and forth sawing motion to get past the contact point. Don’t use so much force that you cause the floss to snap against your gums. This can damage or traumatize the gums.
As you floss hold the floss against the side surface of the tooth and not against the gums. Gently work the floss up and down the side of each tooth, especially below the gumline. Holding the floss against the tooth, as you gently go below the gum you will come to a point of resistance. Do not force the floss any further.
Move the floss up and down the side of the tooth three or four times, then slide the floss against the other tooth and repeat the motion. You are now finished with this location so move the floss up and out of this set of teeth, gently sawing on the way out if it’s tight, and go to the next set of teeth.
Continue flossing between each set of teeth and against each surface until you are finished. Don’t forget to floss against the back side of the last teeth as this is a notorious place for plaque to build up.
After you have finished flossing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
Do I have to floss every day?
The purpose in flossing your teeth is to remove food and plaque from between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque is the clear to white sticky film that coats your teeth after eating. It is made up of colonies of bacteria that produce the acids that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
When flossing, gently insert the floss between the teeth. (Try not to snap the floss as this can damage the gum tissue.) Once the floss is between the teeth gently move it up and down into the space between your gum and teeth. Remember to floss the sides of all your teeth, even the ones that don’t have another tooth next to it.
How often should I visit the dentist?
Most children and adults should visit the dentist every six months. People who have a greater risk of oral disease may need to see the dentist more frequently. These higher risk patients may include tobacco users, those who are diabetic or are pregnant and those who have gum disease. A regular dental checkup coupled with proper home dental care is the number one defense against cavities, gum disease and oral cancer. It is also the number one way to keep dental care costs down and assure a bright, healthy smile.
Why is oral hygiene so important during pregnancy?
During pregnancy the mother’s body goes through a lot of changes. These changes include major changes in hormone levels. Sometimes these hormone changes can exaggerate sensitivity to plaque that can lead to gum disease. One of the most common dental problems associated with pregnancy is called pregnancy gingivitis. Recent studies have shown a correlation between mothers with gum disease and premature births or low birth weight babies. Pay particular attention to red, puffy or tender gums that may bleed when you brush. We may recommend an extra cleaning and exam during your second or third trimester to assure your dental and overall health.
What should I use to clean my baby’s teeth?
Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head will help keep your baby’s teeth clean and free of dental plaque. There are some toothbrushes designed especially for infants. When brushing your baby’s teeth you should “dry brush’ them, meaning don’t use any toothpaste, just the brush. You should brush your baby’s teeth at least once a day and definitely at bedtime.
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?
I order to prevent dental problems we recommend that you bring your child in for their first visit no later than their first birthday. Many childhood dental problems begin to show by their first birthday.
Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
Your child’s first teeth, often called their primary or “baby” teeth, are important for several reasons. Not only do they help children in their speaking and eating patterns, they also form a path that their permanent teeth will follow when they begin to replace their primary teeth.
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
When your child has a toothache often parents feel powerless in helping their child feel better. But there are some things you can do to help reduce the pain.
- Rinse the irritated area with warm salt water, the, if your child’s face is swollen, place a cold compress on the face.
- Give your child acetaminophen (the drug used in Tylenol) for pain.
- Come in to see us as soon as possible. Our number one objective will be to stop the hurt. Then we can treat the problem.
For additional home dental emergency tips please click here.
How do dental sealants work?
Among the most common sites for tooth decay (cavities) are the small crevices on the biting surfaces of the molars. These crevices are natural traps for food particles giving the bacteria that cause tooth decay a ready supply of food.
Dental sealants are a composite tooth-colored material that is applied to seal these crevices and lock out food and bacteria from collecting there. Dental sealants can be applied easily in the office and don’t require any drilling or anesthesia. They are very cost effective and can protect the teeth from cavities for many years.
How safe are dental X-rays?
Modern X-ray equipment is designed to give off very little radiation. With our careful safety measures the benefits of being able to view potential problems in the teeth and bone that can be seen in no other way far outweigh the very limited risk presented by dental X-rays.
How often should I have dental X-rays?
Under most conditions full mouth X-rays only need to be taken once a year. If you are a new patient to our office and you have had dental X-rays within the past year you can request them from your previous dentist and bring them in with you. Dental X-rays allow us to see conditions and potential problems that can’t be seen during the visual exam. In this way we can treat potential problems long before they become extensive and expensive to repair.
What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous Oxide, sometimes called “laughing gas”, is a gas that is combined with oxygen and produces a calming effect when inhaled. For patients who are anxious, nervous or who feel stressful, nitrous oxide can help them relax.
Nitrous oxide has no long-term effects and patients are clear-headed within minutes after coming off nitrous oxide. They can safely drive home or back to work with no lingering side effects. In our office, our patients who tend to be anxious really appreciate the calming effect of nitrous oxide to help them relax during their visit.
Bottom line: how can I prevent dental health problems?
The nuts-and-bolts, to-the-point, bottom-line formula for long term dental health and dental care savings is a simple, three-step process:
- Get your teeth and smile into optimum health.
- Practice consistent home dental health habits, including proper brushing and flossing.
- Maintain your dental health with regular dental check ups and professional cleaning every six months.
Following this simple formula, our patients at Harrison Dental can look forward to a lifetime of healthy, natural, beautiful smiles.
Questions About Dental Conditions
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is the destruction of the tooth by bacteria and the acids they produce. Decay occurs when sugars and starches we eat become food for dental bacteria which produce an acid waste. This acid slowly dissolves the protective enamel surface of the tooth. Once the decay eats through the hard enamel it progresses quickly through the softer dentin under the enamel. If it reaches the inner pulp of the tooth a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth.
The best way to combat tooth decay is to brush twice a day, floss once daily and visit our office for regular dental check ups and professional cleaning. Healthy foods and avoiding sugary snacks and drinks can also help in fighting tooth decay.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by tooth decay. After eating foods containing starches and sugars the bacteria that live in the mouth have a feast. They produce a sticky substance that forms on the teeth, especially in cracks, crevices, along the gum line and between teeth called plaque. This plaque forms a protective layer for the bacteria which create an acid waste that slowly “demineralizes” or dissolves the tooth surface forming a cavity.
The best way to stop cavities from forming is to disrupt the bacteria and keep them from creating plaque by brushing twice a day, flossing daily and visiting our office for regular dental check ups and professional cleaning. Eating nutritious foods and avoiding sugary snacks and drinks also help avoid cavities. Remember, when you feed your “sweet tooth” you are giving dental bacteria a feast.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is the soft, sticky substance made of food particles and dental bacteria that form on the teeth. It is made up of colonies of these bacteria and creates a protective layer for the bacteria to eat, multiply and produce their acid waste which causes cavities. The bacteria begin feasting within minutes after you do.
The best way to remove plaque is to properly brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. If the plaque is not removed it can lead to cavities and gum disease. Regular dental check ups, brushing twice a day, flossing daily and eating nutrious foods will help prevent plaque from forming on your teeth.
What is Calculus?
If the plaque which forms on your teeth from food particles and dental bacteria is not removed, it hardens into calculus or tartar. If tartar remains on the teeth and below the gum line it irritates the gums and can lead to infection and inflammation. This infection causes gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Calculus or tartar can be prevented by removing plaque before it has a chance to form calculus by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Once tartar forms the only way to remove it is to have your teeth professionally cleaned at our dental office. During your six-month check up and cleaning our hygienists removes any tartar that has formed to keep your teeth clean and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as Periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums in and around the teeth. Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults and is estimated to affect nearly 75% of adults over 35. However, it affects children as well. Symptoms of gum disease included:
- Red and swollen gums.
- Tenderness and gums that bleed easily.
- Chronic bad breath.
- Change in your bite and how your teeth “fit”.
- Gums separating from the teeth.
There are two stages of gum disease: Gingivitis, the early stage, and Periodontitis. In addition to preventing cavities and tooth decay, regular brushing and flossing helps prevent gum disease. Your regular six month dental check ups and cleaning are extremely important in diagnosing and catching gum disease then treating it before it causes irreparable damage.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. It can be treated and reversed with early diagnosis and proper home dental health care. Healthy gums are naturally pink and tight against the teeth. Symptoms of gingivitis include red and swollen gums, gums that may appear slightly puffy, gums that bleed easily and tenderness when brushing. If gingivitis isn’t treated it could lead to periodontitis.
If you notice any of the symptoms of gingivitis in yourself or a loved one, call our office immediately for a careful periodontal exam. The sooner we catch the symptoms of gum disease the better the success for treatment.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is advanced gum disease. It is an infection caused by dental bacteria. As periodontitis progresses the infection follows around the outside of the roots and slowly dissolves or breaks down the bone holding the tooth or teeth in place. This bone loss is irreversible. The affected tooth or teeth become loose as the bone degenerates until they must be extracted or just fall out.
The newest, most urgent reasons to avoid periodontitis is that modern medical research is showing an alarming correlation between periodontitis and heart disease, stroke, diabetes and premature birth in pregnancy.
The symptoms of periodontitis are the same red, swollen gums and easy bleeding as in gingivitis. In addition, the gums begin to recede and the teeth appear longer as the gums pull away from the tooth and more of the tooth is exposed. The insidious nature of periodontitis is that often there is no major pain associated with the progression of the disease, unlike a toothache from tooth decay.
The sooner periodontitis is diagnosed the better. This is one of the critical purposes of regular six month checkups and hygiene cleanings. As the disease progresses its affects become irreversible. Treatment can include increased cleaning visits to slow the progress, tooth extraction and bone grafts to create new bone growth. As always, the best treatment of periodontitis is prevention with proper home dental health care and regular visits to our office.
If you notice any of the symptoms of periodontitis in yourself or a loved one, call our office immediately for a careful periodontal exam. The sooner we catch the symptoms of periodontal disease the better the success for treatment.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is any cancerous tissue growth located in the mouth, tongue, lips or throat. In its very early stages it can be almost invisible making it easy to ignore. Symptoms of oral cancers can include:
- A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within three weeks.
- A lump or overgrowth of tissue anywhere in the mouth.
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Difficulty in chewing or moving the jaw or tongue.
- Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth.
- A feeling that something is caught in the throat.
- A chronic sore throat or hoarseness that persists more than six weeks, particularly in smokers over 50 years old and heavy drinkers .
- Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.
- Unexplained tooth mobility persisting for more than three weeks – (see us urgently!).
In 2006 over 30,000 individuals were diagnosed with oral cancer. 66% of the time oral cancers are found as late stage three and four cancers, making them very difficult to treat. However, a 90 second oral cancer screening performed by our dentist can generally catch oral cancers in their early stages which have a very high cure rate.
Smoking and other tobacco use are associated with 70% to 80% of oral cancers. Alcohol is another high-risk habit associated with oral cancers and when a person is both a heavy smoker and a drinker the risk is greatly increased. Men are affected twice as often as women.
If our dentist detects a possible cancerous lesion he will remove a small sample of the tissue, called a biopsy, and have it tested. If oral cancers are detected early they can generally be removed. If they are further progressed, radiation or even chemotherapy may be advised.
To reduce your risks of oral cancer we recommend:
- Not smoking or using tobacco in any form.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Eating a healthy low meat, low fat diet rich in vegetables and fruit with moderate servings of whole grain bread, cereals and legumes each day.
What causes Bad Breath?
Pasta with garlic and extra onions may put off your friends for a couple hours after dinner, but chronic bad breath persists in spite of what you ate at your last meal. About 85% of people with persistent bad breath (called halitosis) have a dental condition that is causing the bad breath. These conditions could include:
- Gum disease
- Cavities
- Poor oral hygiene
- Oral cancer
- Bacteria on the tongue
If a dental condition is the cause of bad breath mouthwashes will only temporarily mask the problem. Regular dental check ups and cleaning, and proper oral health care, including brushing your teeth and tongue twice daily and flossing once daily can greatly reduce and even eliminate bad breath. If you have persistent bad breath, call for an appointment so we can help you eliminate the cause of your bad breath.
What is Bruxism?
Persistent clenching or grinding of the teeth, especially at night, is call bruxism. This jaw clamping causes stress on the muscles and tissues of the jaw and can lead to jaw pain, soreness, headaches, earaches and cracked and worn teeth. Nightly grinding may be bad enough to disturb your partner and can lead to jaw joint or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
If you or your partner suffers from bruxism, call our office. We can help by making a clear “night guard” to wear while you sleep and eliminate the clenching and grinding so you can wake without headaches and jaw pain. We not only want to help preserve the health of your smile, but your overall health and wellbeing as well.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural-occurring mineral that has been found to help prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when the acids created by dental bacteria slowly dissolve or “demineralize” tooth enamel. When the site of the decay has been cleaned during regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, the fluoride attaches to the enamel and “re-mineralizes” the tooth. The remineralized surface of the tooth helps seal it against future attacks by bacteria acids and actually makes the enamel surface even stronger than before.
Naturally occurring fluoride in water plus the fluoridation of community water in recent years has been responsible for helping reduce cavities in the U.S. The best source of fluoride in helping prevent tooth decay is in using a fluoride toothpaste.
How can I make my teeth whiter?
It used to be that you could almost tell a person’s age by the color of their teeth. It is no secret that time and lifestyle habits tend to stain our smiles. It seems the only people who had beautiful, white, youthful smiles were those who appeared on our movie and TV screens.
Today, the “Hollywood Smile” is no longer reserved just for Hollywood. Depending on your needs we can help you enjoy a brighter, more beautiful, youthful smile in as little as 90 minutes with our in-office tooth whitening treatment. Walk into our office with dingy, stained teeth and walk out an hour and a half later with a smile as much as eight shades brighter.
Or, if you prefer, come in and receive and home whitening kit, complete with a custom-formed mouthpiece for the dental-grade whitening solution. Within two weeks you can flash a smile that is sure to get noticed.
If you’d like to experience your own smile whitening makeover click here to learn about our in-office Zoom® whitening offer.
How can I relieve a toothache?
Why is it that toothaches always seem to happen in the evening or in the middle of the night when the dentist office is closed? Sometimes people just try to “wait it out” to see if the pain will go away. However, there is something you can do to reduce tooth pain until you can get in to our office.
The next time you are at a pharmacy, purchase a small bottle of clove oil. (Sometimes you will see it called eugenol.) Just put it, along with some cotton swabs, in your medicine cabinet and keep it for dental emergencies.
If you find yourself or a loved one with a toothache and you are not able to get to our office right away, try this:
- Take a cotton swab and dip it in the clove oil. Touch the swab to a sterile piece of gauze to get rid of the excess.
- Place the swab on the tooth and spread it around, especially around the cavity if you know there is one.
- Take your preferred over-the-counter pain reliever (such as Ibuprophen or Tylenol) at the recommended dose and frequency. Keeping the pain subdued rather than waiting for it to hurt again before taking something is easier.
- The clove oil will last about an hour to an hour and a half, whereupon you can apply the clove oil again.
- Call our office the next morning and we’ll get you in so we can fix the problem.
Just a note, the smell of clove oil is a familiar aroma in older dental offices as it has long been used mixed with zinc oxide to create temporary fillings.
Are silver fillings safe?
Amalgam, or silver fillings, has been used in dental care for over 150 years. It is the most studied and tested material in dental treatment next to gold. The great advantage of amalgam material for filling cavities is that it is inexpensive and very strong, stronger than tooth-colored composite materials. Amalgam is especially useful when the cavity is small to medium in size and on the biting surface of posterior or back teeth that take a lot of stress and pressure.
Amalgam is made of roughly half mercury and half an alloy powder consisting of silver, tin, copper and sometimes small amounts of other metals. Since mercury is considered toxic there has been concern about the safety of amalgam during the last several years. However, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) “there is scant evidence that the health of the vast majority of people with amalgam is compromised, nor that removing amalgam fillings has a beneficial effect on health.”* Amalgam is not recommended when the patient has a history of allergy to mercury or other amalgam components.
In the last 30 years the used of amalgam has slowly declined because, in large part, the number of cavities in the United States has reduced due to water fluoridation and the use of fluoride toothpastes. This is coupled with the increase in quality of the more esthetic tooth-colored composite materials.
* Center for Disease Control – http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/factsheets/amalgam.htm
Which is better: silver fillings or tooth-colored fillings?
The debate between amalgam, or silver fillings, and composite, tooth-colored fillings, can often be settled based on the needs and desires of the patient. Our doctor and the patient together can make these decisions based on the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
Pros
- Because of the metals used, amalgam fillings are very strong and can withstand the biting pressure of back teeth.
- Amalgam fillings are less expensive than composite fillings.
- Most dental insurance policies cover amalgam fillings.
Cons
- Even though there are no conclusive studies linking the mercury in amalgam to health dangers, amalgam fillings contain mercury that is by itself toxic.
- More tooth structure is lost when the tooth is being prepared for an amalgam filling than for composite fillings.
- Some people experience sensitivity to hot and cold for a period of time after having an amalgam filling.
Composite (Tooth-colored) Fillings
Pros
- Composite material is made of tiny glass particles in an acrylic medium and has no mercury.
- Tooth-colored fillings look more natural.
- Less tooth structure is lost when using composite filling material.
Cons
- Composite filling material is more expensive than amalgam.
- These fillings usually take the dentist a little longer to do.
- Composite fillings can stain over time, especially with tea, coffee and tobacco use.
- Composite fillings are strong, but not as strong as amalgam, especially on back teeth.
- Insurance companies do not always pay for composite fillings on back teeth.
These pros and cons, along with a frank discussion with our dentist about your needs and preferences, should help you be able to decide what type of filling is best for you.
What can I do in the case of a dental emergency?
Call us, night or day! We will arrange a time to see you at the office and give you any instructions necessary before you come in. Just call our same number:
342-3695
To learn what you can do for common dental emergencies click here or go to our “Dental Emergencies” link at the bottom of the menu items on the left.
Can you show me what my smile will look like before I have a cosmetic dental procedure?
One of the most exciting new dental technologies is the dental imaging system. Linked to our chairside computer system we can take a digital photograph of your smile and preview on our computer screen. Then, utilizing the proprietary imaging system we can show you, on the screen, a representation of how your cosmetic dental procedure can change the look of your smile. Gapped teeth? Crooked teeth? Missing teeth? Misshapen or stained teeth? See the difference we can make with today’s cosmetic dental treatment.
A picture really can speak a thousand words.
Can you make my teeth look straighter without braces?
Yes. Modern dental treatment can truly give you the smile you‘ve always wanted. Depending on your specific needs we can give you a beautiful, straight smile, sometimes in as little as two visits.
If you have only a couple teeth which are really detracting from your smile, dental veneers may offer a solution in just two visits. By reshaping the crooked tooth or teeth we can then take a dental impression and make a thin, porcelain veneer or several veneers which, when bonded to your teeth, give you that perfect smile.
Or, if teeth straightening would give you the solution you need we offer Invisalign® “invisible braces”. Invisalign® braces consist of a series of clear trays custom designed for your teeth that, each month, are changed as they slowly move your teeth into the desired position. Without the inconvenience and “metal mouth” appearance of conventional braces, Invisalign® braces can be worn almost invisibly. Then, when you eat or when you brush and floss your teeth, the tray can be removed then put back on when you’re through.
To find out how you can improve the appearance of your smile, call today for a cosmetic dental assessment. In fact, now would be a great time to call because, for a limited time, we are offering a special FREE cosmetic dental assessment with your professional dental cleaning and check up. Click here to learn more about this special offer.
My spouse snores. Is there anything that can be done?
Snoring can be a symptom of a very serious sleeping disorder called Sleep Apnea. Those who suffer with sleep apnea actually stop breathing while asleep, reducing the amount of oxygen to the brain and giving them a restless sleep. Symptoms of sleep apnea may include a dry, parched mouth in the morning, sore throat and a constant state of fatigue. This not-so-silent condition can lead to heart attack and stroke if not treated.
One solution to chronic snoring is a dental device called a “Snoreguard”. When sleeping the lower jaw relaxes and drops back. This causes a constriction of the airway in the back of the throat resulting in snoring and gasping for breath while asleep. A Snoreguard is a custom-formed mouthpiece which, when worn at night, holds the jaw in its proper forward position, relieving the constriction of the airway.
Usually the one who is most aware of the symptoms of sleep apnea is the partner of the snorer. If you or your partner suffers from constant fatigue and dry morning-mouth due to snoring, call our office for an appointment to see if a Snoreguard can help give you and your spouse a good night’s sleep.
Are mouth guards really necessary for sports?
According to studies conducted by the American Dental Association, an athlete who does not wear a protective mouth guard is 60 times more likely to experience dental injury. 60 TIMES! Mouth guards are the most important preventive measures athletes can use to protect them from traumatic dental injury.
It is common to wear mouth guards in contact sports such as football, soccer, hockey, basketball and marshal arts. But a protective mouth guard should also be considered for regular athletic activities such as skiing and snowboarding, skateboarding and bicycling.
There are three primary types of mouth guards available today:
- Store bought, one-size-fits-all.
- Boil and Bite.
- Custom made by a dentist.
Store bought – Store bought mouth guards do help prevent some dental accidents. They are the cheapest option and come ready to wear. However, they almost never fit properly and can be bulky and make breathing difficult or even cause gagging. For this reason you will see high school football players, for example, pull them out between each play. Mouth guards can’t protect them if they don’t wear them.
Boil and Bite – “Boil and bite” mouth guards are a little better than standard store bought mouth guards and can be purchased at many sports supply stores. They are made of a plastic material that can be softened with heat, hence, the name. When they are purchased they can be softened in hot water (you need to follow the directions carefully so as not to burn your mouth) then inserted into the mouth to adapt to the shape of your bite. This product does make them somewhat form fitting, but it is easy to bite down on them incorrectly or bite too hard, making the plastic too thin for proper protection.
Custom-made mouth guards – At Harrison Dental we can custom make your mouth guard so it fits your teeth and mouth exactly. No gagging. No loose, sloppy fit. No painful gums and cheeks. With custom-made mouth guards you or your son or daughter won’t keep taking them out during activity because they fit.
To learn more about mouth guards go to our mouth guard page. We periodically offer special pricing for sports seasons and teams so please visit the page or, as always, you can call us and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
I hate the sound of the dental drill. Isn’t there anything else you can use during my dental treatment?
For many people the sound of the dental drill makes them feel anxious. Even though modern pain control methods remove any pain, the sound is uncomfortable. The good news is that today there are “drill-less” options for many dental procedures, including Air Abrasion and Dental Lasers.
Common dental procedures that can benefit from drill-less dentistry include:
- Removal of tooth decay.
- Preparation for dental veneers or composite bonding.
- Preparation for dental sealants.
- Removal of tooth surface stains.
- Gum or periodontal surgery.
Of course, for many dental procedures, such as the restoration of deep tooth decay, other dental procedures may be required. But if you would like to know if your dental concern could be treated using drill-less options such as air abrasion or dental lasers, please simply ask. Remember that we will share with you the options available, including drill-less procedures, when we feel they will best meet your clinical and comfort needs.
What is “drill-less” dentistry?
Air abrasion, or microabrasion, is often referred to as “drill-less” dentistry because it is a new technology that eliminates the need for the dental drill in many dental procedures. Air abrasion can be used to remove tooth decay, remove old composite restorations, prepare a tooth for veneer bonding or dental sealants, and to remove tooth surface stains.
The air abrasion tool works sort of like a tiny sandblaster. It sprays a find stream of tiny particles, like a baking soda mixture or silica, using compressed air or gas. This allows for the removal of less tooth material in preparing a tooth for a filling or to roughen the tooth enamel for boning a veneer or dental sealants. In some cases the air abrasion process can even be used without anesthetic. Of course, for many dental procedures, such as the restoration of deep tooth decay, other dental procedures may be required.
With air abrasion dentistry you will no longer feel anxious with the sound of the dental drill. Please ask if your treatment could be benefited by the use of air abrasion drill-less dentistry.
What are dental lasers and how can they make a difference in my dental treatment?
One of the most exciting new technologies in dental care is the use of the dental laser.
Dental lasers have been used in dentistry since 1995 and can be used to treat many dental conditions, such as:
Tooth decay – Lasers can be used to remove tooth decay and prepare the surrounding enamel for the filling. They can also be used to help “cure” or harden composite tooth-colored fillings.
Gum Disease – Lasers are used to reshape gums, such as for people with “gummy” smiles. They can also be used to remove bacteria during root canal procedures.
Teeth Whitening – Lasers are used to speed up the in-office teeth whitening procedures. To help protect sensitive gums the whitening bleaching agents are activated with the blue light of the dental laser.
Stain removal – Some stains or discoloration of the surface of the tooth can be removed using dental lasers.
Biopsy or lesion removal – Lasers can be used to remove a small piece of tissue, called a biopsy, to be tested for oral cancer. They can also be used to relieve canker sores.
Dental lasers are hand-held dental instruments that point a fine beam of light of a specific wavelength or color spectrum. The type of beam or wavelength is determined by the type of tissue the laser is focused to treat. The benefits of dental laser technology are that it is less invasive than traditional dental methods for specific treatments, causing less tooth or tissue trauma. Lasers also decrease bleeding and reduce the need for anesthetics in many cases. The benefit that most of our patients enjoy is that lasers eliminate the whine and vibration of the dental drill.
Dental lasers can’t be used for everything but in many dental treatments they have really revolutionized dental care and patient comfort.
|
Email Us
