Frequently Asked Questions
General Dentistry
What is General Dentistry?
General Dentistry focuses on primary dental care and oral health, such as diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral health conditions.
What is the most common dental procedure?
Teeth Cleaning: it’s a very important part of your oral health. Your own toothbrush will never be as efficient as the tools a dentist uses to clean your teeth.
What procedures are included in general dentistry?
Routine care- Checkups, cleanings, and examinations
Restorative care: Fillings, root canals, extractions, and dentures
Preventive care: Educating patients on oral hygiene and preventing oral diseases
Major procedures: Dental bonding, bridges, implants, crowns, and gum surgery
Teeth Whitening
What methods are used to whiten teeth?
In-Office Whitening
Home Whitening System
Can yellow teeth become white again?
Yes, whitening treatment is an excellent option for patients with discolored teeth, but to preserve the results of your whitening treatment, you can:
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day and after drinking coffee, tea, or other foods that cause staining
- Schedule regular dental hygiene appointments
- Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
- Perform maintenance whitening treatments as needed
What whitens teeth really fast?
Drs. Kronenwett and Block are trained and have the onsite capabilities to offer "power" whitening. Also known as chairside or in-office whitening, powering whitening or bleaching allows our dentists to lighten patients' teeth by several shades. The process takes about an hour.
What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth?
The safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth are custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments from a dentist.
What is the number one recommended teeth whitening?
In-office whitening treatment: A gel is applied to your teeth, and then they are exposed to a powerful blue light. This light activates the gel and breaks down any stains or discoloration on your teeth. This is the safest and most effective way to whiten.
What teeth whitening actually works?
Dental professionals are in a good place to know which products are more effective and which to avoid. That is why teeth whitening in-office or with custom-fitted trays from your dentist is the most effective way to get results. The hydrogen peroxide used at the office is more concentrated than the stuff you can buy in a bottle from the drugstore. It penetrates your teeth and changes the color from the inside.
Nitrous Oxide/Laughing Gas
What is nitrous oxide used for in dentistry?
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a colorless and odorless gas that dentists use to help patients manage pain and anxiety during dental procedures.
What does nitrous oxide do to the body?
Nitrous oxide slows down your nervous system and induces a sense of calm and euphoria. It doesn't fully put you to sleep, so you'll still be able to respond to your provider's questions or instructions.
What is nitrous oxide mainly used for?
Nitrous oxide is mainly used to reduce anxiety and help you stay comfortable during dental procedures.
What are the side effects of nitrous oxide?
Side effects, such as dizziness, headache, and nausea, are uncommon, but they can occur.
Can you still feel pain with nitrous oxide (laughing gas)?
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative and analgesic that can reduce pain sensitivity but doesn't completely eliminate it. However, your dentist will also use a local anesthetic to numb the area around a tooth.
What do dentists use instead of nitrous oxide?
Another option dentists use instead of nitrous oxide is oral sedation, which is a pill taken before the appointment that can make patients groggy and even sleepy. Patients can still communicate with the dentist, so they'll still be able to respond to their provider's questions or instructions.
Clear Aligners
Are clear aligners effective?
Clear aligners can be an effective alternative to traditional braces for treating mild to moderate tooth movements, with a success rate of about 80%.
What do clear aligners do to teeth?
Clear aligners, also known as invisible or dental aligners, are orthodontic devices that gradually straighten teeth by applying gentle pressure.
Can you sleep with clear aligners?
Yes, you wear clear aligners all day and night, a minimum of 22 hours a day, except for when eating. Acton Dental Associates is proud to announce we offer NiTime aligner treatment, in which the aligners are worn at night for a minimum of 9-12 hours a day. It performs accurately in half of the standard wear time, the first of its kind to be cleared by the FDA.
How long does it take to see results with clear aligners?
Everyone is different, so we can't give an exact answer for your particular case without a clear treatment plan. Factors like the complexity of your case, your age, and how consistently you wear your aligners can influence the effectiveness of the treatment. Generally, you might start to notice some changes within 2-3 weeks of wearing your clear aligners. These changes are often subtle and not easily noticeable. You will notice significant visible changes around 3-6 months into treatment.
Crowns
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns typically last 5-15 years, but with proper care, they can last up to 25 years or more.
What type of crown is best for teeth?
All-ceramic or porcelain crowns. They mimic the appearance of tooth enamel more than any other crown type. They're also a good choice if you have metal allergies. Lab technicians use many different materials to make ceramic crowns, but zirconium dioxide is one of the most popular. Zirconia crowns are extremely durable and can withstand heavier forces than other types of ceramic crowns. They're also gentle on your opposing teeth, resulting in less enamel wear.
Are dental crowns painful?
Dental crowns are generally not painful, and most patients only feel mild discomfort during the procedure. Dentists use various methods to help reduce or eliminate pain during treatment.
Are dental crowns a good idea?
Yes, dental crowns restore decayed, broken, or worn-down teeth. They can also improve the appearance of teeth that are stained/discolored or irregularly shaped.
Do teeth go bad under crowns?
Yes, teeth can still decay under dental crowns. Crowns are designed to protect teeth but aren't completely impervious to decay. Bacteria can get under the crown, especially without proper care.
How often do crowns need to be redone?
A dental crown is permanently bonded to the tooth and can last between 5-15 years. However, they can become cracked, chipped, or broken without proper care and maintenance. If your crown has visible damage or you experience severe tooth pain, it needs to be replaced.
Sleep Apnea
Can sleep apnea be cured?
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that cannot be completely cured, but there are many treatments that can help reduce the frequency and severity of apnea events.
What happens when you have sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common condition that causes people to stop breathing periodically while they sleep, preventing their bodies from getting enough oxygen.
Is it okay to live with sleep apnea?
Over time, sleep apnea can lead to serious complications, so early diagnosis and treatment are vital. This condition is often very treatable, and there are many treatment options.
What's the life expectancy of someone with sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea can shorten a person's life expectancy. While the effects of sleep apnea vary from person to person, with proper treatment, the effects may be alleviated, and life expectancy may not change.
What is the best sleeping position for sleep apnea?
Sleeping on your side or stomach can help with sleep apnea by keeping your airways open and reducing snoring.
Dental Implants
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are a long-term tooth replacement option that can last a lifetime if properly cared for. The implant screw itself can last a lifetime if the patient maintains good dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and gets dental checkups every six months.
What is the best age to get dental implants?
The best age for dental implants depends on the individual, and a dentist can provide a personalized assessment. In general, most people are eligible for dental implants in their late teens or early twenties, when their jawbones are usually fully developed, and they're in good health.
How painful is getting a dental implant?
The dental implant process is generally painless. However, you might experience some discomfort afterward, such as soreness in your teeth, gums, and jaw. Most patients say the discomfort is not as bad as they expected, and they can still go about their daily routine.
Are you put to sleep for dental implants?
Typically, general anesthesia is not necessary for dental implant surgery. However, local anesthesia is applied to the area of the mouth being worked on. This is usually enough to keep patients comfortable during the procedure.
How long are you down after dental implants?
The recovery time from dental implant surgery can vary depending on a number of factors, including the number of implants, whether grafts were needed, and the patient's age, health, and hygiene. Some patients may be able to resume normal activities within a few days.
How long after dental implant surgery can I eat?
After dental implant surgery, you should wait about a week before returning to your normal diet. In the meantime, you should eat soft foods that are easy to chew and don't require biting or chewing on the surgical site.
What is the difference between a denture implant and a dental implant?
Dental implants are surgically placed posts that act as artificial tooth roots in the jawbone, while denture implants are dental implants that support dentures. Dentures are removable plastic or metal frameworks that hold false teeth, while dental implants support artificial teeth like crowns, bridges, or dentures. Denture implants anchor dentures directly to the jawbone using dental implants, which provides more stability for chewing and speaking.
How much time does it take for a dental implant surgery?
The surgery usually takes about 1-2 hours for each implant being placed. After this step is complete, most dentists will wait about three months before the final restoration of the tooth replacement. The dental implant process can take several months, with the longest part being the healing time.
Membership Plan
Why choose the Acton Dental membership plan?
Acton Dental's membership plan is a great alternative to insurance with no waiting periods or limitations.
What are the benefits of the Acton Dental membership plan?
Acton Dental's membership plan covers the comprehensive exam, two routine exams, two routine cleanings, two fluoride varnish treatments, two oral cancer screenings, consultations, and annual x-rays, all included in the annual membership fee. The plan also includes 15% off additional services.
What procedures are included in the 15% discount on the Acton Dental membership plan?
Scaling and root planing, additional periodontal maintenance cleanings, fillings, post and core buildups, oral surgery, crowns, veneers, dentures, partials, implants, 3D imaging, night guards, and emergency exams/x-rays.
What is not included in the 15% discount on the Acton Dental membership plan?
Products are not eligible for the 15% discount. This includes all fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, and home/in-office whitening systems and products. In addition, services such as Clear Aligners, sleep apnea devices, and nitrous oxide are not eligible for the 15% discount.
TMJ - Temporomandibular Joint
Does TMJ eventually go away?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can go away on their own in many cases and can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). For example, mild jaw pain that happens occasionally may not be a cause for concern and may go away on its own in one to two weeks. However, more severe cases can last for months or years. If symptoms persist, a doctor may recommend treatment options.
What should not be done during a TMJ flare-up?
During a TMJ flare-up, you can try to avoid activities and foods that can cause excessive jaw movement or strain your temporomandibular joint.
Why is TMJ so hard to treat?
The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints. It acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. This joint allows for movements in multiple directions, which is necessary for various functions, including chewing, talking, and yawning. The joint is supported by a network of muscles, ligaments, and nerves, making it susceptible to issues that can arise from muscle tension, misalignment, or inflammation.
Is TMJ damage permanent?
TMJ disorder can affect various parts of the body, including the ears, head, neck, and shoulders. If left untreated, it can cause severe complications that may lead to permanent joint dysfunction.
How does a dentist check for TMJ?
Your dentist will use their fingers to apply a bit of pressure to the jaw and TMJ to test for tenderness and pain. They will look inside your mouth for signs of teeth grinding, clenching, and alignment issues and use x-rays if they've found evidence of a TMJ disorder.