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General Questions
Why should I see a Prosthodontist?
Can I still see my regular dentist for cleanings
and exams?
Cosmetic Questions
Is bleaching (tooth whitening) safe?
How long does bleaching last?
Do the "over the counter" bleaching products
work?
What is the difference between veneers
and bonding?
Why should I consider replacing my silver
fillings with porcelain fillings?
Dental Implant Questions
Are dental implants safe?
Can dental implants fail?
Why should I consider using dental
implants?
Reconstructive Questions
How do I know whether my teeth need reconstructing?
What is involved with
a reconstruction?
Click here to ask us a question that we haven't
already answered.
Why should I see a Prosthodontist?
Prosthodontists are specialists who have extensive training in restoring
and replacing teeth. They have much experience with the latest
cosmetic, implant and reconstructive procedures. Prosthodontists
can offer unique solutions to your dental problems.
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Can I still see my regular dentist for cleanings
and exams?
Certainly! You are encouraged to continue your routine dental
care with your regular dentist. But often patients come to
the practice without a regular dentist and they are quite comfortable
receiving cleanings by the hygienist in the office. These
patients are typically seen every three to six months by the hygienist
and Dr. Boenning.
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Is bleaching (tooth whitening) safe?
Yes. Studies have shown that the bleaching process does not
cause long lasting harm to the tooth. Occasionally, tooth
sensitivity occurs in a small percentage of patients but this disappears
when bleaching is discontinued.
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How long does Bleaching last?
Bleaching can last for years. However, some patients
like to "touch up" occasionally with additional bleach to keep their
teeth very white.
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Do the "over the counter" bleaching products
work?
Usually not too well. Many patients have told the office of
their unsuccessful attempts at using these products. Bleaching
that is controlled by a dentist is safe and predictably gets your
teeth whiter and brighter.
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What is the difference between Veneers
and Bonding?
Veneers are made of porcelain and tend to last much longer than
bonding, which is made of a very strong plastic. Veneers can
last ten to fifteen years (or more!) while bonding may last in the
three to eight year range. Veneers are fabricated in a dental
lab and take multiple visits while bonding is done directly in the
mouth and takes one visit. The fee for veneers is higher than
bonding. Whether to use one over the other is always a case by case
decision.
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Why should I consider replacing my
silver fillings with porcelain fillings?
Silver fillings often crack and break down at the edges as they
age. When this occurs replacement is necessary. Porcelain
fillings (inlays and onlays) are fabricated in a dental lab and
fit very precisely. They not only bond to the tooth
internally thus making it stronger, but also look tooth colored
and very natural. These porcelain restorations can last ten
or more years.
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Are dental implants safe?
Yes. Dental implants are made from commercially pure titanium
(the same type that has been used for years in hip replacements)
and are quite compatible with the human body.
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Can Dental Implants fail?
Yes, but only a small percentage actually do. Dental implants
have around 98% success rate which is excellent. It is important
that the dentist who performs the implant surgery and fabricates
the implant restoration be trained extensively and possess much
experience with dental implants. Improper placement technique
can result in implants failing.
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Why should I consider using Dental
Implants?
Dental implants are an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth.
They allow for a permanent anchorage of a crown or bridge to the
implant(s), thus filling in the space where the teeth were missing.
Partial dentures can be replaced by using implants and loose dentures
can be secured by anchoring them to dental implants.
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How do I know whether my teeth need reconstructing?
A reconstruction is necessary when some or all of the teeth are
broken down or defective. The bite may be adversely affected
and your smile or appearance of individual teeth may be unattractive.
Typically, existing crowns, bridges, dentures and large fillings
are falling apart or are not functioning properly.
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What is involved with
a reconstruction?
First, the problems must be assessed and diagnosed.
Then a plan is formulated to correct all of the problems.
Crowns, bridgework and implants may be involved and the emphasis
is always to restore the patient to a proper level of function and
also to create an attractive smile.
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