Home / Faqs
FAQs
1. What is teeth restoration?
Tooth restoration involves a variety of treatments to restore the integrity, function and form of missing or damaged tooth structure that has been caused by decay or trauma to the teeth. These treatments include a variety of procedures including dental fillings, inlays/onlays, implants, crowns and dentures.
2. What are the Treatment Options for Full Mouth Restoration?
The first step to Full Mouth Restoration is the initial consultation, where the overall health of your gums and teeth will be evaluated. Using a wide range of tools that include digital radiographs, intra-oral photography and diagnostic models, any areas of concern will be assessed. Dr. Shaw will then explore treatment options with you to address the mouth as a whole, which can include implants or full dentures. Coordination of efforts with other dental specialists, like endodontists, periodontists, orthodontists, may also be required.
3. How does teeth whitening work, and how long does it last?
Tooth whitening is achieved by changing the color of the tooth enamel that has become yellowed or discolored over time. The most active ingredient most commonly used for whitening is hydrogen peroxide. When it spreads into the tooth, it acts as an oxidising agent that will break down and produce unstable free radicals that attach themselves to inorganic salts in tooth enamel that results in less heavy and much smaller pigmentation components of the tooth. These smaller pigments reflect less light to create the whitening effect. Whitening, or bleach treatments can last from 6 months to about 2 years.
4. Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
If you have lost one or more teeth due to dental decay, periodontal disease or a traumatic injury, then you are a good candidate for dental implants.
5. Are dental implants removable like dentures, or do they stay in your mouth?
Traditional dental implants are prosthetic devices that are constructed to replace missing teeth and are removable. Unlike traditional dentures, however, dental implants are attached to the bone allowing teeth to be replaced in the most natural manner, and cannot be removed by the patient.
6. What are the different types of dental crowns?
There are three different types of dental crowns, each based on its type of construction. All metal, all ceramic and porcelain fused to metal.
7. What are dental veneers, and what is the cost of dental veneers?
A thin ceramic covering that is bonded to the front surface of the natural teeth is known as veneers. They are used to repair damaged, misshapen, discolored, broken or chipped teeth. Veneers are also used for closing gaps between teeth, or any other issue that cannot be corrected with other cosmetic dentistry treatments. Only your dentist can determine the exact cost of the veneer, and this cost is based on individual needs.
8. Dental implant or bridge, which is better?
In a lot of cases, a dental implant is a better choice when compared to a bridge, because implants do not require the dentist to shape the teeth or crown that sits adjacent to the implant, and offers a more permanent solution for tooth replacement. A bridge, on the other hand, may be the better option if the teeth surrounding it have large fillings, crowns, and have had a root canal. Each situation is different, so be sure to talk with Dr. Shaw about which option is best for you.
9. What is a dental crown, and why do I need one?
A form of dental restoration that completely caps or replaces a missing tooth is known as a dental crown. It is created with a ceramic material that looks natural and is very durable. It is better than almost any other type of restorative options when it comes to protecting the tooth from recurring decay.
You may need a crown if:
• A cavity that is too large for a filling
• A tooth that is cracked, worn down, or weakened and needs to be covered
• After a root canal treatment — the dental crown will protect the restored tooth
• A discolored or poorly shaped tooth needs to be capped to improve your smile
10. How do dental implants help if I have full dentures or partial dentures?
Dental implants are actually quite popular with patients who wear full or partial dentures because they help provide support and retention for the removable overdenture, which “snaps” right onto the implant. This prevents the denture from moving or shifting and greatly reduces the need for adhesive glue. Dental implants can also be used for a fixed denture, where the dentures are bolted to the implants with titanium rods, and can only be removed by the dentist.
11. What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a term generally used to refer to any type of dentistry that improves the appearance of the teeth and gums. The main focus is to improve the aesthetics of the teeth through repositioning, shaping, resizing, realignment or whitening to enhance the overall appearance of the teeth.
12. How to whiten composite bonding?
Composite bonding material can be whitened, but it does not respond to whitening in the same way as natural teeth do, which can result in an uneven coloring. A simple solution is to just simply have the bonding replaced at the same time, or within a week or so, of getting a tooth whitening treatment. It is easy to replace the bonding, and is a non-invasive procedure that only takes a single office visit.