What whitening products do you recommend?
There are many brands of professional whitening products on the market and for the most part, all of them will whiten teeth. We use three professional products in our office: Zoom, Colgate Simply White and Crest Professional White Strips. We would be happy to discuss whitening products and help you decide what would be best for you.

At what age do you see children?
We usually see children at the age of three for their first dental prophylaxis.

Should I use mouthwash?
Most adults benefit from using an antibacterial rinse once daily. We would be happy to help you determine the best rinse to place into your oral hygiene regimen.

Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones?
We say the toothbrush is as effective as the hand that uses it. The Sonicare electric toothbrush is recommended in our office for those patients who need that extra help with plaque removal. Studies support electric toothbrush effectiveness but there are those patients who clean just fine with a quality soft toothbrush. Toothbrush choice is based on the individual needs of the patient.

Is dental amalgam safe?
The ADA and FDA state and we believe, that dental amalgam is a safe, affordable and durable material that has been used to restore the teeth of more than 100 million Americans. It contains a mixture of metals such as silver, copper and tin, in addition to mercury, which binds these components into a hard, stable and safe substance. Dental amalgam has been studied and reviewed extensively and has established a record of safety and effectiveness.

What causes gum disease?
The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque but many factors are involved in the body's response. These factors include: smoking, genetics, puberty, pregnancy, menopause in women, stress, medications, diabetes, other medical conditions, clenching or grinding your teeth, poor nutrition and obesity. We provide a comprehensive periodontal examination and charting in our hygiene department so that you understand your periodontal status.

Is it normal for gums to bleed?
Bleeding gums is never normal unless you injure them. Bleeding is a sign of inflammation and bacteria accumulation.

Why do I need a crown?
A dental crown or "cap" may be necessary to maintain a tooth for normal function in the mouth if: the tooth is badly broken down, has a large defective restoration, has had root canal therapy, or is cracked. A dental crown covers the top portion of the tooth and provides strength and protection for the tooth underlying structures. It can be made out of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal or gold. A crown is a precision cast restoration made in a dental lab and is a custom fit for your tooth only.