Anxious Patient

Q: I really don’t like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?

A: Many people are uncomfortable when visiting the dentist. Your comfort is our highest priority, and our office is designed so that you can enjoy a relaxing dental visit. We have sedation options available to provide a more relaxed dental visit.

Bad Breath

Q: I brush every day, but my breath is just not fresh. Is there anything else I can do?

A: Millions of people struggle with halitosis (or bad breath) despite daily teeth brushing. This can be caused by poor hygiene, gum disease or problems with the digestive system.  Here is a checklist of procedures that can help 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 additional solutions. First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue, significantly alleviating odor. Or, we can recommend a specially-prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually breakdown the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, if we suspect a systemic or internal problem, such as an infection or an underlying condition, we may recommend that you visit your family physician or a specialist to identify the cause. It is important to identify the root cause to completely eliminate the problem.

Crowns

Q: What is a crown, and why might I need one?

A: If your doctor has recommended a crown to you, it is likely either to correct a broken tooth or to repair a tooth that has deteriorated due to cavities (decay). The decay in your tooth eats away at healthy tooth structure…much like rust eats away at metal. If not removed, decay will deteriorate the tooth to the point where extraction is the only viable treatment option. Sometimes, decay is removed, leaving healthy tooth structure but not much of it. A crown can then be placed, restoring the look and function of your tooth, while allowing you to keep your natural, underlying tooth structure. Most crowns are precision-milled porcelain or full metal (gold or silver) and are individually customized for each application in each patient, giving you a natural, long-lasting smile.

Digital X-rays (Radiographs)

Q: I know I need X-rays, but I’d prefer not to be exposed to unnecessary radiation. Do you offer digital X-rays?

A: Yes, we do offer digital X-rays. Digital X-rays (or radiographs) use less radiation and are safer for you than traditional film-based X-rays. You will find that in our dental practice, we research the latest trends in technology to find the solutions that best promote your overall health, safety, and comfort.

Fluoride

Q: How does fluoride help my teeth?

A: Research shows that fluoride reduces cavities in both children and in adults by halting tooth decay. It also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay becomes visible. Interestingly, many people continue to be misinformed about fluoride and fluoridation. Fluoride is a safe chemical component when used correctly. When your dentist applies fluoride to your teeth ― usually in the form of a fluoride varnish, gel, or foam ― that fluoride is more concentrated than the fluoride contained in toothpaste or mouthwash. The ADA recommends that dental professionals use any of the professional strength, fluoride varnish, gel, or foam products carrying the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Q: I want my front teeth to look better, but I don’t want to wear braces. What would you recommend?

A: Dr. Suzuki 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. We would be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your individual situation.

Losing/Missing a Tooth

Q: How can losing a back tooth affect my smile?

A: Losing a back tooth will darken your overall smile, making it look smaller and narrower. Your smile will appear to stop short, and the look will be exaggerated if your missing tooth has teeth on both sides of it. Function during chewing will be reduced, and function of many teeth can be affected by losing just one tooth. When you are missing a tooth, you compensate by chewing differently, putting pressure on different parts of your mouth. This can cause your other teeth to shift, creating gaps and spaces, and may even cause fractures that result in additional tooth loss or in the need for restorations.

Q: What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?

A: By replacing missing teeth either with a bridge or with an implant, you will alleviate the problems associated with a missing tooth and will restore your smile to its beautiful, full appearance. A bridge is one solution for replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, your dentist places a porcelain restoration into the vacant space, restoring the functionality and look of your smile. A dental implant is also an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has bonded to the bone, it can act as a new, solid support for a natural-looking, porcelain restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth or an entire set of teeth, offering more function and permanence than traditional dentures.

New Patient/First Appointment

Q: What can I expect from my first appointment?

A: During your first appointment, your overall dental and oral health will be assessed with a comprehensive oral evaluation. Upon completion of your medical/dental health form, we will ask you to tell us your goals regarding your smile, teeth, and gums. Digital photos and X-rays will be taken of your teeth to identify areas of decay, cracked teeth, and malfunctioning restorations. DIAGNOdent™, a specialized laser, will also be used on your teeth, notifying us of early areas of decay that are not visible on either the X-rays or digital photographs. Our goal is to preserve as much of your teeth as possible by catching decay in its earliest stages. We’ll also assess your gums and will recommend the appropriate hygiene treatment for you.

Q: Do you accept new patient referrals?

A: Over the years, patients have given us the compliment of referring family and friends to our practice. Our reputation for excellent dental care depends upon two things ― our good work and your beautiful smile! Your confidence in our care motivates us to continue to strive for excellence. Thank you for your referrals; your trust and support are greatly appreciated.

Nighttime Gritting of Teeth/Nightguards

Q: My teeth keep chipping and cracking. What causes this, and what can I do about it?

A: Many people who notice chipped or cracked teeth, but who don’t remember when the injury occurred, damaged their teeth while they were sleeping. Grinding or clenching your teeth during the night will cause your teeth to chip, crack, and even break. To keep you from seriously damaging your teeth, we recommend a dental appliance called a nightguard. A custom-fitted nightguard protects your teeth from grinding and clenching in your sleep. Dr. Suzuki takes great care in making sure that you have a proper fit to prevent pain in your jaw joint. Do you suffer from headaches? If so, you may also find that a side benefit of your nightguard is headache prevention. Many headaches start during the night, caused by the extreme pressure generated as you grind and clench your teeth. Ask us about having a nightguard custom created especially for you.

Payment

Q: I want cosmetic dentistry. Does my insurance pay for it?

A: Dental insurance is designed to assist you in paying for your dentistry. Most procedures are not fully covered by your insurance. Cosmetic dentistry, in particular, is not covered by most dental insurance plans. To help you afford your smile, we offer a variety of payment options, in addition to a monthly payment plan provided through our financial partner, CareCredit℠. We also pay special attention to maximizing the benefits that your insurance does provide. Ask us how you can comfortably afford your dentistry and maximize your dental insurance benefits.

Q: What different payment options do you accept?

A: Helping to make your dental care financially comfortable and affordable is important, and we proudly offer a variety of options, including:
• A 5% cash courtesy discount if your entire treatment plan is paid in full, in advance.
• Payments by appointment, letting you spread out payments according to your treatment plan
• Visa, MasterCard, and Discover
• Cash or check
• Long-term or extended payment plans through our healthcare financing program (CareCredit℠), allowing you to make small monthly payments over the course of your treatment, once accepted.

We are happy to estimate fees and insurance reimbursement before starting recommended treatments and will gladly file insurance forms for you. Optimal, comprehensive dentistry is what we practice, and we do not base our treatment on what insurance will or will not pay. We base our treatment on what is best for you, and any treatment not paid by insurance is your financial responsibility.

Q: I want and need a lot of dental work, but I’m afraid I can’t afford it. Do you offer monthly payment plans?

A: Yes, we do offer monthly payment plans through our financial partner, CareCredit℠. We provide a variety of ways for you to pay for your treatment so that it fits comfortably into your personal or family financial goals. Our team works with you to create the solution that best accommodates you so you can have the beautiful, healthy smile you have always desired.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Q: My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

A: 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 if it occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set-up an evaluation appointment.

Q: What is periodontal disease?

A: Gums affected by periodontal disease become red and inflamed, often times bleeding during brushing or flossing. If treated in a timely manner, these conditions can be reversed, preventing periodontal disease from developing. However, periodontitis is much more difficult to treat. Periodontitis affects your gums, bone, and teeth in a manner that cannot be reversed. To prevent tooth loss, you may require more extensive, specialized treatment from your general dentist or even from a periodontist. If left untreated, periodontitis results in tooth loss ― teeth either fall out on their own or must be extracted. If you don’t catch periodontitis in its early stages, you may require extensive surgery to save your teeth, putting yourself at risk for other serious health problems. According to CAESY dental education, “Ailments associated with periodontal disease include respiratory disease, pneumonia, strokes, ulcers, difficult-to-control diabetes, low birth weight babies, and infective endocarditis (a dangerous infection of the heart valves). Researchers recently discovered that this chronic infection in your mouth creates an open doorway for plaque bacteria to enter the bloodstream. These bacteria (streptococcus sangguis) may cause blood clots that can block your arteries and even trigger a heart attack.”

Sealants

Q: How do sealants protect teeth?

A: A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars). This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the teeth’s chewing surfaces. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids and guarding against disease-causing bacteria. Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. However, toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to efficiently extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and food.

Tooth Pain

Q: Sometimes when I chew I get a sharp pain. What can I do to correct this?

A: Most dental pain brought on by chewing is caused by a fracture, or crack, in the tooth. The pain can be corrected by placing an inlay/onlay, a porcelain crown, or with more advanced treatment. You want to correct the pain as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage to the tooth. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

Veneers

Q: How can porcelain veneers help my smile?

A: Porcelain veneers improve your smile by correcting a multitude of cosmetic concerns, including:  gaps in teeth; chipped and broken teeth; dull or yellowing teeth that cannot be whitened with traditional means; “gummy smiles” (showing too much gum when one smiles); and, crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers broaden, straighten, whiten, and beautify most any smile. This procedure can be done in as little as two clinical visits. Many of our patients feel like this was the best improvement that could have been done to improve their overall confidence. Ask us at your next visit about how porcelain veneers can improve your smile, or send us an email.

Whitening

Q: I want my teeth to be whiter. Do you recommend at-home or in-office whitening?

A: Dentist-directed, at-home whitening and in-office whitening procedures are both effective ways of brightening your smile. In either case, your dentist customizes the treatment to ensure your happiness with the results. Your custom home-whitening kit includes a special tray that is customized to fit over your teeth. You also receive prescription whitening gel, which is inserted into the tray before you wear it. Dr. Suzuki gives you detailed instructions about how long you should wear the tray each day, and you should expect the entire home-whitening process to take between two and four weeks, leaving you with a dazzling smile. If you desire immediate results, visit Dr. Suzuki for an in-office whitening procedure. Again, the treatment utilizes a special tray that fits around your teeth; however, with your dentist’s supervision, a much more powerful whitening gel is used, giving you amazing results in just a few hours!