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Sensitive Teeth

Lately my teeth have become more sensitive to cold water and ice cream. Is there anything I can do about it?

Adult Fluoride is often used by prescription to help desensitize teeth and protect adult teeth from decay. It is not meant for children. Sensitivity often appears when there is gum recession where the gum tissue has moved slowly down the tooth structure and exposes more of the root structure. There is no enamel on the root, so these porous areas are very hypersensitive and decay prone. That is why a home adult fluoride regimen, in which a gel is applied to the teeth, is prescribed.

Bad Breath

My daughter told me my breath smells bad, and a friend said I should see a dentist. Why?

There are many causes of bad breath (halitosis). They include post-nasal drip, dieting, and specific foods. But inadequate home dental care can also be a cause. The most important aspect would be brushing and flossing to remove any debris between teeth. The use of a tongue cleaner is paramount for removing residue that sits in the crevices of the tongue.We supply a tongue cleaner at every hygiene visit which, when used properly, will remove odors and eliminate bad breath.

Mouth Sores

When I'm under stress, I develop irritating sores in my mouth. What can I do about them?

Cold or viral sores are very common and often times manifest themselves when the mouth's balance or homeostasis is altered. The use of yogurt daily in the diet or taking acidophilus tablets are very helpful. Often adding the amino acid lysine to the diet is beneficial. Antiviral medications are available for frequent breakouts. Immediate relief can occur by passing the laser light “magic wand” over the lesion. The pain is instantly removed and immediate healing is promoted. It is magic.

Minimal Invasive Dentistry

What does minimal invasive dentistry mean?

Years ago, in order to place a silver/mercury filling, the tooth would have to be drilled to create an undercut or groove to lock in the filling. Over time, with heat and cold, the metal filling expands and contracts and a cavity forms under and around it.With minimal invasive dentistry, we replace only parts of the teeth ravaged by decay, breakage and cavity.Today, adhesive dentistry and CEREC® ceramic restorations used by The Silverstrom Group eliminate the need to drill more than the decay itself – and it can look like a natural tooth.

One-visit Dentistry and Time-Saving CEREC®

I spend long hours at work, commuting and traveling. How can I ever schedule the dental care and restoration work I need?

The Silverstrom Group recognizes that lifestyles today are hectic. That's why we offer One-Visit dentistry and appointments on Saturdays, evenings, and early mornings for your quality dental care needs.There's more good news! Restorations today don't have to take multiple visits. Our time-saving CEREC® ceramic dental restorations utilize the latest in time-saving, comfortable imaging and design technology to recreate teeth that are extremely durable and natural in appearance. The entire process can be accomplished within an hour or two.

Digital X-rays

Why are digital x-rays considered better than traditional x-rays?

The Silverstrom Group utilizes digital x-rays for a number of reasons. Digital imaging is an accepted best practice in both medicine and dentistry. It provides an improvement in diagnostic quality and early detection, while exposing you to almost 40% less radiation. Digital x-rays enable us to more effectively evaluate and treat oral conditions without waiting for film to develop. By eliminating film and chemicals, digital imaging also is good for the environment.

Children's Stained Teeth

Do the stains on the tops of my children's teeth indicate future cavities? I don't want their mouths filled with silvery fillings like mine were as a youngster.

The Silverstrom Group can easily determine if it is a superficial stain or whether it is a cavity forming in the enamel of the tooth.We use the advanced DIAGNOdent “magic wand” to reflect laser light onto the tooth to measure its density. If it is the beginning of a cavity, we can very gently clean away the bacterial decay from the spot. Usually this can be accomplished without numbing the child's mouth.

Teeth Grinding and TMJ

I often wake up with head pain and pressure by my eyes; could this be from a dental problem?

The Silverstrom Group sees this often. Any time teeth make contact – except when chewing and swallowing – it puts excessive pressure on them and the jaw joint (temporomandibular). If you are aware of this clenching and grinding, your mantra should be “lips together, teeth apart.” However, nocturnal teeth grinding cannot be controlled and therefore a custom-fitted night mouthpiece (an appliance or occlusal guard) should be used at night to minimize TMJ stresses that cause headaches and head pain, and other body discomfort.

Invisalign® Teeth Straightening

I had braces when I was very young and stopped wearing a retainer many years ago. Now I've noticed my teeth drifting apart. What can I do about it?

The Silverstrom Group can help you regain your youthful smile. Teeth have a memory and want to revert to where they were initially. They also naturally move towards the midline of the mouth over time, perhaps due to wear of the side surfaces of the teeth. With Invisalign clear plastic retainers placed over the teeth, they can be easily and gently repositioned to where they were, eliminating spaces and overlaps. Most likely, the use of a retainer throughout life, especially at night, is recommended.

Food Stuck Between Teeth

Can I prevent food from getting lodged between my teeth and causing decay?

The Silverstrom Group is glad you asked this question. Besides being a nuisance and causing tooth decay, food impaction can result in gum irritation, gum pockets and periodontal problems. Food capture often is caused by long-term wear that eliminates the natural shapes and contours of teeth. It also can be caused by poorly designed restorations. Sometimes, just by modifying the shape of a tooth or an existing restoration, food can be deflected and the tissue can remain tight and healthy.

Gummy Smiles

Over the years my smile has been showing more gum and less of my teeth. Can I get my youthful smile back?

The Silverstrom Group often sees patients who request larger teeth cosmetically. It usually is not the size of the teeth that is the problem, but rather that more gummy tissue is showing. With the use of a magic wand (soft tissue laser), in one comfortable visit, the tissue can be sculpted and shaped. This immediately eliminates the excess tissue and replaces the gummy smile with one that properly frames the natural teeth, the way they were meant to be.