FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It is difficult to say whether TMD (disease of the TMJ) can be completely cured however, it can be well managed and controlled to the level that patients are completely comfortable and fully functional. Many advancements have been made to alleviate many or all of the debilitating symptoms that are associated with TMD (TMJ).
At this time this, there has been no evidence that laser tooth whitening causes cancer. However, there has been very little research done in this area. It is best to discuss your options with a dentist before starting any time of whitening procedure to make sure that it is safe for you.
We know that most cases of mouth cancer occur in people who:
- smoke tobacco
- chew tobacco
- chew betel nut
- regularly drink alcohol
Zoom teeth whitening is 100% safe for enamel. To assure this safety, it must be done by a trained dental professional per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Laser teeth whitening does not work on veneers. Veneers are typically made from ceramic or porcelain, meaning they’re unable to be whitened. Staining from eating or drinking foods containing color is possible, which is why it’s recommended to whiten teeth before placing veneers, crowns, or bridges on teeth.
No, Veneers are placed on the front surface of a tooth. Crowns are placed over the entire tooth structure. While they are similar, depending on the reinforcement required for the teeth, a professional dentist will suggest the best option.
No, bad breath is caused by bacteria build up in the mouth. Regular brushing and flossing should be done twice daily to prevent this. Veneers don’t cause bad breath but neglect can cause bacteria buildup. Regular dental visits are recommended to remove hardened bacteria on your teeth.
Dental restorations last an average of 7-10 years. For lasting results, oral hygiene and care should be done, as poor hygiene and teeth grinding lead to a shorter lifespan. In some cases, a new cavity occurring in the tooth can be the cause of the filling needing replacing to remove the cavity.
Tooth bonding means adding “white” filling to teeth for esthetic and/or strengthing. A simple procedure that can take only one visit, it’s commonly done with small chips and/or spaces on upper front teeth
Periodontal therapy is done to help disinfect harmful bacteria between the gums and the tooth (Sulcus/Pocket) to restore health to supporting tissue and reducing the chance of tooth loss. This can be done non-surgically or surgically through several ways including lasers, antibiotics, scaling, and root planing to disrupt the bacteria.
Periodontal therapy includes both surgical and non-surgical approach to help disinfect the harmful bacteria in between the gum and the tooth (called the sulcus/pocket). It is used to restore health to the supporting tissue to reduce the chances of tooth loss. There are several ways to disrupt the bacteria such as lasers, antibiotics scaling and root planing to name a few.