A Dentist in Livermore CA Answers Commonly Asked Dentistry Questions

As a dentist in Livermore CA, our patients will regularly ask us questions about dentistry during their routine teeth cleanings and exams.  This is a good thing, and we encourage it because it means that our patients are taking charge of their oral health.  We believe that the more educated our patients are the better equipped they will be to keep their teeth and gums healthy in between dental visits.  With that in mind, here are answers to some of the questions we are asked on a regular basis. 

Will my dental treatment hurt?

Typically, no.  In our dental office, we offer sedation dentistry so that our patients can remain comfortable while they are having procedures completed.  Whether a patient needs to relax before having teeth cleaned or is looking for pain medication prior to having a major cosmetic procedure, we have the solution.  With a variety of sedation methods, we can accommodate all of our patients and help them to relax while we treat any health problems they have.

Can I keep my crown in forever?

That depends on what your version of forever is.  Dental crowns, veneers, bridges and other restorations can last for a decade or longer but are not meant to last forever.  They will eventually wear out just like natural teeth do.  You can keep your restorations strong and in good condition by taking care of your teeth and gums, brushing throughout the day and having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis.  As your entire mouth stays healthy, your restorations should remain strong.  As a dentist in Livermore CA, the one thing, we warn patients about, is that grinding and clenching teeth can lead to major damage.  If you are known to do this, we recommend that you wear a night guard to prevent your upper and lower teeth from touching.

Why have I gotten more than one opinion?

It can be confusing when patients get multiple opinions about how to treat their teeth or correct damage.  In dentistry, there are multiple ways to treat the same issue.  This is fantastic because it gives patients the power of choice, but it can also be difficult to know what to do.  For example, if you have lost a tooth you can replace it with dentures, a dental bridge, or a dental implant.  Since dentists tend to specialize in certain procedures, you may get a different opinion on what to do based on who you visit.  As a dentist in Livermore CA, we offer a variety of solutions and will typically present all of them to you, while discussing the differences so that you can decide what you think will be the best fit for your lifestyle.

Can I keep my broken tooth?

We do everything possible to save your natural teeth.  If you have cracked or chipped your tooth we will try to restore it using a dental crown, dental veneer, or bonding procedure.  By keeping your natural tooth in place, your jawbone will also remain strong.  If that is impossible, we have methods of replacing it that still look natural.