Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a Root
Canal?
There are several reasons
why you may need a Root
Canal. The most common are:
Trauma- A physical blow to a
tooth or a constant striking
by a tooth in the opposite
jaw that traumatizes the
tooth.
Physical Irritation- Deep
decay or a very large
filling. Regardless of the
initial cause, the tooth
pulp becomes irritated and
an abscess (infection)
occurs. Bacteria from your
saliva grow within the tooth
pulp, causing pressure and
pain. In some cases your
face may swell. Eventually
the pulp dies, causing the
bone around the tooth to be
destroyed.
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What's going to happen?
Once it has been determined
that Root Canal treatment is
necessary, you will be
scheduled for one or more
appointments. It's important
that you keep this
appointments, to prevent
delays in treatment and
healing. It's also essential
that you take all
antibiotics and medications
prescribed, to hasten
healing and reduce swelling.
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Why does the pulp need to be
removed?
When the infected pulp is
not removed, pain and
swelling can result. Certain
byproducts of the infection
can injure your jaw bones.
Without treatment, your
tooth may have to be
removed.
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How long will the restored
tooth last?
Your restored tooth could
last a lifetime, if you
continue to care for your
teeth and gums. However,
regular checkups are
necessary. As long as the
root(s) of a treated tooth
are nourished by the tissues
around it, your tooth will
remain healthy.
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What are the signs of Gum
Disease?
Gums that bleed when you
brush or floss your teeth *
Red, swollen or tender gums
* Gums that have receded or
shrunken away from your
teeth * Pus between you
teeth when you press your
gums with your finger * Pain
when chewing * Calculus or
tartar buildup * Teeth that
seem loose or that change
position * Changes in your
bite * Bad breath or a
chronic bad taste in your
mouth * Teeth that are
overly sensitive to hot and
cold.
If you have any or some of
these symptoms, please
contact your dentist as soon
as possible.
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How can I prevent Gum
Disease?
Brush your teeth well twice
a day- This removes the film
of bacteria from the teeth.
Be sure to use a
soft-bristled toothbrush
that is in good condition.
Toothpastes and mouth rinses
containing fluoride
strengthen the teeth and
help prevent decay. Choose
products that bear the
American Dental Association
Seal of Acceptance, your
assurance that they have met
the ADA's standards for
safety and effectiveness.
The ADA reviews all
advertising claims for any
product bearing the Seal.
The Seal on a product is an
assurance for consumers and
dentists against misleading
or untrue statements
concerning a product's
safety and effectiveness.
Clean between your teeth
every day- Cleaning between
your teeth with floss or
interdentally cleaners removes
bacteria and food particles
from between the teeth,
where a toothbrush can't
reach. Early gum disease can
often be reversed by daily
brushing and flossing. If
you use interdentally
cleaners, ask your dentist
how to use them properly, to
avoid injuring your gums.
Eat a balanced diet- Choose
a variety of foods from the
basic food groups, such as
breads, cereals and other
grain products; fruits;
vegetables; meat, poultry
and fish; and dairy
products, such as milk,
cheese and yogurt. Limit
between-meal snacks.
Visit your dentist
regularly- It is important
to have regular dental
checkups, and professional
cleaning is essential to
prevent periodontal
diseases.
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What method of Tooth
Whitening do you use?
Our office uses the
traditional tooth whitening
methods and the new and
revolutionary Zoom®.
Whiter teeth, in about one
hour. It's that simple.
Years of yellowing as well
as harsh staining from
coffee, cigarettes, and red
wine are almost magically
erased in the time it takes
to get a haircut, a manicure
or lunch. In fact, we have
clinical studies which prove
that the Zoom
whitening treatment resulted
in an average improvement of
8+ shades whiter!
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How does Zoom work?
The Zoom Professional
Teeth Whitening treatment
consists of a gentle
hydrogen-peroxide whitening
gel activated by a special
gas plasma "light."* The gel
and light were both
developed by Zoom,
Inc. and are available
exclusively at Zoom
Professional Teeth Whitening
Centers or the offices of
Zoom Associated
Dentists. Unlike traditional
bleaching methods, with
Zoom there's no fuss
or mess and no gels or trays
to take home. All you have
to do is sit back and relax
while the Zoom dental
professionals do the rest.
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What does the Zoom
procedure look like?
1. Your gums and mouth are
protected with isolation
materials and a "Before"
picture is taken.
2. The Zoom whitening
gel is professionally
applied and activated by the
light source.
3. After three 20-minute
applications over a one-hour
period, your whitening is
completed and your "After"
picture is taken.
4. You rinse. You smile.
Wow!
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Will it hurt?
The process is normally
completely painless. A very
small percentage of people
may experience a minor dull
ache following the
procedure. Taking an
analgesic almost always
resolves the feeling. It is
best to avoid very hot or
very cold drinks for the
first 24 hours if there is
any tooth sensitivity.
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How long does it last?
Your teeth are as individual
and unique as you are and
therefore, your actual
results may vary. However in
general, Zoom
whitening results can last
up to 2 years assuming good
hygiene and reasonable
exposure to staining foods
or beverages.
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What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are
form-fitted shells that are
permanently affixed to the
front of your teeth They are
as hard or harder than your
own enamel, and resist
stains and abrasion far
better. They can be the
ultimate in a cosmetic
make-over, because they can
solve many common cosmetic
problems: chipped, gapped,
stained and mis-aligned
teeth, among others. They
require at least three
visits to complete.
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What can veneer be used for?
Veneers can be used to
correct the size, shape,
color and alignment of
teeth. If your smile suffers
from any of these
characteristics, then you
may be a candidate for
porcelain veneers.
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How much tooth structure is
removed to place the
veneers?
A thin layer, about 0.5
millimeter, is removed. the
layer of tooth structure
needs to be removed in order
to make room for the
porcelain. This allows us to
make the teeth the proper
contour without them being
too bulky or unnatural
appearing.
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How should I care for my
veneered teeth?
Dr. Valdes will discuss any
care with you in detail
during your appointment.
Brush and floss as normal,
but avoid biting down on
hard objects (such as your
fingernails) or using your
teeth as tools. Bonding and
veneers aren't as strong as
your natural enamel and may
more easily chip or
fracture.
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Will my newly veneered teeth
stain?
Any teeth - even
cosmetically treated ones -
can be stained by tobacco
and certain foods and
drinks. Veneers, though, are
more resistant to stain than
bonded or bleached teeth. To
avoid stains, shun tobacco
products, coffee, tea, red
wine, and heavily colored
foods. (Colored toothpastes
aren't a problem.)
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How are Veneers different
from Fillings or Crowns?
A small composite resin
filling is used when only a
small amount of tooth
structure needs replacing or
repair. A full Crown is
indicated when a tooth has
had Root Canal treatment or
when a substantial amount of
the entire tooth structure
(enamel) has been lost. A
Porcelain Veneer is
indicated when a portion of
the front surface of a tooth
needs a "face lift." Dr.
Valdes will explain the most
adequate procedure for you
during your visit.
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