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Frequently Asked Questions

Help us add additional questions to this section by contacting our team with questions you do not see below. Trust that we will answer any of your oral health questions so you can make educated decisions about your dental health.

Anxious Patients

Many people are uncomfortable visiting the dentist. Your comfort is our highest priority and our office is designed so you can enjoy a relaxing dental visit.  For entertainment and distraction, stereo headphones with music and overhead televisions for watching TV, or movies are available so you can keep your mind on something else. Nitrous oxide is also offered to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

Bad Breath

Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Here is a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem: twice daily brushing, daily flossing and tongue cleaning; regular professional cleanings and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances. However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, we can offer several solutions.

First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue and significantly alleviates odor. Or we can recommend a specially prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, we may suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, in which case we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.

Bridges

You are not alone. Most people want to have a nice smile since it can be one of the first things others notice about you. You may be interested in a few minor adjustments or may have concerns that need more attention. Some smiles can be enhanced with simple teeth whitening or bonding treatments. Other smiles need porcelain veneerscrowns or bridgesgum contouring; periodontal therapy or a combination of these techniques. Our doctors will suggest a treatment plan for you based on your goals, areas of concern and the overall condition of your oral health. Contact us for a complimentary smile evaluation to determine what course of action will produce the best solution for you.

By replacing missing teeth either with a bridge or implant, you will alleviate the problems associated with missing a tooth and give your smile back its beautiful, full appearance. A dental bridge is one solution to replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, your dentist at Mint Hill Dentistry places a porcelain restoration into the vacant space, restoring the functionality and look of your smile. A dental implant is also an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has bonded to the bone, it can act as a new, solid support for a natural looking, porcelain restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth, or an entire set of teeth, offering more function and permanence than traditional dentures.

Crowns

If your doctor has recommended a crown to you, it is likely either to correct a broken tooth or to repair a tooth that has been deteriorated due to cavities. The decay in your tooth eats away healthy tooth structure much like rust eats away at metal. If not removed, decay will deteriorate the tooth to the point where extraction is the only viable treatment option. Sometimes, decay is removed, leaving healthy tooth structure, but not much of it. A crown can then be placed, restoring the look and function of your tooth while allowing you to keep your natural, underlying tooth structure. Most crowns are precision-milled porcelain or full metal (gold or silver) and are individually customized for each application in each patient, giving you a natural, long lasting smile.

You are not alone. Most people want to have a nice smile since it can be one of the first things others notice about you. You may be interested in a few minor adjustments or may have concerns that need more attention. Some smiles can be enhanced with simple teeth whitening or bonding treatments. Other smiles need porcelain veneerscrowns or bridgesgum contouring; periodontal therapy or a combination of these techniques. Our doctors will suggest a treatment plan for you based on your goals, areas of concern and the overall condition of your oral health. Contact us for a complimentary smile evaluation to determine what course of action will produce the best solution for you.

Most dental pain brought on by chewing is caused by a fracture, or crack, in the tooth. Sometimes the pain can be relieved with a crown. However, a fractured tooth can be serious and may require additional treatments to correct. You want to correct the pain as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the tooth. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

Digital X-Rays

Yes, we do offer digital X-rays. They use less radiation and are safer for you than traditional film X-rays. You will find our practice researches the latest trends in dental technology to find the solutions that promote your overall health, safety and comfort.

During your first appointment your overall dental health will be assessed with a comprehensive oral evaluation. Upon completion of your medical/dental health form, we will ask you to tell us your goals regarding your smile, teeth and gums. Digital photos and X-rays will be taken of your teeth to identify areas of decay, cracked teeth and malfunctioning restorations. Our goal is to preserve as much of your teeth as possible by catching decay in its earliest stages. We’ll also assess your gums and recommend the appropriate hygiene treatment for you.

Flouride

Research shows that fluoride reduces cavities in both children and adults by halting tooth decay. It also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay becomes visible. Interestingly, many people continue to be misinformed about fluoride. It is a safe chemical component when used correctly. When your dentist applies fluoride to your teeth, usually in the form of a varnish, gel or foam, it is more concentrated than the fluoride contained in toothpaste or mouthwash. The ADA recommends that dental professionals use any of the professional strength products carrying the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Implants

No, at Mint Hill Dentistry we complete all phases of treatment (implant planning, surgical, and restorative). In rare cases, referral to a specialist may be recommended.

While an implant placement is a surgical procedure, most patients find that postoperative pain is minimal. When compared to extracting a tooth, most patients feel implant surgery causes less discomfort.

It is normal for the gums and the area of the jaw where the implant was placed to be sore for several days after surgery. During the actual surgery you will be numb and will not feel anything. If desired, IV sedation is an option to further minimize any discomfort associated with the procedure. IV antibiotics, analgesics, steroids, and appropriate prescription medications will all help ensure that you remain comfortable during and after the procedure.

An implant is the longest lasting, most successful, and most predictable way to replaced a missing tooth. Implants have a 97 percent success rate and are the gold-standard for replacing missing teeth.

Other ways to replace a missing tooth/teeth include a bridge and a partial denture. A bridge requires “capping” the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth and a partial denture (RPD) is a removable appliance. In some cases, a bridge or an RPD may be the best option to replace a missing tooth or teeth. However, in most cases an implant is the preferred treatment.

Come see us for a consult! This will include a thorough health history, a 3D X-Ray to evaluate the jaws, and fabrication of dental models in order to create your custom treatment plan. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

The large majority of people are candidates for dental implants, however, conditions such as alcoholism, uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, radiation to the head/neck, and some medications may contraindicate treatment.

By replacing missing teeth either with a bridge or implant, you will alleviate the problems associated with missing a tooth and give your smile back its beautiful, full appearance. A dental bridge is one solution to replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, your dentist at Mint Hill Dentistry places a porcelain restoration into the vacant space, restoring the functionality and look of your smile. A dental implant is also an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has bonded to the bone, it can act as a new, solid support for a natural looking, porcelain restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth, or an entire set of teeth, offering more function and permanence than traditional dentures.

Improved Smile

There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile, from at-home tooth whitening products to in-office supervised treatments. The doctors at Mint Hill Dentistry evaluate the potential for whitening your teeth based on their current color and the causes of any discoloration. Once you decide on the most appropriate method, you will spend anywhere from two to four weeks undergoing a series of simple whitening treatments.

There are multiple ways to whiten your teeth:

  • At home whitening trays. These products use peroxide-based gels to bleach your teeth. Generally, the process involves the daily application of the gel in a formed mouth guard for about two weeks. Side effects may include short-term tooth or gum sensitivity.
  • Porcelain veneers. Many people who have tetracycline stained teeth cannot whiten their teeth with traditional means, or people who want a more permanent solution will opt for porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are a great way to whiten your teeth in a more permanent fashion. The veneers do not stain with time and also correct many other concerns that you may have including crooked teeth, gaps in teeth and a gummy smile. Most of the smile makeovers you see on television are accomplished with porcelain veneers.

The doctors at Mint Hill Dentistry have a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. We would be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your individual situation.

Attention to detail, respect for the individual and a true concern for each patient are the hallmarks of our personal care and our quality product. We are committed to helping you fulfill your ultimate self-image.

Dental insurance is designed to assist you in paying for your dentistry. Most procedures are not fully covered by your insurance. Cosmetic dentistry, in particular, is not covered by most dental insurance plans. To help you afford your smile, we do offer a variety of payment options in addition to a monthly payment plan provided by our financial partner, Care Credit™. We also pay special attention to maximizing the benefits that your insurance does provide. Ask our financial team how you can comfortably afford your dentistry and maximize your dental insurance benefits.

Porcelain veneers improve your smile by correcting a multitude of cosmetic concerns including: gaps in teeth, chips and broken teeth, dull or yellowing teeth that cannot be whitened with traditional means, gummy smile (showing too much gum) and crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers broaden, straighten, whiten and beautify most any smile.  This procedure can be done in as little as two clinical visits. Many of our patients feel like this was the best improvement that could have been done for their overall confidence.  Ask us about how porcelain veneers can improve your smile at your next visit or contact us online.

By replacing missing teeth either with a bridge or implant, you will alleviate the problems associated with missing a tooth and give your smile back its beautiful, full appearance. A dental bridge is one solution to replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, your dentist at Mint Hill Dentistry places a porcelain restoration into the vacant space, restoring the functionality and look of your smile. A dental implant is also an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has bonded to the bone, it can act as a new, solid support for a natural looking, porcelain restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth, or an entire set of teeth, offering more function and permanence than traditional dentures.

Losing/Missing A Tooth

Losing a back tooth will darken your overall smile, making it look smaller and narrower. Your smile will appear to stop short, and the look will be exaggerated if your missing tooth has teeth on both sides of it. Function during chewing will be reduced and function of many teeth can be impacted by losing just one tooth. When you are missing a tooth, you compensate by chewing differently, which putts pressure on different parts of your mouth. This can cause your other teeth to shift, creating gaps and spaces that may eventually cause fractures that result in additional tooth loss or the need for restorations.

By replacing missing teeth either with a bridge or implant, you will alleviate the problems associated with missing a tooth and give your smile back its beautiful, full appearance. A dental bridge is one solution to replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, your dentist at Mint Hill Dentistry places a porcelain restoration into the vacant space, restoring the functionality and look of your smile. A dental implant is also an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has bonded to the bone, it can act as a new, solid support for a natural looking, porcelain restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth, or an entire set of teeth, offering more function and permanence than traditional dentures.

New Patients

During your first appointment your overall dental health will be assessed with a comprehensive oral evaluation. Upon completion of your medical/dental health form, we will ask you to tell us your goals regarding your smile, teeth and gums. Digital photos and X-rays will be taken of your teeth to identify areas of decay, cracked teeth and malfunctioning restorations. Our goal is to preserve as much of your teeth as possible by catching decay in its earliest stages. We’ll also assess your gums and recommend the appropriate hygiene treatment for you.

Over the years, patients have given us the compliment of referring family and friends to our practice. Our reputation for excellent dental care depends on two things: our good work and your beautiful smile. Your confidence in our care motivates us to continue to strive for excellence. Thank you for your referrals. Your trust and support are greatly appreciated.

Nighttime Problems

Many people who notice chipped or cracked teeth, but don’t remember when the injury occurred, damaged their teeth while they were sleeping. Grinding or clenching your teeth during the night will cause your teeth to chip, crack and even break. To keep you from seriously damaging your teeth, we recommend a dental appliance called a night-guard. A custom fitted night-guard protects your teeth from grinding and clenching in your sleep. The doctors at Mint Hill Dentistry take great care in making sure you have a proper fit to prevent pain in your jaw joint. If you suffer from headaches, this may be a side benefit of your night-guard in helping to prevent them. Many headaches start during the night, caused by the extreme pressure generated as you grind and clench your teeth. Ask us about having a custom night-guard created for you.

Payment

Yes, we do offer monthly payment plans with our financial partner, Care Credit™. We can also stage your treatment for your budgetary needs.

We provide a variety of ways for you to pay for your treatment so that it fits comfortably into your personal or family financial goals. Our financial team will work with you to create the solution that accommodates you so you can have the beautiful, healthy smile you have always desired.  Contact us today for more information.

Dental insurance is designed to assist you in paying for your dentistry. Most procedures are not fully covered by your insurance. Cosmetic dentistry, in particular, is not covered by most dental insurance plans. To help you afford your smile, we do offer a variety of payment options in addition to a monthly payment plan provided by our financial partner, Care Credit™. We also pay special attention to maximizing the benefits that your insurance does provide. Ask our financial team how you can comfortably afford your dentistry and maximize your dental insurance benefits.

Helping to make your dental care financially comfortable and affordable is important and we proudly offer a variety of options. Click here to learn more.

We are happy to estimate fees and insurance reimbursement before starting recommended treatments and will gladly file insurance forms for you. Optimal, comprehensive dentistry is what we practice and we do not base our treatment on what insurance will or will not pay. We base our treatment on what is best for you and any treatment not paid for by insurance is your financial responsibility.

Periodontal “Gum” Disease

Periodontitis affects your gums, bone and teeth in a manner that cannot be reversed. To prevent tooth loss, you may require more extensive, specialized treatment from your general dentist or even a periodontist. If left untreated, periodontitis results in tooth loss – teeth either fall out on their own or must be extracted. If you don’t catch periodontitis in its early stages, you may require extensive surgery to save your teeth and may put yourself at risk for other serious health problems.

According to Caesy Dental Education, “Ailments associated with periodontal disease include respiratory disease, pneumonia, strokes, ulcers, difficult-to-control diabetes, low birth weight babies, and infective endocarditis, a dangerous infection of the heart valves. Researchers recently discovered that this chronic infection in your mouth creates an open doorway for plaque bacteria to enter the blood stream. These bacteria – Streptococcus sangguis – may cause blood clots that can block your arteries and even trigger a heart attack.”

Gums affected by periodontal disease become red and inflamed, often bleeding during brushing or flossing.  Timely treatment can reverse these conditions. However, if these conditions are ignored, our periodontal disease can worsen, becoming a condition called periodontitis, which is must more difficult to treat.

Periodontitis affects your gums, bone and teeth in a manner that cannot be reversed.  To prevent tooth loss, you may require more extensive, specialized treatment from your general dentist or even a periodontist. If left untreated, periodontitis results in tooth loss – teeth either fall out on their own or must be extracted.  If you don’t diagnose and treat periodontitis in its early stages, you may require extensive surgery to save your teeth and may put yourself at risk for other serious health problems.

It is certainly not desirable to have bleeding gums following brushing.  However, the condition may or many not require attention, depending on the source of the problem.  Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough scrubbing instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled toothbrush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If this problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods or occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment.

Sealants

A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids while guarding against disease-causing bacteria.

Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of teeth. However, toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to efficiently extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and food.

Teeth Whitening

There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile, from at-home tooth whitening products to in-office supervised treatments. The doctors at Mint Hill Dentistry evaluate the potential for whitening your teeth based on their current color and the causes of any discoloration. Once you decide on the most appropriate method, you will spend anywhere from two to four weeks undergoing a series of simple whitening treatments.

There are multiple ways to whiten your teeth:

  • At home whitening trays. These products use peroxide-based gels to bleach your teeth. Generally, the process involves the daily application of the gel in a formed mouth guard for about two weeks. Side effects may include short-term tooth or gum sensitivity.
  • Porcelain veneers. Many people who have tetracycline stained teeth cannot whiten their teeth with traditional means, or people who want a more permanent solution will opt for porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are a great way to whiten your teeth in a more permanent fashion. The veneers do not stain with time and also correct many other concerns that you may have including crooked teeth, gaps in teeth and a gummy smile. Most of the smile makeovers you see on television are accomplished with porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers improve your smile by correcting a multitude of cosmetic concerns including: gaps in teeth, chips and broken teeth, dull or yellowing teeth that cannot be whitened with traditional means, gummy smile (showing too much gum) and crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers broaden, straighten, whiten and beautify most any smile.  This procedure can be done in as little as two clinical visits. Many of our patients feel like this was the best improvement that could have been done for their overall confidence.  Ask us about how porcelain veneers can improve your smile at your next visit or contact us online.

Dentist directed at-home teeth whitening and in-office whitening procedures are both effective ways of brightening your smile.  In either case, your dentist customizes the treatment to ensure your happiness with the results.

Your custom home whitening kit involves a special tray that is customized to fit over your teeth. You will also receive prescription whitening gel, which is inserted into the tray before you wear it. The doctors at Mint Hill Dentistry will give you detailed instructions about how long you should wear the tray each day and you should expect the entire home whitening process to take between two and four weeks, leaving you with a dazzling smile.

Tooth Pain

Most dental pain brought on by chewing is caused by a fracture, or crack, in the tooth. Sometimes the pain can be relieved with a crown. However, a fractured tooth can be serious and may require additional treatments to correct. You want to correct the pain as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the tooth. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

Veneers

You are not alone. Most people want to have a nice smile since it can be one of the first things others notice about you. You may be interested in a few minor adjustments or may have concerns that need more attention. Some smiles can be enhanced with simple teeth whitening or bonding treatments. Other smiles need porcelain veneerscrowns or bridgesgum contouring; periodontal therapy or a combination of these techniques. Our doctors will suggest a treatment plan for you based on your goals, areas of concern and the overall condition of your oral health. Contact us for a complimentary smile evaluation to determine what course of action will produce the best solution for you.

The doctors at Mint Hill Dentistry have a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. We would be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your individual situation.

Attention to detail, respect for the individual and a true concern for each patient are the hallmarks of our personal care and our quality product. We are committed to helping you fulfill your ultimate self-image.

Porcelain veneers improve your smile by correcting a multitude of cosmetic concerns including: gaps in teeth, chips and broken teeth, dull or yellowing teeth that cannot be whitened with traditional means, gummy smile (showing too much gum) and crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers broaden, straighten, whiten and beautify most any smile.  This procedure can be done in as little as two clinical visits. Many of our patients feel like this was the best improvement that could have been done for their overall confidence.  Ask us about how porcelain veneers can improve your smile at your next visit or contact us online.