Q & A

Why are my teeth sensitive?

Your teeth may become sensitive when your gums recede slightly, allowing more porous dentin to show and allowing water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage sensitivity, there are a number of toothpastes, gels, and dental procedures that can be applied. Ask Dr. Panchumarti or her staff for more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.

How can I prevent tooth decay and gum disease?

If you make a daily habit of thorough home care for your teeth, you have a much better chance of having your beautiful natural smile last a lifetime. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is the best way to minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is caused by bacteria surrounding the teeth and entering the gums. Gums can become irritated, inflamed, and often bleed. To prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended. During your visit, our hygiene team will teach you proper flossing techniques and other home oral hygiene practices at home to prevent gingivitis.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a quiet disease that begins with few or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The immediate condition is known as gingivitis. If not properly treated, gingivitis will progress and the symptoms of periodontal disease will appear, including:

• Bad breath
• Gum recession
• Sensitivity to acidic foods
• Abscesses
• Tooth pain
• Tooth loss

How do you treat periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention and regular follow-up. Through a series of periodontal cleanings, root planing and scaling, laser therapy, and local antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal surgery is only necessary for severe cases.

What is the difference between a white filling and a silver filling?

Silver fillings, also known as dental amalgam, have been around since the early 1800s. Containing about 50% mercury mixed with silver, tin, and copper, amalgam became the most widely used material for fillings used because the mixture is strong, flexible, and able to keep bacteria out of teeth once filled.

White fillings, also known as composites, are made of a mixture of plastic and glass. Composite fillings look and feel just like your existing tooth structure. Your dentist places the composite in layers, typically using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth and polish it. Rather than a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match your tooth color.

How can I improve my smile?

Experienced cosmetic dentists like Dr. Panchumarti have many tools and procedures to give you the smile you have always wanted. The first step is to schedule a consultation so that she can develop a personalized treatment plan to fit your goals, lifestyle, and budget. At Sunshine Creative Smiles we offer a variety of treatments to improve the look of your smile, including:

• Tooth whitening
• Bonding
• Invisalign orthodontics
• Porcelain veneers
• Porcelain crowns