What is tooth whitening?
It's a bleaching process that lightens discolorations of enamel
and dentin. The system uses a mild solution retained in a custom-fitted
tray that is worn over your teeth.
What causes
tooth discoloration?
There are many causes. The most common include aging, consumption
of staining substances (coffee, tea, colas, tobacco), trauma,
nerve degeneration, and old restorations. During tooth formation,
consumption of tetracycline or excessive fluoride may also cause
discoloration.
Who may
benefit from tooth whitening?
Almost anyone. However, there are some cases where the treatment
may not be effective. A dentist may determine viable candidates
for the process through a thorough oral examination and diagnosis.
Nite White is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored
teeth and would like to have a whiter, brighter smile, day or
night.
Is the process
safe?
YES! Research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth
with carbamide peroxide under the supervision of a dentist is
safe for teeth and gums. In fact, many dentists consider this
whitening process the safest cosmetic dental procedure available
today.
How does
it work?
The whitening gel is placed in a thin bleaching tray that fits
over your teeth. As the active ingredient in the gel (carbamide
peroxide) is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin
and bleaches the colored substances. The structure of the tooth
is not changed; only the tooth color is made lighter.
How long
does it take?
Results are usually seen after the first application. Maximum
results generally occur when the process is continued for 10-14
nights.
Are there
any side effects?
Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity
to cold during the treatment. These symptoms disappear within
1-3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment.
Patients using Nite White EXCEL are less likely to get tooth
sensitivity.
How long do the results last?
The teeth will always be lighter than they once were. However,
some patients may need a tooth whitening "touch-up"
for 1-2 days, once or twice a year. In order to maintain the
whitest tooth shade possible, it is best to avoid substances
like coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco.
What
is Laser SoftCare™?
Laser SoftCare is a
laser based technique for the treatment of periodontal disease
using the Lares PocketPro™ Laser. Fear of periodontal
treatment vanishes when patients find out no scalpel or sutures
will be used. Patient friendly laser treatment gets patients
to agree to the treatment they need and continue with follow-up
care that is prescribed.
Our office is one of the first in the area to offer Laser SoftCare
for the treatment of gingivitis and/or periodontitis. Following
are commonly asked questions about this technology.
How does it work?
Tartar, associated with inflamed and
bleeding gums, is removed from root surface of the tooth using
an ultrasonic scaler and small instruments.
Then, a small amount of light energy from a laser is
directed through a tiny fiber, which is gently placed between
the gum and tooth. This light energy removes a tiny amount of
diseased tissue and aids in reducing the bacteria associated
with the disease. After the area is thoroughly cleaned, the
body can heal the area naturally.
Does it hurt?
Although the procedure itself can be virtually painless,
we may anesthetize the area for the patient’s comfort.
In this way we can precisely direct the laser for treatment.
Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal and of short
duration.
How long does it take?
Initial treatment is focused on scaling and the use of
small instruments to remove tartar. Then, the laser portion
of treatment is performed and normally only takes a few minutes.
Depending on the severity of the patient’s periodontal
disease, treatment may be accomplished in one office visit or
in multiple visits. The estimated treatment time is reviewed
with patients when we discuss their treatment plan.
Does this treatment cost more than traditional
gum surgery?
Typically we use the same billing codes as traditional
gum surgery and the laser treatment is generally no more expensive
than traditional surgery. There are other factors which may
affect cost, such as the severity of the periodontal disease,
and how many teeth are involved. Many insurance plans pay only
for a portion of this treatment. Patients should discuss their
payment options with the dental office personnel as we offer
financing for this treatment.
The dramatically increased comfort
for our patients made the new system attractive to our office.
We encourage patients to take care of the need now to reduce
further damage to their gums, teeth and bone.
What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?
A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay.
Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one
designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once
a day at bedtime.
When should
I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a dentist
when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.
Are baby teeth
really that important to my child?
Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons.
Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally,
they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow
when they are  ready
to erupt.
What should
I do if my child has a toothache?
Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Use dental floss
to remove any food that may be trapped between the teeth. Do not
put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues. See your dentist
as soon as possible.
Are thumb
sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?
Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a
problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children
stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking
their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, a mouth
appliance may be recommended by your dentist.
How can I
prevent decay caused by nursing?
Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than
water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to
brush and floss your child's teeth. Take your child to a pediatric
dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The
first dental visit should be scheduled by your child's first birthday.
How often
does my child need to see the dentist?
A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities
and other dental problems. However, your dentist can tell you
when and how often your child should visit based on their personal
oral health.
Toothpaste:
when should we begin using it and how much should we use?
Fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced when a child is 2-3
years of age. Prior to that, parents should clean the child's
teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. When toothpaste
is used after age 2-3, parents should supervise brushing and make
sure the child uses no more than a pea-sized amount on the brush.
Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after
brushing.
How do I make
my child's diet safe for his teeth?
Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving
each of: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy
products, and meat fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars
and starches will also aid in protecting your child's teeth from
decay. You can also ask your dentist to help you select foods
that protect your children's teeth. 
How do dental
sealants work?
Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces
of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught
in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable
and can effectively protect teeth for many years.
How do I know
if my child is getting enough fluoride?
Have your dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child's
primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting
enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride
level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without
fluoride), then your dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements.
What can I
do to protect my child's teeth during sporting events?
Soft plastic mouth guards can be used to protect a child's teeth,
lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted
mouth guard developed by a dentist will protect your child from
injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe
injuries to the head.
What should
I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?
Hold the tooth by the crown, and gently rinse off the root in
water if it's dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue
fragments. If possible, gently reinsert and hold the tooth in
its socket. If that isn't possible, put the tooth in a cup of
milk or any emergency tooth preservation product that has the
American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. The sooner you
can do any of these things the better because it helps keep the
small attachment fibers on the root of the tooth alive. Then get
to the dentist as quickly as possible, within an hour if you can.
Don't forget to take the tooth with you!
What should I do in the event
of a broken tooth?
Rinse the mouth with warm water to keep
the area clean. Put cold compresses on the face to reduce swelling.
Go to the dentist immediately.
What do I do if my child possibly
breaks their jaw?
Apply cold compresses to control swelling.
Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency room immediately.
What do I do when my child gets
objects caught between their teeth?
Gently try to remove the object with
dental floss. If you are not successful, go to the dentist. Do
not try to remove the object with a sharp or pointed instrument.
How do I handle a bitten lip
or tongue?
Clean the area gently with a cloth. and
put cold compresses to keep the swelling down. If bleeding is
excessive or deosn't stop in a short period of time, go to the
dentist or hospital emergency room.
How safe are dental X-rays?
There is very little risk in dental X-rays.
Dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation
to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film
are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.
How can parents help prevent
tooth decay?
Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning
with the eruption of the first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend
a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments
for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home
treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced
diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.
What do I do if a dental emergency
happens while traveling?
Look in the Yellow Pages under "dentist"
to find the state or local dentist society phone number to get
a referral.
Ask the hospital emergency room to recommend
a dentist.
Ask the hotel personnel to refer you to a dentist.
If you are out of the country, contact the U.S. Embassy or ask
hotel personnel tor efer you to a dentist.
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