When you visit Flores Dental Care, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez Flores and her team will help answer any of your questions regarding your treatments and oral health. However, you may think of additional questions after you leave our office. We invite you to read through our Frequently Asked Questions for more information, and please feel free to contact our office if you have any further questions. You are also welcome to contact us to schedule your appointment with our dentist. We look forward to being your family’s center for informative, caring dentistry in Mission, Texas. Se habla español.
Why are my teeth sensitive?
In most cases, teeth can become sensitive when the gums have receded, even in the case of slight recession. Gum recession exposes the underlying layer of dentin, making the nerve more exposed to extreme temperatures. To help decrease sensitivity, you can try desensitizing toothpastes or gels. There are also several dental procedures that can be performed to reduce or eliminate sensitivity.
What should I do to prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
The best thing you can do to protect your teeth and gums is to have good dental hygiene at home. Daily brushing and flossing are a must. When you stick to a daily routine of good dental hygiene habits, you can minimize your risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a condition of your gums that is caused when bacteria builds up along the gum line. As the bacteria enters the gums, it can cause irritated, inflamed, and bleeding gums. If you have developed gingivitis, we recommend visiting your dentist more regularly for cleanings. These visits will help prevent your condition from worsening and inform you of proper flossing and oral hygiene techniques to treat your gingivitis and prevent it from returning.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a degenerative condition that begins with little to no symptoms. Its beginning stage is known as gingivitis, when bacteria gets below the gum line. However, if the gingivitis is not treated, the conditions will worsen, and you will develop more symptoms, including bad breath, receding gums, sensitive gums, tooth pain and loss, and abscesses.
How do you treat periodontal disease?
If you have periodontal disease, you should acquire immediate attention from your dentist. Periodontal disease cannot be reversed, but it can be treated and controlled in many ways. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may receive treatments such as periodontal cleanings, scaling and root planing, laser therapy, local antibiotics, and gum surgery.
What is the difference between a white filling and a silver filling?
Silver fillings are also known as amalgam. These have been used for decades and are made of a metal alloy. This metal alloy can expand and contract with any cold or heat that is placed inside the mouth, allowing very little bacteria to get in and cause tooth decay.
White fillings, or composite fillings, are made of glass or plastic polymers. These fillings are more cosmetic, as they blend in with your natural tooth color and feel just like a real tooth. White fillings use a resin to fill any empty areas of the tooth and prevent bacteria from causing decay.
How can I improve my smile?
There are many ways that you can improve your smile, including:
- Teeth whitening
- Dental bonding
- Porcelain dental veneers
- Porcelain dental crowns
Our practice can help improve your smile with one or multiple of these procedures. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a popular and affordable way to effectively brighten your smile. It is a treatment that is monitored by your dentist either in the office or at home. You can begin a teeth whitening treatment after completing a comprehensive oral exam and a dental cleaning.
The effects of a whitening treatment can last for several years, depending on how you care for your smile. If you eat or drink anything that would stain a white shirt, it will stain your smile, and you will need to get it re-whitened after a few years.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a simple and affordable procedure that can change your tooth’s color, shape, or size. Results are immediate, and they are amazing. In just a few hours at our office, you can have a brand-new, beautiful smile! Over time, dental bonding may change color and require a touch-up treatment.
What are porcelain veneers?
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are customized to match the shape and fit of your teeth. They are adhered to your natural teeth as a sort of “shell” to change the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. In most cases, treatment can be completed in just two visits. Dental veneers are great for simply looking and feeling younger and achieving a straighter smile.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are a fixed, or permanent, procedure used to restore damaged teeth. The customized replacement tooth fits over your natural tooth, improving the size, shape, and color of your teeth in just two visits.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are “man-made” restorations used to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants are often made of titanium; they are inserted under the gums and into the jaw bone, replacing the even the roots of a tooth. In most cases, there is minimal discomfort with this procedure. After just a few months, the bone and implant will fuse together, providing a permanent anchor to your new tooth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
There are many benefits to receiving a dental implant because they:
- Function just like your natural teeth.
- Replace missing teeth and restore structure.
- Maintain oral health.
- Decrease your risk of moving the rest of your teeth or developing bone loss or gum disease.
- Reduce your need for dentures.
- Replace only teeth that are missing instead of affecting adjacent healthy teeth.
Who is a candidate for dental implants, and what does the procedure involve?
Generally speaking, most people are good candidates for a dental implant. Our dentist will help you know if you are a good candidate.
In most cases, a procedure for dental implants will take three to four visits. First, our dentist will take X-rays and impressions to locate the exact placement of the implant and create a customized restoration. Under local anesthesia, our dentist will then place the implant by making a minor incision in the gums and placing the implant into the jaw bone. After a healing period of about three months, you will return to receive your crown restoration that will be placed over the implant.
How much does a dental implant cost?
The cost of dental implants varies by doctor and by the number of implants you are receiving. Always be sure to discuss fees with your dentist prior to your procedure.
How long does a dental implant last?
If you care for you implant by maintaining good dental hygiene habits, your implant can last anywhere between 30 years to a lifetime.
Does your office offer financing for dental services?
We welcome you to contact our office today to discuss our financing options. We will help you find the plan that best fits your circumstances.
