Frequently Asked Questions
Oral Healthcare
How often should I go to the dentist?
Most patients should visit the dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and examination. Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque builds up in areas that only a dentist or hygienist can reach. In addition, not all dental problems are accompanied by symptoms in the earliest, most treatable stages. Routine exams don’t only ensure oral health, though. Research shows that gum disease puts patients at greater risk for several other conditions, including heart disease and strokes.
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What are the most common oral health problems?
The most common oral health problems for adults are:
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Gum disease. Gum disease is preventable, yet half of adults over age 30 in this country have gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Gum disease can cause teeth to become loose and require extraction, leading to a loss of bone in the jaw.
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Missing teeth. The average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 in the United States has three or more decayed or missing teeth. Missing teeth don’t only affect an individual’s appearance, but their health as well. When missing teeth set off a chain of oral problems: the jaw bone deteriorates, neighboring teeth shift to fill in the space, creating a misaligned bite gaps where plague collects and promotes tooth decay.
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Sensitivity. Sensitivity to hot and cold can be the result of tooth decay, fractured teeth, gum disease, exposed tooth or worn tooth enamel.
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Dry mouth. Some medications and health conditions can cause dry mouth. Patients who use oral asthma inhalers often develop oral thrush and oral fungal infections.
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Oropharyngeal Cancer. This is cancer that affects the throat. It begins as tiny white or red dots or a sore throat, and can initially go unnoticed by patients. Dr. Chernin looks for any signs of mouth or throat cancer.
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What can I do to protect my oral health?
The good news is that dental disease is preventable. Dr. Chernin recommends that between routine cleanings and exams at her office, patients practice the following:
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Brush teeth at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste.
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Floss at least once a day.
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Maintain a healthy diet, limit sugar.
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Don’t use tobacco products.
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Contact Dr. Chernin if any oral health problem arises.
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Cleaning
What happens during a routine cleaning?
The primary goal of routine cleanings is to get rid of sticky plaque and hardened tartar that builds up along the gum line and between teeth where normal brushing and even flossing can't remove them. Plaque and tartar are primary causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and regular routine cleanings are the best way to keep decay and disease at bay. The dental hygienist will also look for signs of decay or gum disease and will be able to tell if you need improvement in your brushing or flossing habits or techniques. Most cleanings take about 30 to 45 minutes.
How often am I supposed to have my teeth cleaned to keep them healthy?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), twice a year cleanings and routine exams are the best way to ensure your teeth and gums stay as healthy as possible and to catch early signs of gum disease and other conditions that can cause infection or eventual tooth loss. Your cleaning also provides an ideal time for the hygienist to determine if you need to improve your brushing and flossing habits so you can keep your natural teeth for as long as possible – hopefully, for life.
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What if I have gum disease?
There are different treatments for gum disease, depending on what stage it's in. In the earliest stages, gum disease may be treated with more frequent cleanings and improvement in brushing and flossing techniques at home. For more extensive or advanced gum disease, you may need special deep cleaning techniques called root scaling and planing to reach below the gum line and remove harmful bacteria that cause gum disease and eventual tooth loss. Root scaling and planing are often combined with special antibiotics to provide long-acting anti-bacterial action.
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Cosmetic Dentistry
What types of cosmetic procedures does Forever Teeth offer?
At Forever Teeth, we offer a comprehensive array of cosmetic treatments to help every patient have a beautiful, healthy-looking smile, including:
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Porcelain veneers
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Bonding
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Inlays and Onlays
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Dental implants
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Whitening
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Invisalign®
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Gum lifts
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Bridges
Our patients can choose one or more treatment to address specific issues or they may opt for full mouth reconstruction or “smile makeovers” to help address many issues and create the beautiful smile they've been hoping for. Every cosmetic treatment is customized for each patient's needs.
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What issues can cosmetic dentistry address?
Cosmetic dentistry procedures are designed to correct just about any aesthetic concern you may have, including cracks, chips, uneven surfaces, stains, teeth that appear too small, gaps between teeth, and teeth that are crooked or crowded.
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What is the dental implant procedure like?
Dental implants require several visits. During the first visit, the metal post that serves as the artificial root is implanted in the jaw. If you have insufficient bone to support an implant, a bone graft can be performed at the same time. The post and graft will need several weeks to fuse with the surrounding bone, a process called osseointegration. At the next visit, a metal abutment will be attached to the post and an impression will be made to serve as the model for your implant. You'll also have a chance to select the ideal shade for your prosthetic tooth. During the third visit, the artificial tooth will be attached to the abutment and shaped and polished for an ideal fit.
What is laser tooth whitening?
Laser tooth whitening combines the power of a whitening gel with the highly-focused energy of a laser to achieve superior whitening that lasts far longer than drugstore whitening kits. The procedure can be completed in our office in less than an hour.
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Oral Surgery
What is oral surgery?
Oral surgery is the branch of dentistry that uses special techniques to treat conditions like deep infections or trauma affecting the teeth, gums and other areas of the mouth and jaw. Wisdom tooth removal, bone grafting, and dental implant procedures are all types of oral surgery procedures.
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Do wisdom teeth always have to be pulled?
Not always. Usually, wisdom teeth are located so far back in the mouth, they can be difficult to clean. As a result, they can become decayed and infected, requiring removal. Other times, the mouth is so crowded by the time wisdom teeth emerge, there's no room; they come in sideways or they become impacted - “stuck” under the gum or trapped by another tooth. Impacted teeth can cause crowding issues with your other teeth and make them more susceptible to weakening and decay. In those cases, wisdom teeth should be removed.
What is bone grafting?
Bone grafting takes a very small piece of your own bone, usually from your palate or elsewhere in your mouth, to build up areas of your jaw that have lost bone tissue. If you're missing a tooth and you don't have it replaced right away with an implant, the jaw bone can atrophy over time. As a result, neighboring teeth can begin to weaken, even if you have a bridge or partial denture. Bone grafting places the new bone next to the area of atrophy where it will eventually fuse with the bone. Grafting makes it possible for you to have an implant, helps avoid additional tooth loss, and can help dentures fit better.
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Are dental implants better than dentures?
Many patients prefer implants because they're designed to look and work like your natural teeth, resulting in a more comfortable feel. Plus, they can be cared for just like your natural teeth.
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Veneers
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells or coverings made of porcelain and designed to be placed directly on the surface of your tooth to hide cracks, chips, stains and other cosmetic issues that can make your smile look old, worn and dingy. Veneers can also be used to close gaps between teeth, to correct the appearance of worn or uneven edges, and to make small teeth look larger and more uniform.
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How are veneers applied?
Veneers are placed in two visits. During the first visit, the tooth surface is prepared by removing a very small amount of tooth material to make sure there's enough room for the veneer and to prevent the veneer from overlapping the neighboring teeth. An impression is made of your teeth and sent to a lab where the porcelain veneer is made. Temporary veneers will be placed over your tooth to protect it. At your second appointment, the temporary veneers will be removed, the surface of the tooth will be cleaned and the finished porcelain veneer will be attached to the tooth surface using a strong adhesive. Finally, the veneer will be polished for a comfortable fit.
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What is the difference between bonding and veneers?
Bonding uses composite materials that are shaped right on the tooth in a single visit. They're less costly than porcelain veneers, but they're also not as durable and they're more prone to staining.
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How long do veneers last?
Veneers can last up to 10 years with proper care, and sometimes longer. It's important to have regular dental visits to ensure your veneers remain strongly bonded and in good shape.
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Are veneers hard to care for?
No, they can be cared for with regular brushing and flossing, just like your natural teeth.
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Teeth Whitening
What does the procedure entail?
The procedure begins with the application of a protective gel to your lips and gums. Next, the surfaces of your teeth are painted with a professional-grade whitening agent of hydrogen peroxide. This whitening agent is activated by a special light. The procedure takes about an hour and can brighten tooth color up to 10 shades. Often patients can purchase a take-home whitening kit costume-made mouth tray to maintain their improved smiles.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Numerous studies have shown professional teeth whitening to be completely safe. The two most common side effects, which are temporary, are soft tissue irritation and hypersensitivity of the teeth. In the professional dental office setting, however, side effects can be monitored and often completely avoided. Professional whitening is not recommended for patients under the age of 13, women who are pregnant or lactating, and patients with metal braces or severe gum disease. But all other patients are good candidates.
What causes teeth to become stained or discolored?
Teeth can be externally or internally discolored. External discoloration or stains occur on the tooth’s surface and respond extremely will to in-office teeth whitening. This discoloration and stains are caused by smoking, tooth decay, genetics and certain foods and drinks, such as red wine, coffee, tea, blueberries, etc.
Internal tooth discoloration can be caused by changes in the enamel of the tooth and the dentin, as a result of Tetracycline use as a child, a root canal and trauma. Internal tooth discoloration is often not helped be teeth whitening procedures. Internal teeth whitening may be accomplished through an internal whitening process. This procedure requires Dr. Chernin to drill a small hole in the back of the tooth and irrigated the internal area with the bleaching agent. The hole is then sealed in with a special cement to prevent the bleaching agent from leaking into the root canal filling.
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Invisalign®
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a teeth-straightening system that uses several clear plastic aligners instead of metal bands and wires to move teeth into alignment. The aligners are nearly invisible when worn, and they can be removed when eating and for brushing, flossing, and dental care–even for occasional social events, like weddings or prom. Their smooth edges mean no sore gums or lips, and unlike metal braces that use “standardized” fittings, Invisalign® is custom-fit for each patient's mouth and orthodontic needs.
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How are the plastic aligners made to fit my mouth?
During your first visit, measurements are made of your mouth and an impression- or mold- is made of your teeth using a soft material that is pressed against your teeth. The impression is sent to a special lab where a computer scans the impression and uses the measurements to create a series of virtual models showing how your teeth need to move to come into alignment. Those virtual models serve as the basis for your unique series of aligners, each of which you'll wear for about two weeks before moving on to the next one in the series. Over time, the aligners will move your teeth into their proper positions.
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How long does treatment usually take?
Most patients complete treatment within about 18 months. Your treatment could take slightly more or slightly less time.
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Are the aligners hard to care for?
No; Invisalign® sells a care kit, but you can also care for them by rinsing them off when you take them out to eat and brushing them gently with a mild soap and warm water or by soaking them in denture cleaner for a little while each day. You must wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day, so don't leave them soaking for too long – just a quick soak will do.
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Bridges & Crowns
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are durable protective shells that are designed to fit snugly over a damaged tooth, providing extra support and hiding large cosmetic defects like unsightly darkened fillings or large chips. They can also be used to strengthen teeth that will be used to support a dental bridge. Crowns can be custom-tinted to match your other teeth for a completely natural look.
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What are bridges?
Bridges are dental devices that are used to replace one or more teeth. They comprise a metal framework and one or more artificial teeth that are attached to the framework. Bridges may be removable or permanently attached to the teeth on either side. In either case, the teeth used to support the bridge are usually covered by crowns to provide additional support and prevent those teeth from weakening and eventually falling out.
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What is the bridge procedure like?
Bridges take more than one visit for fitting and placement. During the first visit, the teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth will be shaped and prepared to be fitted with crowns. An impression will be made of the gap and the neighboring teeth, and will serve as the model for the final bridge and for the crowns that will be placed on the neighboring teeth. Temporary crowns will be placed on the teeth to protect them while the permanent crowns are being made. At the second visit, the permanent crowns will be placed over the supporting teeth and adhered with strong dental cement. The bridge will be placed on the teeth and shaped for a comfortable fit. Like dental crowns, the artificial teeth that are part of your bridge can be tinted to match your other teeth so they look natural.
Dental Bonding
What is bonding?
Bonding uses tooth-colored composites to restore teeth that have become broken, cracked or chipped, to reshape your teeth or to hide deeply stained or discolored teeth. The bonding material can be tinted and shaped to match your surrounding tooth for a completely natural-looking restoration.
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What is the bonding procedure like?
Before the composite material is applied, the surface of your tooth will be roughened or etched using a special solution. Etching the tooth surface enables the bonding composite to adhere better to the tooth. Next, the resin is applied to the tooth surface and shaped and sculpted using special tools. Once the tooth has been properly shaped so it looks natural and blends well with the neighboring teeth, a special high-intensity light will be used to harden the material to a durable finish. Finally, the surface will be buffed and polished so it looks healthy and beautiful.
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What is the difference between bonding and veneers?
Veneers are created in a lab to fit your tooth shape. When they're applied, they're already designed to fit your tooth. Bonding is an interactive process where the material is shaped while it's on your tooth, it can be performed in a single visit, and it's also less costly than porcelain veneers. However, bonding usually doesn't last as long as porcelain veneers and bonding materials tend to stain more easily; if you're a smoker, you may decide porcelain veneers are a better option.
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Can bonding be used instead of metal fillings?
Yes, bonding is often used in place of traditional metal fillings because it gives a more natural result that can make your repair virtually invisible. Plus, because bonding adheres so well to the tooth surface, it can provide a strong barrier to decay, especially in teeth that are cracked or chipped.
Teeth Extractions
What are the most common reasons for needing a tooth extracted?
The most common reasons a tooth may require extraction are:
• Wisdom teeth. This third set of molars, which typically erupt between the ages of 17-21, often are impacted, meaning they are blocked under the gum by other teeth and need to be removed. They can also grow in horizontally, causing the rest of your teeth to become misaligned.
• A tooth is decayed or broken. If a tooth is too severely decayed or broken too close to the gum line to be repaired, it will need extraction. The gap left can then be filled with a dental implant, bridge or partial denture.
• Severe gum disease. Gum disease can cause teeth to become so loose that they need to be removed, before falling out or breaking off on their own.
• Preparation for braces. Some people do not have enough room in their mouths to accommodate their teeth and will need one or more removed in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
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What does a tooth extraction procedure entail?
Dr. Chernin will perform either a simple extraction or a surgical extraction, depending on the accessibility of the tooth being removed, and the overall health of it and the surrounding gum.
• A simple extraction. This is performed when a tooth is easily accessible. Dr. Chernin first numbs the gum tissue surround the tooth. Next, using a tool called an elevator, she will loosen it. Finally, she will use another tool, called forceps to remove the tooth from its socket.
• A surgical extraction. This approach is required if the tooth is impacted or broken so close to the gum line that it can not be grabbed hold of. Instead, Dr. Chernin makes an incision in the gum. Some patients request sedation for a surgical extraction.
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What does the aftercare involve?
A simple extraction can cause initial mild pain that can usually be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications. A surgical extraction may be a bit more painful, depending on the difficulty of the extraction. In these cases, Dr. Chernin may recommend a prescription pain medication. In either event, pain usually disappears within a couple of days. Ice packs can be placed on the face to reduce swelling. In addition, patients need to eat a diet of soft and cool foods for several days and should not smoke, use a straw or spit immediately following the procedure. If you’ve been given dissolvable stitches, the may take up to two weeks to totally dissolve.
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Root Canals
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What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment used to repair a severely damaged or infected tooth, preventing it from requiring extraction. The procedure entails removing the soft core of a tooth, called the pulp, that has become infected or inflamed. Once the pulp is removed, Dr. Chernin carefully cleans the area, then fills and seals the space. Next, she will fit the tooth with a custom crown for complete protection. A tooth’s pulp can become infected or inflamed as a result of severe decay, repeated dental procedures, or a chip or crack. The alternative to a root canal is to remove the tooth and fill the gap with a dental implant, bridge or partial denture.
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Is a root canal painful?
Decades ago root canals were painful. But these days, thanks to modern advances in dentistry and local anesthetics, the procedure is not painful. However, left untreated, the infected or inflamed pulp can become extremely uncomfortable, lead to an abscess in the tooth, pulp death, and even bone loss. Every year millions of teeth are saved by root canals.
What symptoms indicate that tooth’s pulp is inflamed or infected?
Symptoms that a tooth’s pulp is inflamed or infected, and may need a root canal, include swelling of the face or neck, a hole in the tooth, a toothache, temperature sensitivity or swelling of the gums.
What will my tooth be like after a root canal?
The tooth may be sensitive for a couple of days following the procedure, which can be alleviated with over-the- counter pain medication. After that, and capped with a crown, the tooth will look and function like a normal tooth. With proper dental hygiene – brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day and routine dental cleanings and check ups – the restored tooth can last a lifetime.
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Restorative Dentistry
What does restorative dentistry include?
Restorative dentistry includes all the dental treatments that help restore your teeth and gums to a healthy state, like fillings, veneers, bonding, implants, crowns and bridges. At Forever Teeth, we offer many restorative treatments, all of which can be customized to each patient's unique needs. Restorative procedures can help you teeth look great, but they also play an important role in preventing further damage or disease and in balancing your bite so can avoid uneven wear, habits like grinding or clenching, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and chronic headaches. Restorations can also make your teeth easier to clean which means a reduced risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
What if a crack or chip isn't causing symptoms?
Even if a damaged tooth isn't causing pain, it still needs to be restored. Damaged teeth are far more likely to become decayed or to be lost to trauma. Plus, treating an issue as soon as it happens can prevent it from becoming a major problem that can be much more costly to correct.
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Are composite fillings as good as metal fillings?
Composite fillings are very strong and durable, and the way they're applied helps them bond more firmly with teeth, creating a seamless transition between the tooth surface and the filling material that makes it virtually impossible for decay to enter. Metal fillings, on the other hand, do not bond as well and frequently become loosened by decay or excessive wear. Plus, composite fillings can be tinted to match your natural teeth so you can feel more confident in the way your teeth and your smile appear to others. Metal amalgams are less costly than composites, but they do contain mercury, which many patients would prefer to avoid. Your office visit is the ideal time to discuss the relative advantages of each type of filling.
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