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Q) My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
A) When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from the patient brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend periodontal therapy to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, and it has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to create significant damage to your health, so call for an assessment now. We will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!
Q) I do not like drills. Are there any other options?
A) We offer air abrasion, an alternative to the traditional dental drill. With air abrasion, a stream of air and tiny abrasive particles whisk away decay. Because the tool emits no vibration, heat, or noise, the factors that cause pain associated with a dental drill, most patients don't even need anesthetic.
Q) Does your office use lasers?
A) We use many kinds of lasers for precise, comfortable dentistry... DIAGNOdent is our cavity-detection laser. It will scan your teeth to find decay and areas prone to decay, and we will not have to inspect each of your teeth with a traditional dental hook.
Our soft-tissue laser allows us to treat gum disease, perform crown lengthening, harvest and place gum grafts, reduce gum tissue for esthetics, and do biopsies. You will need no stitches after laser surgery, and bleeding is minimal. Most patients recover more quickly after laser surgery than they do following traditional surgery.
Our hard tissue laser removes decay, replacing the traditional dental drill. We can also do bone grafts with this laser.
Q) What are crowns in an hour?
A) With innovative CEREC technology, we can create custom crowns, inlays, and onlays in about an hour. This means that in just one visit, you can get a custom-made, all-white, reliable restoration. No temporary. No follow-up visit. It's that simple. Learn more about CEREC in our patient library.
Q) What are my options for replacing missing teeth?
A) We offer bridgework, partials and full dentures, and dental implants to replace missing teeth. Learn more about these services on our services page, and then call for a consultation. With X-rays, intraoral photos, and a thorough assessment of your dentition, Dr. Kakos can help you decide which replacement option will be best for you.
Q) Are there differences between over-the-counter teeth whiteners and professional teeth whiteners?
A) Over-the-counter whiteners are not as efficient as professional-grade treatments. The whitening kits you buy at the drugstore are not customized to fit the shape of your teeth, making them messy and ineffective. In addition, they typically only whiten two to three shades. With professional whitening, you have more options. You can visit our office and receive a one-hour, BriteSmile teeth whitening treatment that will leave your teeth up to 14 shades whiter. We also have home teeth whitening kits that are custom designed for maximum comfort and efficiency. Each night for a week or two you'll need to apply our professional-grade whitening gel to the trays, and then wear them at night. Within just a few days, you'll notice a difference, and by the time treatment is complete, you'll smile with confidence. Take-home trays can also touch up and maintain in-office whitening.
Q) How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?
A) Depending on your unique case, we may suggest porcelain veneers or Invisalign clear braces. Read more about these procedures in our services area.
Q) I avoid dental visits because of anxiety...is this normal? Can you help?
A) Many people fear dental visits because of negative past experiences or control issues. We understand dental anxiety and offer a solution to help you overcome your stress. With sedation dentistry, we can help you gain full peace of mind and body so that you can receive the dental work you need - and deserve.
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