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Frequently Asked Questions |
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If you have any questions about our
practice, we want you to call and get to know us better. We have answered
a few questions below that our patients commonly ask. Please browse
through and hopefully
you can have your questions answered now.
What do I do
if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
In case of a true dental emergency,
please contact our office voice mail and let us know the nature of
your condition. We will return your call as soon as possible and give
you helpful information over the phone, then determine if you need
to be seen immediately. I have a temporary
crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes off or breaks?
If your temporary crown comes off or
breaks, carefully wrap up the piece(s), place it into a protective
container, and call our office to schedule an appointment for Dr. MacKenzie
to re-apply it as soon as possible. Under NO circumstances
should you attempt to re-glue the crown or crown pieces back into position. How can I safely
whiten my teeth?
There are a number of procedures available
to help whiten your smile, from at-home whitening products to in-office
supervised treatments. Dr. MacKenzie can help evaluate your potential
for whitening your teeth, based on their current color and the causes
of any discoloration. Once you have decided on the most appropriate
method, you will probably spend anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks undergoing
a series of simple whitening treatments. My gums bleed
after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
It is certainly not desirable to have
bleeding gums following brushing. However, the condition may or may
not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding
gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough, "scrubbing"
instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth
brush
instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum
line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease.
If this problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods
or occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set up an evaluation
appointment. I really do
not like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help
me relax?
We understand many people have qualms
about having their teeth worked on. So, we strive to create a relaxing
atmosphere. For entertainment and distraction, we have special headphones
and DVD movies available in all rooms so you can keep your mind on
more pleasant things. And for the more complex procedures, we also
offer laughing gas and local anesthesia to keep you comfortable and
relaxed. Crowns, veneers,
onlays, inlays and partials…where can I learn more about these procedures?
Our web site is designed to help you
learn all you need to about the various restorative and cosmetic techniques
we offer. Simply click on the Patient Library link
in the margin, then select your article topic from the listing provided.
But, if you desire even more information about a larger variety of
topics, click here to
visit the American Dental Association web site. I brush everyday,
but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?
Millions of people struggle with halitosis,
or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Here is a checklist of
procedures that can eliminate the problem: twice daily brushing, daily
flossing and tongue cleaning; regular professional cleanings, and
careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances. However,
if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, we can offer
several solutions. First, we can provide a plastic tool
called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your
tongue and significantly alleviates odor. Or, we can recommend a specially-prepared
rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break down the odor-causing
sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, we may also suspect a
systemic
or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, in
which case we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist
to identify the cause. Do I have to
floss every day? Is it really that important?
A little regular flossing goes a long
way, and is truly critical for your overall oral health. It loosens
food particles in tight spaces that your toothbrush cannot reach, it
gets rid of plaque build-up that toothbrushes alone cannot remove,
and it exercises your gum tissues. All of which is necessary to avoid
gum disease. So, just think of daily flossing as the finishing touch
after brushing - insurance for your smile's future. I want my front
teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would
you recommend?
Dr. MacKenzie has a number of ways to
improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces.
For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and
the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a
bright, uniform look. In other cases, it may be necessary to attach
"invisible" braces
behind the front teeth. We would be happy to talk with you further
about the option that best suits your individual situation. What is Smile
Design?
The highlight of smile design is watching
your eyes light up the first time you look in the mirror at the change
that has taken place. Our experience of watching our guests react to
their new smile is almost overwhelming. We see an immediate change
in their confidence and their interaction with others. The result is
the creation of a beautiful new smile with a comfortable neuromuscular
occlusion. Typically changing the clinical smile
is rewarding, but when clinical changes affect the psychological and
emotional components---that is exhilarating! Most see dentistry simply
as a repair and maintenance facility. But when patients' lives are
changed in such drastic measures, it confirms the reason many of us
got involved
in dentistry in the first place, which is to help others. |
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Preston Road Dental Care Site designed and maintained by TNT Dental |