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What We Offer | Dental
Conditions | Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions, along with answers for you to peruse at your convenience.
Please note that the information contained herein is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended and should not be construed as the delivery of dental or medical care and is no substitute for personal hands on dental or medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. Persons requiring diagnosis, treatment, or with specific questions are urged to contact Dr. Kolodner for guidance on appropriate dental care.
CARING FOR YOUR TEETH
Q: How often should I see a dentist?
A: The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings, although we may recommend visits more often for patients who build up deposits (tartar) at a faster rate, or have other special conditions to be monitored.
Q: Why are regular check-ups so important?
A: Aside from keeping your teeth sparkling, it is important to catch early warning signs before problem areas can get worse. A cavity can easily be taken care of, but gone unnoticed it can turn into something else quickly. Keeping a close watch on your teeth and gums through regular cleanings can help avoid periodontal disease. Unhealthy gums are a major warning of problems ahead and the possibility of future tooth loss. This can also be an indication of systemic health problems. In pregnancy presence of periodontal/gum disease can have an adverse effect like low birth weight and preterm labor. That’s why regular check-ups are so important for you and your family.
DENTURES
Q: How do I know if I need dentures?
A: If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile. Your speech and your ability to eat properly can be affected by missing teeth. Replacing them will benefit your appearance and health.
Q: What process is used in getting fitted for dentures?
A: The health of your gums and oral tissues and the shape of your jaws are all important factors in the decision to opt for dentures. Dr. Kolodner can provide proper assessment and recommend the correct types of dentures in your situation. Measurements to make a model of your jaws usually occur during the first visit. A conventional full denture is made from this model and than placed in the mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, a process which may take several months. An immediate complete denture is inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed.
 Q: What are partial dentures?
A: Both full and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A partial denture can be an option when not all the natural teeth are missing. It is retained in the mouth by clasping onto remaining teeth. A partial denture is also removable.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Q: I lost a couple of teeth in an accident. Are dental implants a good idea?
A: Your speech and your ability to eat can be greatly affected by missing teeth. If the missing teeth are not replaced, the remaining teeth can drift out of position to compensate for missing ones. You should not delay in seeking treatment for replacement of lost teeth. Dental implants are a widely accepted option. They are a permanent way to restore normal function and appearance.
Q: How involved are the steps with dental implants?
A: A dental implant to replace a tooth (or several teeth) is a two step process that can take up to six months, depending on your condition and the number of teeth being replaced. The first step is to prepare the missing tooth area to accept an anchor for the artificial tooth. The tissue surrounding the anchor must have a chance to heal and the bone must be given a chance to grow around it, thus stabilizing it, before the next step can be taken. The second step involves fitting an artificial tooth to the anchor in order to provide full function and natural look.
FILLINGS AND CROWNS
Q: Can you tel me about silver fillings versus white-colored fillings?
A: More patients today are requesting “white” or tooth colored composite fillings. Those do not contain any metals. Amalgam or “silver fillings” contain a number of metals including mercury. In most cases we recommend white fillings because they bond to the tooth structure and therefore help strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. White fillings tend to be less sensitive to temperature, plus we think they look better. White fillings are also more conservative in terms of the need for tooth reduction. Fillings can not be used in every situation, and Dr. Kolodner will advise you if the tooth is better off with a crown instead.
Q:When is a crown necessary?
A: A crown is a method of restoring a severely broken down tooth by covering it completely, therefore protecting it from further destruction. A crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory, and you have a choice of the material it will be made out of such as gold, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. In most cases crown can be made to match a natural color of you teeth.
ROOT CANALS
Q; What is a root canal? When does it become necessary?
A: When the internal contents of your tooth known as pulp are infected a root canal is the best option. Unfortunately such infection does not heal and only becomes worse. The actual treatment involves removal of the infected tissue from the inside of the tooth and sealing the space to protect it from becoming reinfected.
TEETH GRINDING AND NIGHT GUARDS
Q: I have a habit of grinding my teeth and it is starting to cause me problems? Is there anything Dr. Kolodner can do to help?
A: Grinding is a common occurrence among many people at some time or another. If you develop facial pain, headaches, TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) problems, earaches, neck pain, and mysterious tooth pain, please contact our office as you might be a more frequent grinder. Grinding your teeth, a condition known as bruxism, can cause your teeth to become painful and loose. If not addressed it will lead to tooth fracture.
Q: A night guards effective?
A: A widely accepted treatment to prevent bruxism is a night guard. It is a plastic plate that is formulated to fit your teeth. It is worn over your teeth to prevent them from coming together and wearing down. It is removable and is worn mostly at knight. In most cases a knight guard is highly effective in alleviating a grinding problem.
TOOTH WHITENING OR BLEACHING
Q: What causes tooth discoloration?
A: The color of your teeth is an inherited trait. The cause of discoloration can be divided into two categories: Internal and External. Drinking coffee, tea, colas, and the use of tobacco products are external factors. Internal causes include tetracycline discoloration, disease or injury, previous dental work, and the normal aging process.
 Q: What is tooth whitening? What are my options?
A: Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that lightens the discoloration of the enamel and dentin. We offer two options for tooth whitening, it can be done completely in our office (ZOOM chairside bleaching) or a system can be dispensed to use at home.
Q: Will over-the-counter products work just as well?
A: Store bought products whic are self- administered are not recommended. Bleaching treatments should only be done under the supervision of a dentist following a proper examination and diagnosis of the discolored teeth.
VENEERS
 Q: What are porcelain veneers and when are they used?
A: Porcelain veneers are used to esthetically correct discolored, chipped or misaligned teeth. In most cases with veneers very little natural tooth structure is removed. Thin layer of porcelain is bonded to the front surface of existing teeth to make a cosmetic improvement to their appearance. The decision on whether or not porcelain veneers are a good choice is only possible after a thorough cosmetic evaluation by Dr Kolodner.
Q: What makes porcelain veneers so unique?
A: Veneers are unique because of their ability to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. This natural look is a result of the translucency of the veneer material. In previously used techniques the light reflected off the surface of the restoration, resulting in a “flat” look to the restored tooth. Veneers allow light to penetrate simulating a real tooth, which results in a natural appearance.
Q: How long will porcelain veneers last and do they stain like my real teeth over time?
A: Porcelain veneers can last up to 10 years or more with proper care. They need replacement if they are damaged or chipped or if the bonding with underlying tooth structure is compromised.
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