As trained medical professionals, our dedication to maintaining a safe environment through rigorous infection control procedures is at our core. We know that moving forward our commitment to your safety will be even more important. While continuing to meet traditional CDC and OSHA requirements, we are adopting some new, additional protocols. For example, we might wear additional PPE, request you wear a mask to your appointment, or take your temperature upon arrival. We may also ask you to wash your hands, request you wait in a treatment room or your vehicle instead of the waiting room, or request that you call in payment after your appointment. Jon K. Johnson, DMD is your go-to practice for comfortable, caring dental treatment. For questions about what we can do for you or to schedule an appointment, call our office at (859) 498-7130.
The ADA does not recommend over-the-counter tooth bleaching products that are self-administered. Although such products may cost less, bleaching should be done only under the supervision of a dentist after an oral examination and diagnosis of the discolored teeth. Some people with certain dental conditions may not be good candidates for bleaching, such as patients with gum recession that has left sensitive tooth roots exposed.
Composite fillings can be placed in one visit, just like a traditional amalgam filling. An alternative to composite resin for invisible tooth restoration is glass ionomers composed of fine glass particles. Like composites, glass ionomers can be used to fill cavities, particularly on exposed root surfaces that are composed of dentin, which is softer and more sensitive than tooth enamel.
Resin Composite
Mostly, composite resins are used on front teeth that bear less chewing pressure, although composites have been developed that can be used for selected fillings in back teeth such as molars. Composites are composed mainly of two primary ingredients: a binder of plastic resin and a filler of finely ground, glass-like particles that give them a lifelike appearance and durability.
Veneers
Having a tooth veneered is a simple process that generally requires a few appointments. To provide room and help strengthen the veneer, a small layer of enamel usually is removed from the front of a tooth. Based on an impression taken by your dentist of the tooth to be treated, the veneer is fabricated to meet the color and shape expectations of your eeth. When the veneer is ready to be placed, the tooth is prepared with a mild etching solution that roughens the surface and aids adhesion. Then, with composite resin cements, the veneer is set in place.
Crowns
If you need more involved treatment that still looks natural, your dentist may recommend a crown, inlay or onlay. A crown covers the entire tooth to strengthen and improve its appearance and is typically used when a tooth’s damage is beyond the scope of more conservative esthetic procedures mentioned earlier. However, if enough healthy tooth structure remains, your dentist may conserve what’s left and restore the tooth to a natural appearance with an inlay, which fits within the contours of a tooth, or an onlay, which is similar but also covers some of the chewing surface of a tooth.
Eliminating periodontal disease and maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night. Clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.
The range of esthetic dentistry also includes tooth whitening, or bleaching. Some patients are dissatisfied with the color of their teeth, perhaps from staining caused by the use of tobacco, coffee and other beverages and foods. Discoloration also can be the result of aging, injury, excessive fluoride, certain illnesses and use of tetracycline, an antibiotic, in early childhood. Bleaching can remove many discolorations and stains, but some are harder to remove than others.