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7
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How can I stop grinding my teeth at night?
Grinding can be very damaging to your teeth and also difficult to stop. If vigorous grinding occurs at night, teeth can be worn down because the instinctive reflex to stop grinding does not work while you are sleeping. Grinding due to stress can only be cured by removing the stress trigger. If grinding continues, a nightguard may be prescribed to prevent ultimate damage to the teeth. |
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8
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Are there any alternatives to dentures?
Dentures are no longer the only way to restore a mouth that has few or no non-restorable teeth. Strategically placed supports, or implants, can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the "feel" of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative of choice to dentures, but not everyone is a candidate for implants. Call our office for more information on implants and bridges. |
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9
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Are fluoride or x-rays, a danger to my health? What are the alternatives?
Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, which is found universally throughout nature in water, soil, air and in most foods. Fluoride is absorbed easily into the tooth enamel, especially in children's growing teeth. Once teeth are developed, fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage is visible. Radiographs, or x-rays, help us determine the presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses, and many abnormal growths such as cysts and tumors. They can help pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to detect through a visual examination. All health care providers are sensitive to patients' concerns about exposure to radiation. Dentists are trained to prescribe radiographs when they are appropriate and to tailor the radiograph schedule to meet individual patient needs. By using state-of-the-art technology, such as digital radiography, and by staying knowledgeable about recent advances, dentists know which techniques, procedures and X-ray films can minimize your exposure to radiation. |
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10
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What are dental implants and how do they work?
Dental implants are substitutes for natural tooth roots and rely on the jawbone for support. Strategically placed, implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble real teeth. |
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11
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What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure done to save the tooth by cleaning out the diseased pulp and reshaping the canal. The canal is filled with gutta percha, a rubberlike material, to prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth is then permanently sealed with possibly a post and/or a gold or porcelain crown. This enables patients to keep their original teeth. |
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12
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When is the best time to remove wisdom teeth?
When the removal of wisdom teeth is determined necessary, it is best done when the roots are approximately 2/3rds formed, usually in the adolescent years. Removal at this time allows for an easier procedure and decreases the risk of damage to the nerves in that area. |