Most Frequently Asked Dental Questions in Orlando, FL

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums and smile. This includes procedures like teeth whitening, veneers and bonding. Our dentist will work closely with you to understand your smile goals and create a cosmetic treatment plan that will help you achieve the beautiful, confident smile you have always wanted.

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They can be made from porcelain or resin composite materials.

Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. It can be done in-office or with take-home kits provided by our dentist.

Preventive dental care includes regular cleanings, exams and other measures to prevent dental problems like cavities, gum disease and enamel wear. Other common preventive treatments include dental sealants and fluoride, as well as your at-home oral hygiene routine.

Regular cleanings and exams help prevent dental issues, detect problems early, and maintain overall oral health. They can also identify signs of other health issues. During a dental cleaning and exam, our dentist and team will thoroughly clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar (calculus), floss between your teeth, polish them and examine your mouth for any signs of developing problems. Dental X-rays may also be taken for more detailed evaluation.

If you experience a dental emergency, such as severe pain, a broken tooth, or an abscess, contact our office immediately. We offer emergency dental services to address urgent issues, and our team will provide you with instructions on what to do until you can make it to our office to receive treatment.

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and restoring damaged or missing teeth. This includes fillings, crowns, bridges and implants. Your restoration is carefully designed to fit your smile perfectly and provide you with aesthetic and long-lasting final results.

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges work by joining one or more artificial teeth to crowns anchored on adjacent teeth or to implants.

Dental crowns, also known as caps, are a type of dental restoration placed over damaged or decayed teeth. They work to restore the shape, size, strength and appearance of the tooth, as well as protect it from any further damage. Crowns may also be used to cap implants and complete the replacement of a missing tooth.

Dental implants are a tooth replacement option. They are considered the ideal option for replacing missing teeth as they replace both the crowns and the roots of your teeth, providing you with a final result that looks, feels and functions like your natural teeth and which will promote your long-term oral health. Implants consist of a post (typically made of titanium or another biocompatible material) which is placed into the jawbone at the site of the missing teeth, and a restoration which caps the post to replace the visible portions of your teeth and restore your smile.

Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two main types of dentures – complete, or full, dentures, which replace all the teeth in a dental arch; and partial dentures, which are used when some natural teeth remain.

Options for replacing a tooth include dental implants, bridges and dentures. Our dentist can help you determine the best option based on your oral health needs and preferences.

This technology uses 3D imaging and computer software to plan and place dental implants with high precision, improving outcomes and reducing recovery times.

CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology allows for the design and creation of dental restorations, such as crowns, with great precision and efficiency. In fact, with CAD/CAM technology our dentist can design, create and place crowns, veneers and other restorations in a single visit.

Cone beam 3D imaging provides detailed, three-dimensional images of the teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Cone beam imaging is highly detailed, and provides a much more accurate picture of your teeth and supporting structures. This comprehensive imaging is often used for planning implant placement, evaluating the face and jaws, analyzing dental trauma, assessing TMJ disorders and examining other cases which require more extensive care.

An intraoral camera is a small, camera-tipped wand that allows our dentist to take detailed images of the inside of your mouth, helping to diagnose issues and explain treatments. These images make it easier to diagnose and treat dental problems, enhance patient education, and facilitate communication between our dentist, specialists and insurance companies as needed.

Many people only visit the dentist when they notice a problem, thinking it saves money. However, treating dental issues can be more costly and time-consuming than regular check-ups. Regular visits allow for preventive care to catch and address problems early, potentially preventing them altogether. We can monitor your oral health and provide guidance on how to keep your teeth healthy. We recommend that you visit our dentist and team twice a year.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed. Use an ADA-approved soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Floss daily, and consider using a mouth rinse. Contact our office if you have any questions.

Brushing your teeth cleans the surfaces, but it doesn’t reach between the teeth or below the gumline. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from these areas, preventing damage to your teeth and gums.

Dental X-rays are very safe. You are exposed to less radiation during dental X-rays than from daily sunlight. Advances in digital imaging and higher-speed X-rays have further improved safety. Additionally, federal law mandates that X-ray machines be checked for safety and accuracy every two years.

Please talk to our team about your fears. We take your concerns seriously and offer various strategies to help you feel more comfortable, including sedation dentistry, medication to numb treated areas and the use of lasers instead of drills. Techniques such as guided imagery and deep breathing can also help reduce anxiety.