6545 S Fort Apache Rd Ste 110, Las Vegas, NV 89148
Common Questions From Our Patients
Choosing a dentist is an important decision, and we want you to feel fully informed before your visit. Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from patients throughout Las Vegas. If you do not see your question here, our team is always happy to help.
Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels, and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.
Great teeth and gum care start at home. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums on a continual basis. By keeping to a daily routine, you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.
Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surround the teeth and enter the gums. The gums can become irritated, inflamed, and often bleed. In order to prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended. During your visit, our Hygiene team will teach you the proper flossing techniques and oral hygiene protocol for home care to prevent periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease is a quiet disease that begins with little to no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surround the teeth and enter the gums. The immediate condition is known as ‘gingivitis’. The gums become irritated, inflamed, and often bleed. If not properly treated, the condition worsens. Noticeable symptoms can include:
- Bad breath
- Gum recession
- Gum sensitivity to acidic foods
- Abscesses
- Tooth pain
- Tooth loss
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Through a series of periodontal cleanings, root planing & scaling, laser therapy and local antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal surgery is only necessary for severe cases.
There are several ways to improve and enhance your smile. You could choose from the following:
- Teeth whitening
- Porcelain veneers
- Porcelain crowns
Please contact our office for a consultation so we can help you choose the best treatment.
GLO whitening is a professional teeth whitening treatment that combines a specially formulated hydrogen peroxide whitening gel with gentle warming heat and blue LED light. The heat and light work together to speed up the whitening process while helping reduce the tooth sensitivity that some people experience with traditional whitening treatments.
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that go directly on your natural teeth. This entire procedure can take as few as two visits. Veneers change the size, shape and color of a patient’s teeth. This procedure is used to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or a crooked smile. Many times, patients ask for Porcelain Veneers to simply feel and look younger with a straighter, whiter smile!
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that completely covers a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength, shape, size, and appearance. Crowns are designed to look and function like natural teeth while protecting the remaining tooth structure.
A dental implant is a permanent solution for replacing a missing tooth. It consists of a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it acts as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant has healed and fused with the bone, a custom-made crown is attached to restore the appearance and function of your natural tooth.
- Dental implants look and function like your natural tooth.
- Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
- Dental implants are maintained by routine hygiene visits to your dental office.
- Dental implants decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss.
- Dental implants replace the need for a removable full or Partial Denture.
- Dental implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing. A traditional bridge would involve the two or more adjacent teeth being compromised to create a false tooth in between.
Dental implants are a great option for many patients who have lost one or more teeth and have healthy gums and adequate jawbone to support the implant. If there is not enough bone, your dentist may recommend a bone graft before implant placement.
There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.
The average dental implant Procedure takes 3 – 4 visits. The first visit is to x-ray the area and take an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the implant.
The next visit is to place the implant. A local anesthesia is applied to the area. (Any additional sedation is no longer necessary unless deemed by the dentist). The dentist will then make a minor incision to place the implant. The implant is placed into the jaw bone. The area will then be covered with sutures. The procedure is usually completed with minor pain.
You will next return in approximately 3 months to begin creating the porcelain crown to place over the implant.
Fees from dental implants vary from dentist to dentist. Always schedule an implant consultation to discuss the procedure and all fees involved.
With routine dental hygiene scheduled and proper home care, A dental implant can last approximately 30 years to a lifetime.
Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to make your perfect smile today!