What dental services are considered preventive care?
Much like the routine “well care” visits you make to your doctor, the goal of preventive dental care services from Horizon Dental Care is to catch any problems in their early stages when treatment is less complicated, less costly, and more effective. We will look for evidence of tooth decay through a visual check and x-rays. We will make sure old dental work is holding up, and we’ll check for problems with gum tissue. A thorough cleaning helps remove plaque and stains and preserve your dental health.

What is periodontal disease? Is it really all that serious?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support and surround your teeth. Your mouth and teeth can’t be healthy if your gum tissue is inflamed or receding. Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums.  A more destructive form, Periodontitis, is a genetically linked process of bone deterioration. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. There are warning signs that may indicate this gum disease – bleeding gums, gums pulled away from the teeth, persistent bad breath or bad taste, loose teeth, changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite – but you can have periodontal disease with no warning signs. That’s why regular dental check-ups are so important. Periodontal disease and tooth loss can compromise your general health.

Is it really worth improving an adult’s smile?
Dental services to make your teeth look better are considered “cosmetic,” but improving the appearance of your teeth and smile isn’t superficial. People with missing, crooked, or discolored teeth often lack confidence or avoid smiling. We can give you a better looking smile through whitening, straightening, porcelain veneers, dentures, and implants. No one can tell you which will work best for you without a thorough exam. We’ll discuss the best options for you, and come up with a plan you’re comfortable with.

What’s the difference between porcelain veneers and resin bonding?
The difference is in the materials used, but both can be used to improve the appearance of stained, badly shaped, or crooked teeth. They are custom-made shells of tooth-colored material designed to cover the front side of teeth. Porcelain veneers must be fabricated in a dental lab while resin bonding is artfully applied in the dental office, so resin veneers require fewer visits. Durability and appearance differ for the two materials but each has its pros and cons. We can tell you which will give you a better result in your personal situation. 

Can you straighten adults’ teeth?
Yes. Many of our patients have improved alignment of their teeth, improved their bite, appearance, even relieved jaw or face pain by using Invisalign orthodontics – invisible, comfortable aligners or braces. They’re not for everyone, but we’ll be happy to do an exam and tell you if we think you would benefit from Invisalign.

What is TMJ?
Two joints (temporomandibular joints or TMJ) and several jaw muscles make it possible to open and close the mouth to chew, speak and swallow. Any problem that prevents this complex system from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. A clicking sound, a feeling the jaw is popping or dislocating, and facial or jaw pain can be symptoms of a TMJ disorder. We can identify the source of your pain with a thorough exam and x-rays. There are several ways we can treat TMJ disorders, depending on your particular situation.

Does dental work have to mean ending up with a mouth full of noticeable metal fillings and crowns?
Not any more. Fillings, onlay, inlays, and crowns can now be made to match your teeth. They are made of acrylic resin or porcelain. Each of the materials has advantages in different applications.

What are crowns and why are they used?
We may recommend a crown to cover and support a tooth when a large filling doesn’t leave enough tooth, to protect a weak tooth, or in other situations cover a tooth and restore it to its normal shape and size. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance. Crowns are custom fitted and fabricated for each tooth.

What are my options if I’ve lost teeth?
A bridge replaces missing natural teeth with artificial teeth, literally bridging the gap where one or more teeth may have been. If you’ve lost all or most of your natural teeth from periodontal disease, tooth decay, or injury, full or partial dentures may be the answer. Bridges can be fixed, removable, or implanted. Implant supported restorations are fused to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture. Replacing missing teeth helps you look better and safeguards your general health. Without support from teeth, facial muscles can sag, significantly altering your appearance and compromising remaining teeth and function of your mouth and jaws. Let us recommend the best solution for you following a thorough exam.

What is occlusal rehabilitation?
Sometimes enamel wear, mouth acids, and age cause a person’s bite to deteriorate beyond the point of simple dental care.  In these instances it may become necessary to research the cause of this destruction, and create a solution that rebuilds the biting surfaces of most teeth.  If caught in an early stage, you may be able to avoid the enormous expense and time required to solve these complex problems.

Why do dentists pull teeth?
There are several reasons why you may need a tooth extracted. It may be so a damaged tooth can be replaced by an implant or bridge or to relieve crowding or pain. Whatever your situation, your extraction will be done sensitively at Horizon Dental Care. We’ll provide you with simple instructions for follow-up care to speed healing and prepare you for the next procedure.

Why do dentists remove wisdom teeth? Is it necessary?
“Wisdom teeth” is the common term for your third molars, the last teeth in the back of your mouth. There are several reasons why we may recommend their removal. They may be causing pain, unable to break through the gum tissue, or causing crowding and shifting of your other teeth.

I’ve heard people talk about having a root canal. Why is it done and what’s involved?
In the past, if your tooth had a diseased nerve, you'd probably lose the tooth. But now with a special dental procedure called root canal therapy we can often save your tooth. When the tissue inside a tooth is diseased or injured, it dies and the tooth may become infected and lost. We can remove the diseased or injured tissue, clean the empty root canal it leaves, and seal and protect it. We then strengthen the tooth by placing a crown over it. Most of the time a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort. It usually only takes one visit, and it can save your tooth and your smile!

I’m afraid to go to the dentist. Can anything make sitting in the dental chair less stressful?
If you’re anxious or tense, please let us know. We can make several suggestions that can distract your attention, like listening to your favorite music on a portable CD player and headset. Or if running from work to your dental appointment and then back again raises your anxiety level, we suggest an early-morning appointment when you will be less rushed and pressured.