Frequently Asked Questions

What causes teeth to become yellow?

Teeth can become yellow for many reasons, including consuming foods and beverages known to cause staining, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. Smoking or chewing tobacco can also alter the color of your teeth.

Aging is also a factor. Just beneath your thin layer of white enamel lies another layer of tissue called dentin, which is naturally yellow in color. As your enamel wears away over the years, more of that yellow tissue begins to show.

Some people are simply more "prone" to yellowing than others. And of course, failing to practice good oral hygiene habits including routine cleanings every six months can also allow stains to build up and penetrate the tooth surface.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes, the teeth whitening methods used at Pro Dental Care are completely safe. The professional laser whitening system the practice uses for in-office whitening is FDA-approved for safe, effective whitening. As with all procedures available at Pro Dental Care, you can feel confident that your provider approaches your teeth whitening experience from a perspective that places your dental health as their top priority.

How is teeth whitening performed?

Pro Dental Care offers two whitening methods: A take-home kit that uses custom-fit trays for better and more consistent application of the whitening gel, and an in-office whitening procedure that uses a combination of a whitening gel and a special laser light to activate the gel so it can penetrate more deeply.

With the take-home kit, you wear your custom trays for about 45 minutes every day over a period of two weeks for optimal results. Take-home kits are also ideal for "touch-up" treatments between professional whitening treatments.

In-office whitening yields excellent results with a single treatment. Depending on your desired final shade, additional treatment may be needed to achieve the best results.

Will teeth whitening make my teeth more sensitive?

Some patients may experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after professional teeth whitening, but these issues will resolve shortly after your whitening treatment. Scheduling a dental exam prior to professional whitening can reduce the risk of sensitivity by identifying any areas of decay or issues like small cracks or chips.

If needed, these issues can be corrected before your whitening session to reduce your chances of sensitivity during whitening. If your teeth are sensitive, speak with your practitioner prior to your appointment.

If you'd like to explore teeth whitening in more depth, schedule a visit at Pro Dental Care today, online or by phone.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are only available through a dental practice. They are thin, protective coatings made of a special type of plastic painted on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. They work to seal off the grooves and pits on your teeth where bacteria collect.

These pits and grooves may be particularly hard to clean, especially for children who haven't yet developed a consistent and effective dental hygiene routine. Even adults can benefit from dental sealants. Once sealed, bacteria cannot damage that portion of your teeth, giving you additional protection against cavities and tooth infections.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals with dental sealants experience 80% fewer cavities in the first two years following application than those who don't have sealants. Over the next four years, dental sealants can protect against 50% of cavities.

What happens during the dental sealant application?

The team of professional dental hygienists at Pro Dental Care apply dental sealants during a standard office appointment. The first step is a thorough dental exam to identify any existing decay. If no decay exists, the dentists or hygienists use a special solution to prepare the surface of the teeth for the sealant.

Your provider carefully applies the sealant to your teeth. Applying dental sealants is more involved than simply painting the material onto the teeth; your practitioner must apply sealants in a way that delivers protection without interfering with your bite.

Once in place, a special light cures the sealant and completes the application process. This procedure is completely painless and requires no special preparation or downtime.

How often should sealants be reapplied?

If the sealant material is still intact and performing as expected, you can expect your sealants to last for years. Your Pro Dental Care dentist evaluates the status of your sealants during routine dental checkups to determine if a touch-up or re-application is necessary.

Reapplication involves removing the remaining sealant material with a drill or dental scaler. Once all sealant material is removed the process is the same as getting an original round of sealants.

How much do dental sealants cost?

The cost of dental sealants varies. In many cases, dental insurance policies cover up to 100% of the cost. Patients concerned about the cost of this service can request a quote from the office before undergoing treatment.

Pro Dental Care can estimate the amount the patient's insurance company will likely cover when preparing your personalized quote. For more information, schedule an appointment with Pro Dental Care today. Online scheduling is available, or you can simply call and speak with a member of the administrative staff.

What kinds of dentures are offered?

Pro Dental Care's cosmetic dentists and licensed denturists provide a variety of treatment solutions for men and women of all ages. From the preliminary consultation to completed dentures, or denture relining and repairs, you can trust this expert team to deliver nothing but the best. Your denture options include

• Metal framework partial dentures
• Acrylic partial dentures
• Dental implants and crowns
• Denture relines
• Soft denture liners
• Implant-supported dentures

At Pro Dental Care, all dentures are constructed in-house by licensed denturists. This is a great advantage, as you can see your dentures throughout the process. From start to finish, your denturist can monitor and alter the look and feel of your dentures to make sure you end up with a smile you're proud to show off.

Are immediate dentures right for me?

Have you lost your teeth as a result of an illness, injury, or prolonged decay? Do you need full dentures? If so, immediate dentures might be the right choice for you. Immediate dentures offer you the benefit and convenience of never having to be without teeth. Be aware, though, that as your mouth heals from the loss of your natural teeth and immediate denture inserts, your dentures require relining to ensure the most comfortable and accurate fit over time.

What are partial dentures?

The most common type of partial dentures has a metal framework. Unlike full dentures, partials are meant to replace a few missing teeth, not all of your natural teeth. your denturist or dentist will measure your mouth and build a model so they can construct your dentures as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Partial dentures with metal frames securely anchor to your existing teeth and stay in place without the use of dental adhesives.

A more cost-effective alternative is acrylic partial dentures. They tend to be cheaper than partials with metal frames, but they also need to be replaced more often. Acrylic partials are usually a temporary solution for missing front teeth while the dentist makes permanent partials or bridges.

What if I need denture repairs?

The licensed denturists at Pro Dental Care offer many types of denture repairs that can often be completed in a few hours. Denture repairs take place on-site.

Call today or schedule a denture consultation online to learn more.

What are mouth guards?

Mouth guards are devices that cover and protect your teeth from damage. Guards worn during your waking hours are usually just called mouth guards, while those worn during sleep are usually called night guards.

Most mouth guards are only worn over your upper teeth, although there are cases where a lower mouth guard is also necessary. It's important to work with the skilled dentists at Pro Dental Care to get a custom mouth guard that is both comfortable and effective.

Mouth guards are worn during athletic pursuits that carry a high risk of facial trauma. Potential damage includes:

• Jawbone fracture
• Damaged or lost teeth
• Oral lacerations

Many sports involve a risk of facial trauma, and even activities like biking and inline skating carry a risk, so consider wearing a mouth guard during any activity that could damage your teeth.

What is a night guard?

A night guard is a special mouth guard worn during sleep to protect your teeth from damage due to clenching and grinding. The act of teeth grinding is a condition called bruxism, and is very common.

If you grind your teeth during sleep, you can wear away the enamel. You can also place undue pressure on your teeth, weakening them and increasing the risk of fracture.

Many men and women are unaware they grind their teeth during sleep. Symptoms of bruxism include

• Pain in your face, jaw, or neck
• Sleep disruption
• Headache
• Abrasions inside your cheeks
• Tooth sensitivity or pain
• Flattened or worn teeth
• Tight or tired jaw muscles

Very often your sleep partner will let you know you're grinding your teeth, as the sound can be very disruptive.

Why choose custom mouth or night guards?

There are over-the-counter mouth guards available, which are commonly called boil-and-bite guards. They are designed to fit a wide range of mouth shapes and sizes, and you simply drop them into boiling water for a period of time to soften the plastic before you bite down to mold the material to fit your teeth.

These products cannot match the custom fit available from Pro Dental Care. If you're going to need to wear your mouth guard frequently during athletic training and play, it makes sense to get a custom guard that offers the highest level of protection and is also comfortable to wear.

A poor-fitting night guard can make it difficult to get a solid night's sleep because you can find yourself constantly trying to adjust the fit for comfort. Bruxism is a serious dental problem that can have lasting effects, so invest in a professional night guard that will last for many years to come.

To learn more about mouth guards and how they can protect your teeth, book a visit at Pro Dental Care online or by phone.

What is platelet-rich plasma?

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a solution created from a small volume of your own blood. The preparation is made by drawing blood and then spinning it at a high rate of speed in a device called a centrifuge.

Your blood is made of a liquid called plasma and a combination of solids, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Your platelets play a key role in helping your blood to clot and contain special proteins called growth factors that work to speed healing.

Once the centrifuge isolates the plasma, the platelets are collected and reintroduced to that plasma. That creates a powerful preparation that can then be injected virtually anywhere in your body where healing is necessary.

What are the benefits of PRP in oral surgery?

There are many reasons to consider incorporating PRP into your Pro Dental Care oral surgery treatment plan. After an extraction, bone grafting, or dental implants, PRP can help by:

• Accelerating recovery time
• Reducing the risk of infection by sealing the wound
• Lowering the risk of post-surgical complications
• Potentially lessening the need for pain medications

Many men and women who choose to add PRP into their surgical plan do so because of the appeal of a natural approach that harnesses their body's own healing abilities.

Is platelet-rich plasma safe?

One of the biggest draws of using PRP to boost healing is the fact that the preparation comes from your own body. That means there is virtually no risk of infection and no concern that your body might reject the therapy due to an allergic or other negative reaction.

Platelet-rich plasma is becoming one of the most highly sought-after therapies for a wide range of medical and dental applications. Tendon and ligament injuries, muscle and joint repair, and even hair growth and aesthetic treatments are making use of this powerful healing treatment.

If you have questions or concerns about how PRP can help you heal after oral surgery, schedule a consultation at Pro Dental Care today. Online scheduling makes it easy to find a time that fits your busy life, or you can always call or stop by the office to check availability.

What is fluoride?

Your teeth are constantly going through a cycle of demineralization and remineralization that weaken and strengthen the hard layer of protective enamel. Exposure to acidic elements like soda, citrus fruits, stomach acids, and certain infections are just a few factors that can increase the acidity of your mouth and weaken your enamel (demineralization).

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in oceans, rivers, and streams. It works to help replace lost phosphorus and calcium in the enamel layer of your teeth (remineralization).

How can I get enough fluoride to strengthen my teeth?

There are numerous ways to get fluoride either topically or systemically, including:

• Municipal water supply (not all areas add fluoride to the water)
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwashes or gels
• Some dental floss
• Certain foods

Statistics show that communities, where fluoride is added to the water supply, have 20% to 40% lower rates of tooth decay than those where supplementation is not available. Children in those communities seem to show the most significant improvements in dental health.

Professional fluoride applications by a trained and licensed dental practice like Pro Dental Care is the best way to ensure you're getting the right amount of fluoride for your specific needs.

What is fluoride application like?

Having a fluoride treatment is usually done during your routine dental exam or restorative care appointment. Your practitioner uses a brush, swab, or tray to apply a highly concentrated formulation of fluoride to the surfaces of your teeth.

The fluoride may be in the form of a gel, rinse, foam, or varnish. The entire process takes just a few moments and is not uncomfortable. You should avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes or so after your appointment to allow the fluoride to fully absorb into your enamel.

Your Pro Dental Care dentist can advise you on the best schedule for additional fluoride treatments for yourself or your child.

How do I know if I need supplemental fluoride?

Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and overall health to determine if fluoride treatments are right for you. Too much fluoride can cause problems, so getting the right amount is important.

For many children, women, and men, fluoride treatments or medical-grade fluoride products are a great way to enhance dental health. Integrated into a solid dental hygiene routine, fluoride treatments can strengthen your teeth and protect against decay.

If you have questions about fluoride treatments, schedule an appointment at Pro Dental Care today, online or by phone.

What are fillings?

Dental fillings are a treatment that restores the structural integrity of a damaged tooth by introducing a filling material into the portion of your tooth destroyed by a cavity. Dental fillings also prevent tooth decay from spreading further into the affected tooth.

Virtually everyone will eventually need one or more fillings. While these procedures used to be a source of dread, today's tools and techniques make getting a filling a swift and painless experience.

What type of materials are dental fillings made of?

You have choices when it comes to the type of material used to create your fillings, and tooth-colored fillings are available to guarantee an aesthetically pleasing outcome. Your Pro Dental Care dentist can help you find the option that works best for your needs and treatment goals.

Amalgam fillings

These are the silver-colored metal fillings that were the most common options in years past. They are affordable, durable, and still widely available. They are not the best aesthetically pleasing option, however, especially for restorations that will be highly visible when you laugh or smile.

Composite resin (tooth-colored) fillings

These fillings can be shaded to match the color of your natural teeth, and are virtually indistinguishable once complete. They are more affordable than porcelain fillings and are also very durable, which has made them among the most popular filling options.

Porcelain fillings

Also called inlays or onlays, these are a beautiful choice that is often hard to distinguish from your natural tooth tissue. They resist staining and are also durable, but are among the more expensive material options.

Gold fillings

Gold fillings can last for 20 years or more and are incredibly durable. Many men and women are drawn to the aesthetics of gold fillings, but they are the most expensive option.

During your Pro Dental Care visit, your dentist will discuss the pros and cons of available material options to ensure you make an informed decision.

What is the process for getting a filling?

The first step is a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Next, your dentist removes any decayed tooth tissue with a laser, drill, or air abrasion device. Once your dentist reaches a layer of healthy tissue, they carefully clean and prepare the surface to receive the filling material.

Each material type has a unique process to cover and protect your tooth tissue. Some fillings are pre-made to fit the contours of your tooth and are cemented into position, while other materials are layered into place by hand during your appointment.

At the end of the process, your dentist checks the placement and fit and performs any final shaping. Your filling is then complete, and you simply need to adhere to a solid dental hygiene routine to prevent further decay.

To learn more about your options for dental fillings, book a visit at Pro Dental Care today, online or by phone.

What is periodontal dentistry?

Periodontal dentistry involves procedures that treat your gum tissue. The gums play a vital role in securing and supporting your teeth, and are often overlooked until an issue arises. Fortunately, this tissue type is also among the fastest to heal, so periodontal procedures are often very successful.

If you encounter a problem with your gum tissue, working with a dental specialist who has the skills and training to deliver proper care is important. While all dentists receive gum health training, not all pursue the same level of ongoing education and specialty training as Dr. Brar and Dr. Bram.

What is frenectomy?

A frenum is a small band of connective tissue. You have one that connects your tongue to the floor of your mouth. If that frenum restricts your tongue from moving properly, you may not be able to speak properly.

Your second frenum connects your upper lip to your gum. If that band of tissue is too wide or too long, it can lead to a space between your two front teeth.

A simple surgical procedure called a frenectomy can address these problems, and create optimal frenum function. The process can be done with a surgical scalpel or a laser.

What is gum grafting?

A gum graft is a type of tissue graft that repositions soft tissue from one area of your mouth to another. The procedure is often done to correct receding gums, which is a common issue that can cause heightened tooth sensitivity.

There are various ways to perform gum grafting, and Dr. Bram or Dr. Brar will complete a thorough diagnostic exam before determining the best approach for your needs. Gum grafts are an outpatient procedure, and you'll be able to head home afterward.

It's important to follow your post-operative care to support the healing process and reduce the risk of infection. A special mouth rinse helps keep your mouth clean, and you may need an antibiotic to further prevent infection.

What is laser gum treatment?

Pro Dental Care offers the very latest dental technology and is proud to include laser gum therapy as an option for treating gum disease or improving the aesthetic contours of your gum line.

Dental lasers can quickly and effectively remove inflamed gum tissue to improve access to your teeth for cleaning or treatment. The precision and control afforded by lasers make these procedures less invasive than traditional approaches, and can also speed healing.

That said, it's important to choose a practitioner with experience in leveraging lasers to their greatest advantage. In the wrong hands a dental laser can cause significant damage, so be sure to work with a dentist who has both training and experience in laser dentistry.

To learn more about the periodontal dentistry services offered at Pro Dental Care, book an appointment today, online or by phone.

Why replace missing teeth?

Most people only think of the aesthetic aspects of missing teeth, but there are serious health concerns to also consider. When you're missing one or more teeth, the remaining teeth can shift out of position. That can alter your bite and place undue pressure on your remaining teeth.

There is also the matter of bone loss. Each tooth is anchored directly into your bone tissue. When you bite down, you stimulate that tissue, keeping it healthy and strong. Losing a tooth results in a loss of that stimulation, which can cause your bone to wear away, a process called resorption.

Missing teeth can also affect the way you eat and speak, which can have a negative effect on your health and social interactions. And yes, the aesthetic ramifications are also an important motivation to find a tooth replacement option.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option that uses metal posts to replace your natural tooth roots. An artificial crown is installed on the portion of the post that extends from your gum tissue.

Getting implants requires oral surgery to position the metal implant into your bone tissue. That process is mapped out using dental cone beam computed tomography, commonly called 3D cone beam scanning. This state-of-the-art imaging delivers insight into the soft tissues, bone, and nerve pathways in the surgical area.

The process of getting dental implants requires multiple office visits and a degree of patience as your body heals. The implants are positioned during one appointment, followed by around four months of healing. Once your bone tissue has fused to the implant material, you'll return to have the crown portion of the implant attached to the post.

Pro Dental Care also offers all-on-4, a dental implant solution that creates a full smile with just four implants in your top jaw and four in the bottom jaw. This is a good option for men and women who need to replace all of their teeth.

How can I prepare for dental implants?

As you prepare for your procedure, it's critical that you share the full details of your health history with your Pro Dental Care dentist, including any medications or supplements you're taking. You should also be prepared to follow all post-operative instructions to reduce the risk of infection.

If you're a smoker, make every effort to quit in advance of your implant procedure. Smoking impedes your body's ability to heal, and is also incredibly harmful to your gum tissue. Smoking even impacts your circulation, so quitting is a great plan as your surgery date nears.

To learn more about what dental implants can do for you, schedule a time to sit down and discuss the process in detail. You can book a consultation at Pro Dental Care online or by phone.

What is laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry involves using concentrated beams of light to alter the soft or hard tissues within your mouth. There are various laser platforms to choose from, each designed to address specific needs and treatment goals.

Some lasers treat the soft tissues in your mouth, including your gums. These tools can remove excess gum tissue, treat oral ulcers, or release abnormally tight muscle attachments in your mouth.

Other lasers treat hard tissues like your teeth and bones. These tools can prepare teeth for fillings, root canal therapy or remove decay.

At Envision a Smile, the dentists use the Epic X™ and BIOLASEⓇ Waterlase for laser dentistry procedures.

What is the Epic X laser?

Epic X is a diode laser designed for dental treatments. It’s an incredibly versatile dental instrument the Envision a Smile dental team uses to address numerous common dental issues.

Laser teeth whitening is one treatment facilitated by the Epic X laser. The process is quick and easy and can boost the wattage of your smile considerably after just one treatment. If you’re thinking of trying professional teeth whitening services at Envision a Smile, the Epic X laser can deliver great results in only 20 minutes of treatment time.

Epic X can also provide temporary pain relief for men and women living with a temporomandibular joint disorder or other painful jaw problems. These conditions can make it hard to eat, speak, or yawn without significant pain, and can also cause serious sleep disruptions.

What is the Waterlase dental laser?