I Need a Dentist to Answer My Questions

I am looking for a dentist to answer questions about oral health

We hear this a lot from new patients who have questions and concerns but do not know where to turn for answers. We provide comprehensive dental care and are happy to answer any questions you may have. In fact, we prefer it. There are many dental myths that circulate on a regular basis, and if you believe them to be true, they can increase the risk of health problems.

It is important, therefore, to visit a dentist who will answer your questions and provide you with factual information that can help you to maintain positive oral health. In the meantime, here are a few things we hear from new patients on a regular basis.

I need a dentist to tell me how to deal with my toothache.

If a patient has a toothache that does not go away, we recommend visiting our dental office for an examination. A common myth is that applying aspirin directly to the tooth will make it feel better, which can actually burn the gums and we do not recommend this procedure. However, it is important to not ignore a toothache if the pain persists.

A toothache can be a sign of a more serious infection that we need to remove or merely a common cavity. In both cases, early detection and treatment are the best ways to prevent future significant discomfort.

I need a dentist to show me how my smile can be improved.

As a local family dentist,Mass Ave Family Dentistry can improve the appearance of a smile using several methods. Teeth whitening is typically a good place to start because it removes stains and yellowing that occur over time. A common myth is that this can be done at home using lemons. We usually warn against at-home remedies, especially in this case, because the acid in lemons can harm the teeth by stripping away the enamel. Once the enamel is gone, the teeth can become permanently sensitive, requiring additional dental care. Whitening them in our office is a safer option.

Once the teeth are white, we can correct other common issues like closing gaps in between the teeth, changing their shape and size, and even straightening them. This can be done with several solutions, including dental veneers, dental crowns, and bonding. All are effective, and we will discuss the pros and cons of each when a patient comes in. We can even replace missing teeth with a dental bridge or dental implants.

Given the variety of solutions we offer, it is important to visit us for a thorough dental examination. We will create a customized treatment plan that addresses all of your needs, answer your questions about the procedures and what you can expect, and work around your schedule. We understand that a smile makeover is a commitment, and we will do our part to make the process as easy as possible.

For answers to your dental questions or to learn more about how we can help you, call and schedule a consultation today.

I Need a Dentist to Answer My Questions2024-01-25T10:40:05+00:00

The Benefits of Mercury Free Dentistry

When you live in an era with constant exposure to harmful chemicals, the benefits of a mercury-free dentistry are extensive. It is shocking for many patients to learn those amalgam fillings, also known as “silver” fillings, can consist of nearly 55 percent mercury. For those who are striving to live a healthy lifestyle, it is frustrating to know that even substances restoring teeth can contain harmful components.

At our mercury free dentistry, we know the danger that comes from amalgam fillings. We strive to offer our patients safer options that not only benefit their teeth but also their entire well-being. Continue reading to learn more about the danger of mercury and the benefits we provide.

The Harmfulness of Amalgam Fillings

Some studies find amalgam fillings to be unsafe. Regardless of what other sources state about the safety of the amount of mercury in fillings, once someone places them into the teeth, amalgam is no longer stable. Once complete, it continually releases a mercury vapor into the mouth and body. Mercury is bioaccumulative, meaning that releasing more mercury adds onto the mercury already in the body.

The mercury concentrates the substance in order to cause persistent harm to the patient. Even if the mercury does not visibly affect you, developing fetuses are much more susceptible to the toxic effects of mercury in the body, and they could be born with damaged neurological systems. Amalgam fillings can actually harm the teeth. Since silver amalgam fillings require a larger area for support, placing these fillings requires the removal of healthy tooth structure. As more the process removes more of the natural tooth, the tooth becomes weaker overall.

Even after placing these fillings to prevent further decay, the tooth is at risk for more damage, such as cracking due to the expansion of the amalgam. The tooth can also crack due to consistent use because amalgam creates a chisel-like pressure that gradually wedges deeper into the tooth.

The Benefits of Our Mercury Free Dentistry

At our office, we offer durable filling options that are safe for use in a patient’s mouth. Our fillings do not produce harmful chemicals that enter the body and can potentially hurt the patient. Instead of amalgam, we use other options, like composite resin and glass ionomers. These materials are not only healthier for the body and the environment, but they are also tooth-colored and less noticeable.

We reinforce composite resin and glass ionomer fillings with strong materials that allow them to last for years to come. We can customize the color of these fillings to closely match the patient’s teeth. Both of these options require less removal of the tooth structure, allowing the teeth to remain naturally strong. The fillings we offer at our mercury free dentistry do not act as a wedge and crack the teeth. Our fillings are strong but also share malleable properties with the bone that allows them to take enough pressure to not cause harm to other teeth.

We strive to provide our patients with the best and safest materials at our mercury free dentistry. We guarantee our fillings are not harmful to you or the environment. Our materials are equally strong, attractive, and beneficial. Visit Mass Ave Family Dentistry for your dental work and restorations.

The Benefits of Mercury Free Dentistry2024-01-25T10:40:09+00:00

How a Dentist Can Restore Damaged Teeth

As a local dentist in Indianapolis, we have multiple ways to restore damaged teeth. If your tooth has become cracked, chipped, the enamel has worn away, or it is sensitive, we can address this problem using several methods. We believe in providing patients with options and as such, here is what you need to know.

Dental Restoration Options

Dental Crowns

If the tooth has severe damage, dental crowns are an ideal solution for restoring it because a crown surrounds the tooth entirely. By preventing anything from touching the natural tooth, the patient can bite down with force and eat all of his or her favorite foods without worrying about compromising the tooth or feeling discomfort.

Now, we offer all-ceramic and ceramic-on-metal crowns so that people can have the restoration they need while maintaining the natural appearance of the tooth. We can provide patients with a new crown or replace existing ones as necessary.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are available for addressing many of the same problems that a dental crown can solve. Instead of surrounding the tooth, we place a veneer on the surface of the tooth. As a dentist, we will often recommend this solution if the damage is less severe.

If there is no need to completely surround the tooth, a veneer can be beneficial because the tooth requires preparation in the front instead of on all sides. This makes the procedure less invasive overall.

Bonding

We can add the natural colored bonding material to the tooth and shape the tooth in the dental chair. Thus, we can provide chairside restorations where the tooth requires little to no preparation. A bonding procedure is advantageous for those that are too busy to consider getting dental crowns or veneers.

While effective, one challenge with bonding is that over time stains may develop where the bonding material and natural tooth connect. Since we place both materials on the tooth, some patients also notice that there becomes a color difference between the natural and synthetic material, causing a tooth to appear stained.

As a dentist in Indianapolis, we can perform all of these restorations with relative ease and ensure that the tooth looks completely natural once done. This makes it possible for our patients to have teeth that look fantastic and are also incredibly durable. Since there are unique advantages to each solution, we recommend that you come in for a consultation if you are considering doing something to restore your teeth. Whether they have become damaged or you simply do not like their appearance, we can help you to love your smile again using one or a combination of these options.

In fact, if you are having several teeth corrected, you don’t have to use one solution for all of them. You may benefit by having a dental crown restore a tooth that is overly sensitive due to a lack of enamel while having dental veneers placed next to it to close gaps in between your teeth. We can create a customized treatment plan for your exact needs.

How a Dentist Can Restore Damaged Teeth2024-01-25T10:40:10+00:00
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