A Dentist in Portsmouth Shares Facts About Dental Care That You Should Know

As a dentist in Portsmouth, we believe that our patients should be informed about dental care. We believe that once people understand the basics of dental care, they can make an educated decision about their treatments.  Since there are multiple ways to address dental health problems, it is important to select the right procedure.  By taking the time to discuss all of the options, we are confident that patients will make the right decision for their lifestyle and smile goals. During these meetings, we find that there are many misconceptions about dentistry.  Since many of the questions are the same from client to client, we are providing the answers for you here.

Will my tooth need to be pulled?

In general, no.  We prefer to restore a tooth that has become damaged or infected with a variety of proven methods.  It is better for the health of your jawbone, eating and speaking to keep a natural tooth intact. Thus, we will do whatever we can in order to save it.  For example, if you crack your tooth while playing basketball, we can use a crown to restore it, protect it and save it.  Likewise, if your tooth is chipped, we can use a crown or veneer.  Even infected teeth can typically be saved by performing a root canal procedure to remove the infected area only.  The remaining tooth structure can stay in place and a filling will replace the tooth structure that was lost to an infection.  In order to ensure that we do not have to pull your tooth, visit our office right away upon damaging it.

Can my sensitive teeth be fixed?

Yes, they can.  As a local dentist, we can protect your sensitive teeth, by sealing up the exposed dentin and nerve endings.  Teeth become sensitive when the outer protective layer (enamel) wears away due to age, health or eating habits. When it does, the dentin underneath is exposed. Since the nerve endings are inside the pores of the dentin, whenever anything touches the tooth, a pain signal is sent to the brain. This is why the only way to permanently treat the problem is to seal up the dentin using a dental procedure.

How can you improve my smile?

As a cosmetic dentist, there are multiple ways that we can improve the appearance of teeth.  We often start with a teeth whitening procedure.  Once teeth are no longer yellow, or the stains have been lifted, we can go to work addressing other issues.  For example, we can use dental veneers to make your teeth look natural and uniform.  Many people like this option because their teeth are too small or have different shapes.  Veneers can also cover dark stains that will not fall off if one goes through a whitening procedure. Veneers will help close the gaps and make the teeth appear straight.  They are so versatile that there is virtually nothing they can not address.  If this is not the right solution, we can use other treatments like dental crowns or bonding.

Tooth Extractions   >  Family Dentist

Common Questions about Partial Dentures in Portsmouth

If you live in or around the Portsmouth area and are looking to replace one or more missing teeth, partial dentures may be the perfect solution. However, many, if not most, people usually have a number of questions before or even after they are fitted with dentures. The more common ones being:

Why Is It Necessary to Replace Missing Teeth?

Not only do missing front teeth make you look older than you are, but over time, the teeth on either side of the gap will lean inward, which can lead to uneven wear and problems with your bite. Missing teeth contribute to bone loss. Like every other bone in your body, the ones in your jaw need stimulation to maintain density. Without the action of the teeth, the bone will not build more cells and will begin to deteriorate. Partial dentures can solve all these problems.

How Can Missing Teeth Be Replaced?

Although it depends on several factors, including the number and location of the missing teeth and the condition of the remaining ones, the simplest solution is one or more removable false teeth called a partial denture. This replacement tooth, or teeth, are attached to a gum-colored plastic and held together by a metal framework with an attachment that fits around the adjacent natural teeth

How Long Does It Take to Become Used to a Partial Denture?

This varies from person to person. Initially, the denture feels awkward, but most patients get accustomed to it in a matter of days. You may want to begin by eating soft foods that are easier to chew and avoid sticky foods like chewing gum or toffee. Please make sure you chew on both sides of your mouth to keep an even pressure on the denture. If enunciating certain words are difficult with the denture in, remember that this too will sort itself out in time.
It also takes some practice to insert and remove the denture without forcing it or biting down, which could break the clasp. Also, the initial breaking-in period will quickly reveal whether the partial fits exactly as it is supposed to. Should an area of your gum become sore, we will make the necessary adjustments to your partial dentures.

Should I Wear My Partial Denture 24 Hours a Day?

Once you are fully accustomed to your new denture, we recommend that you wear it all day, then remove and clean it thoroughly before bedtime.

How Should I Take Care of My Partial Denture?

You should take care of your denture just as you do your natural teeth, as it needs to be gently brushed at least twice a day to get rid of food debris and plaque and prevent staining. However, most commercial toothbrushes and toothpaste are too harsh for dentures. You will need a specially designed brush and toothpaste made for dentures. Some gentle soap or dishwashing liquid will also work. Rinse the denture thoroughly, then moisten the brush and gently clean all surfaces, taking care not to bend any of the attachments.
Remember, your partial is very likely to break or crack should you drop it onto a hard surface, which is why it is a good idea to remove and clean it over something soft like a folded towel.  It is also exceedingly important to keep your denture moist; however, many soaking solutions can tarnish the metal parts. Therefore, you should soak them in plain cool water.

How Long Will a Partial Denture Last?

Properly taken care of, a partial denture can last between five and 10 years. However, because the natural aging process causes changes in your gum ridges, as well as the underlying bone, they may need to be adjusted from times to time. Never continue to wear loose or ill-fitting dentures as they can cause sores and related infections.
Should you have any additional questions about your partials, we will be more than happy to help you.

Dental Crowns  >  Teeth Whitening