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Professional whitening is effective at removing years of stains and discoloration from the teeth. Whether you’re looking to boost your confidence or are going to be attending a wedding, reunion or another big event, a bright and white smile is sure to improve your appearance. Expert whitening is performed in our office or provided to you using a professional-grade take-home kit. Whitening results can last for months to one or more years, and maintaining your results is key to ensuring that you’ll always have a gorgeous smile.

Why Should I Whiten My Teeth?

There are many factors that come into play when it comes to the whiteness and brightness of your smile. If you’re a smoker, drink a lot of coffee, tea or cola or you’re taking certain medications, you’ll notice that your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be. Likewise, just the act of aging can have a serious impact on the way that your smile looks. By professionally whitening your teeth, you can expect dramatic results that help to increase your self-esteem and confidence.

How Often Should Teeth Whitening Be Done?

It is best to avoid whitening your teeth too often. Over-whitening your teeth can lead to issues with hypersensitivity or even cause the teeth to look translucent. It is often recommended that you only whiten your teeth, whether at home or professionally, once a year. This prevents issues involving sensitivity and helps in creating a natural-looking smile. The benefit of utilizing professional whitening is that results typically last for about one year. This simply means that you won’t feel the need to touch-up or go with another whitening system because of how drastic the change is when using a professional whitening option.

How Can I Maintain My Results?

The best way to prevent the need for touch-ups is to avoid future staining and discoloration of the teeth. If you’re a smoker, now is the best time to quit and a great way to extend the length of your results. Try to avoid drinking too many dark liquids, like coffee and cola, and opt for water instead. You may want to consider using a whitening toothpaste so help clear away stains and discoloration before they are able to get worse. Be sure to speak with the experts about whitening and always discuss when the last time you whitened your teeth actually was before retreatment.

Looking for a Cosmetic Dentist?

If you are looking for a friendly dentist, contact us for your next teeth whitening! Our goal is to provide exceptional service in a friendly, welcoming environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our office. Give us a call today!

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When deciding on a restorative solution it is important to look at all of your options to help you decide on the best option that works for you. A common question patients face is if they should choose a dental bridge or dental implants when they are looking for a tooth replacement solution. Both are restorative solutions for missing teeth, and it is helpful to understand the differences. At our practice, we provide our patients with a thorough consultation to examine their teeth and mouth, and discuss the differences between all of the restorative options available. Our staff works closely with our patients to help choose the best solution.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Bridges are anchored to one or more neighboring teeth also known as abutment teeth. Bridges can be supported by natural teeth or by dental implants. The false teeth are in-between and are called pontics.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

During your first appointment we prepare the neighboring teeth. The preparation for a bridge involves removing part of the enamel to allow room for the crown. The crowns are placed over the neighboring teeth. Impressions of your teeth are taken to make the bridge in the lab, and temporary bridges are used while you wait for your permanent bridge.

Patients return to the office, and we remove the temporary bridge to prepare for the permanent bridge. The new bridge is installed, and we check to make sure the bridge is comfortable, and the perfect fit. Patients may have to return to our office again to ensure the bridge is working well with your bite. Once we know the bridge fits properly we will cement the bridge in place.

How Long Will Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges last around 10-15years. Bridges do involve using some of your natural teeth, and this can cause your bridge to fail over time. The teeth around the bridge are still vulnerable to decay and disease which can attribute to the life of the bridge. Patients must practice good oral hygiene habits at home to keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. We recommend brushing twice a day and flossing to ensure you carefully clean around both the false and natural teeth. Visiting our office regularly can help to keep your teeth clean, and your bridge looking and feeling great.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

  • Surgery is not required
  • Dental bridges tend to be less costly compared to implants
  • Jawbone density is not an issue with bridges
  • Overall the bridge procedure is less invasive compared to dental implants

Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Implants are a permanent solution for patients that have missing, broken, or damaged teeth. They are durable, and act similar to a screw that is placed into the jawbone. The screw acts like an artificial tooth root, and provides a strong base for one or more artificial teeth. Implants require a healing period to give the implant time to fuse to the jawbone. This process allows the implant to function just like a natural tooth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants require multiple appointments in our office, and the process takes a few months. The first step involves placing the implant into the patient’s jawbone. Once this is done there is a healing period where we must give the implant time to fuse to the jawbone. This process is known asosseointegration.

Part of our implant evaluation process is to determine if the patient has adequate bone in the jaw tosupport the implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to give patients the bone required to providethe necessary support. Once the healing process is complete the patient returns to our office,and anabutment or connector is placed on top of the implants. This allows the crown to be secured to theimplant. Custom crowns are made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. Temporarycrowns may be used while patients wait for the permanent crowns to be installed.

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are durable and last upwards of 25 years, or a lifetime if they are cared for properly. Implants are built out of titanium, and provide patients with a permanent solution for missing teeth. Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth, and we recommend practicing good oral hygiene habits at home to keep your implants looking and feeling great.

Benefits of Dental Implants

  • Dental implants are long lasting, and are a permanent restorative solution
  • Easy to care for
  • Implants function like natural teeth
  • Chewing power is restored with dental implants
  • Speech and overall appearance are improved
  • Patients can eat all the foods they normally would with implants
  • Dental Implants tend to cost more, but are a good investment because they are built to last

Looking For a Dentist to Provide Dental Implants or Dental Bridges?

Choosing the best restorative option is a big decision, and our team is here to help. Our consultationprocess will answer all of yourquestions, and we will discuss what option may work best for you. Wewant our patients to be proud of their smile, and our team works to give patients the highest level ofcare. We welcome our patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment using stateof the arttechnology. Creating beautiful smiles is what we do, and we take pride in giving patients a smile theycan be proud of.

If you are interested in finding out more about your restorative options such as dental implants ordental bridges, contactour office today to schedule your consultation.
 
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If you have been recommended for dental implants, you may wonder if they will ever have to be replaced. Implants are a permanent restorative solution for patients seeking that perfect smile. Dental implants look and feel natural in the mouth, and last upwards of 25 years if they are cared for properly.

At our practice, dental implants are one of the most common restorative options performed. Many patients are leaning towards this permanent option to give them a durable smile that will last for years. Dental implants can last your entire life, and they are one of the most reliable tooth restoration options available to patients.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Implants have a 95% success rate, and we encourage patients to use good oral hygiene habits to keep the implants clean and free of plaque. This helps the implants to last, and prevents infection which can make them unstable in the mouth. Implants moving or needing replacement is rare. If an implant shifts out of place this could indicate the bone tissue is not providing enough support, and you should contact our dental office immediately.

Tips to Ensure your Dental Implants Last a Lifetime

Here are some helpful tips that you can start using to get the most out of your dental implants:

  • Floss daily using an implant specific floss or wax free floss to help keep the area clean and freeof plaque. A Waterpik Water Flosser can be used to assist in removing plaque around the implants.
  • Use a low abrasive tooth brush such as a soft type brush on your implants.
  • Avoid any products, foods, or drinks containing any ingredients that may stain your teeth.
  • Anti-microbial rinses can be used to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
  • Avoid products that contain stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, or baking soda. These ingredients can make the implants prone to corrosion.

Interested in Dental Implants?

Caring for your implants at home is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene habits at home will ensure your implants last for years and never need to be replaced. Our friendly teams here to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. We are always available to answer questions and help you every step of the way.

If you are interested in finding out more about dental implants and how they may benefit you, contact us to schedule your consultation as soon as possible.

radiation in dental x ray

Dental x-rays are commonly used when you visit your dentist. Many patients wonder if dental x-rays are safe and if they should worry about radiation exposure. Expressing concerns about your health and safety is normal, and the good news is that dental x-rays are extremely safe. You may notice your hygienist covers you with protective equipment and leaves the room during the x-ray. This is to avoid repeated exposure because hygienists perform x-rays daily as part of their cleaning and exam routines. The protective equipment placed on the patient helps to further protect your body and organs that are more sensitive to radiation exposure.

Every day we are exposed to levels of radiation naturally in the environment, and dental x-rays only make up a small fraction of the average daily dose of radiation each day. Patients do not need to worry about exposure, as the amount is so low there is nothing to be concerned about.

Are Dental X-Ray’s Safe?

Dental x-rays do not require much radiation to produce images. With the new technology used today x-rays use 90% less radiation exposure and are safe for patients. Diagnostic imaging gives our team the ability to see inside your teeth and this allows the detection of decay, bone loss, or oral cancer. X-rays can help prevent future issues by diagnosing and treating anything we see promptly.

Benefits of Dental X-Ray’s

  • Detect decay, fillings, gum disease, and oral cancer.
  • Detect changes in soft or hard tissues.
  • Show jawbone development
  • Detect bone loss

Interested in Learning More About How Dental X-rays Can Benefit You?

If you are interested in learning how dental x-rays can benefit you, or you are due for your regular dental exam and cleaning, contact Seto Family Dentistry. We provide the highest level of service and use the latest technology and equipment. Let our team help you care for your smile, and prevent unnecessary visits to the dentist. Our doctors have years of experience and love to help patients care for their teeth and gums. Oral health is extremely important and is directly linked to our overall health. Attending your regular dental visits can help to detect issues and keep your smile looking and feeling great.

To schedule an appointment with us contact Seto Family Dentistry, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

dental bonding

Dental bonding can help to restore your smile and repair many cosmetic issues that bother you. Dental bonding is quick, durable, and can be less expensive compared to other cosmetic options. Dental bonding is a great solution for patients that want to change the length of a tooth, fix a chipped tooth, or close gaps between teeth. The procedure can be completed in one appointment and no anesthesia is required. Dental bonding does last, and the lifespan for dental bonding is between 5-10 years. The composite material can wear down over time depending on the wear and tear on the tooth.

How Does the Dental Bonding Process Work?

Dental bonding typically only requires one visit to our office and does not require any tooth enamel to be removed. During the bonding process, we gently etch your tooth using a mild acid solution. This helps to make the surface of the tooth rough and allows the composite material to properly bond to the tooth. The bonding is a tooth-colored material and this is applied to the area. Ultraviolet light is used to help cure the bonding. Once the bonding material is cured the tooth is polished and shaped to match the surrounding teeth. On average, bonding treatment can take between 30-60 minutes, and this depends on the severity of the correction, and the number of teeth needing treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bonding?

  • Dental bonding is affordable compared to other cosmetic treatments.
  • Treatment is less invasive with no local anesthesia.
  • Can be done in one appointment.
  • Can repair chipped, cracked, or uneven teeth.
  • Can close gaps between teeth.
  • Changes the shape of your teeth and provides a uniform smile.
  • Is an alternative to amalgam fillings.
  • Is tooth-colored material and blends in with your natural teeth.

Interested in Finding Out More About Dental Bonding?

If you are interested in learning more about dental bonding and how this treatment may benefit you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. At Seto Family Dentistry, we strive to provide quality dental care our patients can trust. We provide a calm environment where patients can relax during their dental treatment. Patients are treated like family, and we always ensure you have a positive experience. Let our dental team help you achieve the smile of your dreams with our dental bonding treatment.

To schedule your appointment contact Seto Family Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

oral surgery

Oral pathology is the identification process of certain diseases or disorders of the mouth or jaw. Thorough examination and accuracy in diagnosis are extremely important to ensure the patient is treated properly. Our surgeons have years of experience in oral pathology and treating disorders. Our detailed examination process allows our team to determine the cause of an issue, and provide the proper diagnosis and treatment.

What Are Examples of Common Oral Problems?

  • Misaligned jaw
  • Cleft lip or cleft palate
  • Periodontal disease
  • Oral cancer
  • Oral ulcers
  • Infections
  • Prolonged pain
  • Cavities
  • Tooth Loss

Why Is Oral Pathology Important?

Finding out the true cause of your problem is very important. This allows our team to treat you properly. If we know what is causing the problem, we can treat the issue quickly. Our team will look at not only the physical symptoms you are experiencing, but your background and any existing medical conditions you may have. Oral health and your overall health are directly connected, and oral pathology evaluates the entire picture to provide the proper diagnosis.

How Can I Protect My Oral Health?

Keeping your teeth and mouth healthy can avoid problems and multiple trips to the dental office. Following good oral hygiene habits at home is essential to keeping your teeth and mouth feeling great. Make sure to brush and floss each day, and attend your regular dental visits twice a year. Stick to a healthy diet, and avoid foods or drinks that contain high levels of sugar. Stay hydrated and make sure to get proper sleep. Your overall health directly affects your oral health, and you can protect your oral health with good hygiene and lifestyle habits.

Interested in Finding Out More About Oral Pathology?

If you are interested in finding out more about oral pathology, or have a concern you would like to discuss, please contact Seto Family Dentistry. Your oral health is our priority, and we address issues promptly to help you get on the road to recovery. Come experience quality dentistry at Seto Family Dentistry, and join our dental family.

To schedule your appointment, contact Seto Family Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Does Coke Ruin Teeth

Your diet can play a part in the health of your teeth. Drinking soda is common, and many people drink soda every day without even thinking of the effects on your teeth. Not only is soda bad for your teeth, it is associated with type 2 diabetes and weight gain. At Seto Family Dentistry, we focus on prevention and recommend patients follow a healthy diet, and avoid foods and drinks with high sugar levels. Your teeth are important, and the choices you make can help prevent many unwanted visits to the dentist.

What Happens to My Teeth When I Drink Soda?

Breaks Down Enamel

When you drink soda the sugars in the soda mix with the bacteria in your mouth to form acid. This acid attacks your teeth and can wear down the tooth enamel. The acid breaks down the enamel on your teeth and softens it, making the enamel more prone to decay. Evan sugar free sodas can damage your enamel.

Cavities

When you drink soda, the acid can also reach the layer of dentin that is under the enamel. This can cause cavities to develop over time for people that drink Coke regularly. If you have composite fillings, the soda can also erode away your fillings.

What Can I Do To Prevent Coke From Damaging My Teeth?

If you have to have a soda once in a while, there are things you can do while enjoying your beverage that can help prevent damage to your teeth.

  • Use a straw to sip the soda. This will help keep the acid and sugar off of your teeth.
  • Drink soda only on occasion. Only drink soda for special occasions, or try and limit your intake to one soda per day.
  • Drink fast to lessen the time the soda has to interact with your teeth.
  • Rinse with water after you drink a soda. Rinsing after drinking soda can help wash the acids and sugars away from your teeth, and prevent damage.
  • Don’t brush right away after drinking a soda. Brushing right after drinking a soda can cause damage to your teeth. This is because the acid from the soda was just in contact with your teeth, and this makes your teeth more vulnerable to damage while brushing.
  • Attend regular cleanings and exams at your dentist. Regular visits will allow our doctors to identify problems before they become more serious.
  • Do not drink soda before bedtime. Drinking before bedtime just gives the acid and sugar all night to attack your teeth and cause damage.
  • Choose other beverages such as water or sparkling soda water that will not cause damage to your teeth.

Taking care of your oral health should be a priority, and this includes making good choices when it comes to your diet. Staying away from sugary foods and drinks can really help keep your enamel strong, and your teeth free of cavities. If you think you have damage from drinking soda and would like to come in for an exam, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with us. Our team can help get your oral health back on track, and give you recommendations on what to change in order to prevent future issues.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are due for your dental cleaning or exam, or have concerns about the enamel on your teeth and would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Seto Family Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Come Some People Get Cavities Easier

Cavities are always something we try to avoid with brushing and flossing each day. You may notice you get cavities frequently and others don’t. This doesn’t seem fair, but there are other factors that play into keeping your teeth free of decay that you may not realize. There are ways to reduce your risk for cavities outside of brushing and flossing regularly.

Why Are Some Prone to Cavities More Than Others?

  • Diet – Reducing the amount of sugar you eat or drink can help prevent cavities. Your chance of getting cavities increases if you eat or drink foods with a high amount of sugar.
  • Gum Recession – If you suffer from gum disease and your gums are receding, the root of the tooth is exposed. Bacteria can reach the root area of the tooth and cavities can develop more easily.
  • Dry Mouth – If you tend to have a dry mouth your risk for decay increases. We need saliva to wash away bacteria in our mouths.
  • Genetics – Unfortunately some people are born with a tendency to develop cavities more frequently than others. This is because some people are more susceptible to a certain type of cavity causing bacteria.

How Can I Reduce My Risk for Cavities?

There are things you can do to help reduce your risk for cavities. This doesn’t mean you will never have a cavity again, but it does mean you are changing your habits, and putting forth a good effort to try and prevent decay from developing.

  • Regular Visits to Your Dentist – Make sure you attend your regular visits to your dentist. These exams help to identify potential cavities, and allow the dentist to get in front of issues before they become worse.
  • Reduce Sugars in Your Diet– Try and stay away from foods or drinks that are high in sugar.
  • Keep Up With Oral Hygiene – Stay on top of your oral hygiene with brushing and flossing at least twice a day. This will help prevent plaque buildup that causes decay.
  • Use a Toothpaste With Fluoride – Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay.
  • Use Mouthwash – Mouthwash can help rinse away bacteria, and if the wash contains fluoride this can help prevent cavities.

Knowing what you can do to help prevent cavities can help you avoid many trips to the dentist. Taking care of our teeth is very important, and can help avoid dental issues. Always practice good oral hygiene habits to keep your teeth and mouth feeling great.

At our office we discuss what patients are doing at home to help prevent decay. Our staff provides tips and tricks to help our patients keep their teeth looking great. Taking care of your teeth and gums is important, and can avoid serious issues from developing. If you have not been to our office for your regular dental exam, we encourage you to schedule your appointment.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are looking for a dentist near you for your regular dental exam, Seto Family Dentistry is here to help. Our office has state of the art technology and equipment, and we always provide the highest level of service to all of our patients.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact Seto Family Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Dental Insurance Plan

Choosing the right dental insurance plan is important because dental work can be expensive. Even a simple filling can be costly. Knowing what to look for when choosing a dental insurance plan, and understanding what is covered can help you figure out what plan is best for you. Most dental plans will cover 100% or preventative care if you use in-network dentists. This includes exams, x-rays, and cleanings. Basic procedures are typically covered at 80%, and major procedures are usually covered at 50%.

What Should I Check for When Choosing My Dental Insurance?

Group Coverage

Check to see if your insurance company provides group coverage through your employer or programs such as Medicaid. These types of plans can be less expensive and have better benefits.

Check Individual Policies

Individual policies are always more expensive compared to a group policy. Most come with limited benefits, and patients should plan ahead if they need a large procedure. Many insurance companies require a waiting period before you can use the insurance coverage. If you wish to avoid the waiting period there are other plans that do not require you to wait before coverage is available.

Check for Dentists in Your Network

If you know a dentist in your area that you like, ask what insurance plans they accept. Certain policies allow you to go to the dentist of your choice. Other plans such as PPO or HMO require you to use a dentist in their network.

Understand Your Coverage

Dental insurance can be confusing, and it is important to really understand what is covered, and what your expenses will be. Research what procedures are covered and what is not so you are prepared. Some plans have benefits that are limited, and they also have waiting periods before coverage can begin. Knowing how your insurance coverage works can help avoid headaches, and help you choose the best plan available.

Most insurance coverage is great for preventative care such as exams, cleanings and x-rays. Visiting the dentist is important, and choosing the coverage that is best for you can help you pay for those expensive procedures you may need in the future. Talk to your insurance provider to really help you understand the different plans, so you can choose the plan that best works for you.

Do You Have Questions for Our Team?

At Seto Family Dentistry, we accept many insurance plans and offer alternative in house payment options for those patients that may not have dental coverage. Our goal is to ensure all of our patients can receive the treatment they need. Our staff is always available to answer any questions you may have regarding insurance or financial options.

We care about our patients, and want you to have the best experience when you visit our office. Taking care of your oral health is important, and knowing what coverage you have can help reduce stress, and make your appointments go smoothly.

Ready to Schedule an Appointment?

If you are ready to schedule an appointment with us, please contact Seto Family Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem, and many patients encounter pain or discomfort when they eat certain foods that are hot or cold. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, around 40 million adults suffer from sensitivity. Usually, the pain is temporary and can be treated to improve, but not cure the condition.

At Seto Family Dentistry, we provide many general dentistry services including treatment for patients that suffer from sensitivity. We strive to provide quality dental care in a caring and friendly environment, where patients can relax during their treatment. We welcome new patients to our practice, and look forward to you joining our dental family.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can happen suddenly, and to anyone. Typically, symptoms of sensitivity include a sudden sharp pain when your teeth are exposed to cold, hot, or acidic foods. Tooth sensitivity can also come after you brush or floss your teeth. Teeth whitening can cause sensitivity after treatment, so patients should consider this when they are deciding to start a whitening regimen.

Our teeth are protected by enamel, and underneath the enamel is a layer of dentin. Dentin is soft, and if the enamel on your teeth is worn down, or your gums have receded the dentin can become exposed. Dentin can be exposed from cavities or cracks in your teeth. The dentin is connected to the nerve area, and this is what can cause pain or sensitive teeth.

Other Actions That Can Cause Sensitivity

  • Brushing too vigorously
  • Gum recession from periodontal disease
  • Gingivitis
  • Teeth grinding or clenching
  • Cracked or injured teeth
  • Plaque
  • Acidic foods or drinks
  • Dental procedures such as sensitivity after a filling
  • Teeth Whitening treatments

What Treatments Are Available for Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can never completely go away, but there are treatments available that can help alleviate the sensitivity you experience. If you are experiencing any sensitivity, we recommend you make an appointment for an exam in our office. We can treat sensitivity easier if we know that is what is causing you pain. Never leave pain untreated as this could lead to more serious issues in the future.

Sensitivity Treatments

  • Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
  • Changing to a soft bristled tooth brush.
  • Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride.
  • Avoid acidic foods or drinks.
  • Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth.
  • Inlays or bonding can help fix a tooth and decrease sensitivity.
  • Gum grafts can help protect the root area of the tooth.
  • Fluoride gel or varnish treatment can help protect your teeth from wear and tear.
  • Root Canal therapy if needed can help with severe tooth sensitivity, but this is typically the last resort.

Taking care of your teeth and knowing when to call your dentist is important. Patients should never have prolonged pain or sensitivity to hot or cold. It is always important to take care of your oral health, and practice good habits at home. At Seto Family Dentistry, your oral health is our priority, and we strive to provide our patients with quality and affordable dental services. Let our team help you take charge of your dental health.

Ready To Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are interested in finding out more about treatments for tooth sensitivity, contact Seto Family Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.