FAQ

Dr. Patrick A. Palma
2011 All Rights Reserved Address: 620 Commercial Street Mingo Junction, Ohio 43938 Phone ( 740 ) 535 - 0600

Dr. Patrick A. Palma

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

( 740 ) 535 - 0600

Dental FAQ's

What is Plaque?

Plaque is the accumulation of bacteria, microorganisms and their products which sticks to the tooth surfaces. Dental plaque is soft and easily removed by brushing and flossing the teeth. Accumulation of plaque can lead to gum disease (gingivitis) and periodontal disease, as well as tooth decay.

What is Calculus (Tartar)?

Calculus is dental plaque that has mineralized. Calculus can form when plaque is not removed from the tooth surfaces. This plaque becomes old and eventually forms into calculus. Calculus can form above or below the gumline. The bacteria that sticks to calculus can cause gum disease (gingivitis) or periodontal disease. Calculus cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. A dentist or dental hygienist checks for calculus formation when you visit the dental office. It is removed with special instruments designed to adapt to the tooth surface affected without causing trauma to the soft gums.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Some common features associated with gingivitis are red and swollen gums, and the presence of bleeding while brushing and flossing. The cause of gingivitis is the bacteria in dental plaque. This disease is reversible with good oral hygiene practices.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease affects the periodontium (the supporting structures of the teeth). The cause of this disease is multifactorial, but the presence of bacteria in plaque certainly plays a major role. The supporting periodontal structures begin to breakdown. This can mean that part of the bone that supports the teeth or the ligaments that hold the teeth securely in place are destroyed. This disease process is generally not reversible and may require treatment from a dental professional specializing in periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can develop as a result of poor daily plaque control (e.g. brushing and flossing). However, not everyone with poor brushing and flossing techniques will develop this condition. It is wise to visit your dental hygienist or dentist regularly in order to detect early stages of the disease and to prevent further damage.

What is a Cavity?

A cavity is the destruction of the tooth enamel, dentin, and / or cementum and may involve the tooth pulp.

How does a Cavity Form?

The formation of a cavity is due to many factors. For example, the tooth itself plays a role (how strong it is); the mouths ability to cleanse itself (your flow of saliva); diet (frequency and selection of sugary foods); the bacteria in your mouth (good or bad); and the length of time the tooth is under attack by the bacteria in your mouth.

Heredity: may play a major role in how susceptible you are to the formation of a cavity, for example:

tooth structure, size and shape of the tooth may be passed down through generations. This includes deep pits and grooves which are ideal "plaque traps", and therefore, are susceptible to decay

there may be a higher risk of cavities forming if your parents also had a large number of cavities

teeth that are malpositioned in the mouth, that are hard to access with your toothbrush or floss may also provide an ideal breeding ground for the bacterial dental plaque.

the absence of fluoride during tooth formation and following tooth eruption can increase the incidence of cavities. fluoride promotes strong tooth development and remineralization of the tooth

Saliva: has a protective function in the mouth, for example:

a good flow of saliva washes away food and bacteria that sit on the teeth and gum tissues

salivary flow helps to neutralize the acids produced by bacteria from plaque, thus a good flow helps reduce the chances of a cavity formation

Diet: a well balanced diet from each of the four major food groups is essential for your oral health, as well as, your overall health.

avoid frequent consumption of high sugar foods, especially sticky foods

the longer the time the food stays on your teeth, the greater the chance of forming a cavity. If you do have a sugary snack, it's best to brush your teeth soon after

select between meal snacks that are low in sugar concentrations such as white milk, fresh fruits, raw vegetables, dark breads and whole grain and enriched cereals

sugar free candies, gum and other snacks are an option

Time: the actual amount of sugar eaten in one sitting is not as important as when and how often you choose a sugar containing food.

the consumption of high sugar foods is best if eaten with a regular meal. This will confine the sugar exposure to one sitting. It's best to eat the whole chocolate bar at once instead of at different periods throughout the day

Bacteria: the mouth harbors many types of bacteria that are considered to be normal in the human mouth.

bacteria, in a healthy mouth tends to live in balance, but for reasons yet to be truly identified, that balance can be tilted and oral disease may result

Fluoride: fluoride provides many benefits. It is found in many products such as toothpaste, mouthrinse, fluoridated drinking water and periodic topical fluoride treatments applied by your dental professional.

it aids in the development of sound enamel

it helps reduce enamel solubility and increases enamel resistance to acid attack

it prevents demineralization (the white spot phase of the beginning stages of a cavity)

it enhances remineralization of beginning stages of a cavity. Fluoride may arrest further development of a cavity by depositing the fluoride mineral called fluoroapatite

Fluoride used in addition to daily brushing and flossing helps to reduce the chances of a cavity.

Signs of a Cavity Formation

The first sign of a cavity forming may be a white spot, which in time may turn brown.

If it is a white spot, low concentrations of fluoride applied frequently can arrest further development.

If the white spot phase progresses, further breakdown of enamel will occur. At this point, a visit to your dental professional is necessary. The cavity may be restored with a filling.

Good Habits to Help Prevent Cavities

regular visits with your dental professional on an appointment schedule that he/she recommends based on your own needs. Regular visits will ensure you have the benefits of preventive care and early diagnosis, as well as, treatment for any dental problems. Guidance about home dental care can also be provided to avoid future problems

diet plays an important role. Minimize the frequency of sugary foods, thus reducing the amount of acid produced. Select snacks that are less cavity causing, such as fresh fruit, plain yogurt and raw vegetables

the use of fluoride will help decrease the risk of cavity formation

good plaque control. Maintain a strict and regular home care routine to minimize plaque growth

it is recommended that you consult your dental professional before using any commercial products. You want to make a selection based on the effectiveness of the product and your own personal needs

Remember A Healthy Mouth Enhances Overall Health

Here Are Some More Of The Most Commonly Asked Questions

What are the effects of tobacco use and dentistry?

Many of us have smoked during our lives. Some of us have been lucky enough to quit the use of tobacco products but there are others who still struggle with banning the addiction from their lives. We know how hard it is to quit and desire to offer information and assistance to our patients. Plus, any of our staff will be happy to discuss the risk of smoking with our patients as it applies to dental health.

Why do corners of my teeth break off?

Teeth break for several reasons, namely, a traumatic injury due to a hard or foreign object in your food, severe clenching or grinding (Bruxism) and/or the presence of large amalgam (silver) fillings. Amalgam fillings, as they have been done in the past, weaken the remaining tooth. Present amalgam fillings have less of a tendency to contribute to tooth breakage if they are bonded.

Are amalgam fillings safe in that they contain mercury?

According to the American Dental Association, they are safe to use. Amalgam fillings do not contain free mercury; therefore according to the ADA, they impart no health risk and need not be removed unnecessarily.

Are tooth colored fillings as strong as silver fillings?

Using present day techniques and materials, a properly done tooth colored filling (bonded composite) will wear almost as well as a silver filling. In addition, bonding to the remaining tooth, strengthens the tooth rather than weakening it. Newer composites, which require 2 appointments and are laboratory processed, are even more wear resistant. Almost all of the fillings that I do now are bonded composites.

Are gold fillings still used?

Absolutely. Where esthetics allow, gold is still one of the best restorative materials. Unfortunately, it is a costly material to use. Where cost is not a factor, it is recommended, especially in the 2nd molar areas.

I clench my teeth, especially while I sleep. What can I do and is it harmful?

Clenching and grinding (Bruxism) are habits that develop early in life. It is our way of relieving stress. Unfortunately, the habit can take it's toll on our teeth, our muscles and our temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). Bruxism is common in a great majority of the population. Symptoms range from broken teeth to temporo-mandibular dysfunction (TMD). A change in life-style may or may not help. An oral appliance, worn at night, may help to relieve symptoms. Each patient must be evaluated individually.

Is home bleaching safe and can I safely use store bought bleaching systems?

After almost 10 years of prescribing home bleaching, numerous clinical studies have shown home bleaching to be safe, as long as the bleaching is done under the care of a dentist. We make a bleaching tray (called a stent) to exactly fit your teeth. It does not cover the gum tissue at all. The bleaching gel is 22% carbamide peroxide, which can be irritating to the gums. It can also cause temporary tooth sensitivity if not used correctly. Since the bleach is in the form of a gel, there is little chance of swallowing the bleach. Store bought bleaching systems have you make the stent by heating a block of tray material and then having you bite into it. There is nothing to prevent the bleach from sitting on your gum tissue. The bleach used in store bought systems is more fluid and can be easily swallowed.

Can A Tooth Be Replaced? (Prosthodontics)

You can diligently floss and brush your teeth and still lose a tooth to gum disease or an accident. If this happens, the tooth or teeth should be replaced in order to restore your smile, regain your chewing and prevent other teeth from shifting to an undesirable or less functional position. There are three main types of artificial teeth and each one is designed for a particular situation. They are dental implants, removable dentures and fixed bridges. A DENTAL IMPLANT is made by surgically placing one or more small metal posts beneath the gum into the jawbone. In a few months, when they are attached to the surrounding bone, they are exposed and have the artificial tooth or teeth attached to them. A REMOVABLE OR PARTIAL DENTURE replaces all or some of the lost teeth in the arch with one appliance. The denture is held in place by clasping some of the remaining teeth - or by suction where none of the natural teeth are left. A FIXED BRIDGE is a replacement that is cemented to the adjacent teeth and cannot be removed.

What is a Crown/Cap?

A crown or cap is a cover that fits over a properly prepared tooth that has been damaged by decay or accident, or is badly stained or shaped. A crown can be made of acrylic, metal, porcelain, porcelain and metal, or resined metal. All-porcelain crowns look more like your natural teeth, and therefore are usually used for front teeth, while porcelain with metal underlay has more strength and is good for crowns in the back of the mouth. Sometimes all-metal crowns are used for back teeth because of the metal's strength.

Patient Education

Bad Breath
----------------------------------------Canker Sores
-----------------------------------------Diabetes
----------------------------------------Denture Care
---------------------------------------
Dry Mouth
---------------------------------------Oral Piercing
----------------------------------------Sensitive Teeth
----------------------------------------Tobacco Use
----------------------------------------Tooth Anatomy
---------------------------------------
FAQ
--------------------------------------

Procedures

Prevention
----------------------------------------Gum Disease
-----------------------------------------Restorations
----------------------------------------Child Dentistry
---------------------------------------Cosmetic Dentistry
---------------------------------------Dentures
----------------------------------------Denture Repairs
----------------------------------------Oral Surgery
----------------------------------------Orthodontics
---------------------------------------TMJ Pain

--------------------------------------

Fun Stuff

Philosophy of Life
----------------------------------------Top 10 Reasons
-----------------------------------------Email the Tooth Fairy
----------------------------------------Word Search
---------------------------------------Contests and Games
---------------------------------------Trivia
----------------------------------------

Tips For Parents

Babys First Teeth
----------------------------------------Baby Bottle Syndrome
-----------------------------------------Brushing Teeth
----------------------------------------Childs First Visit
---------------------------------------Fluoride
---------------------------------------Pacifier
----------------------------------------Sealants
----------------------------------------Snack Facts
----------------------------------------Teething
---------------------------------------Thumbsucking
--------------------------------------

Gum Disease

Diagnosis
----------------------------------------Treatment
-----------------------------------------Maintainence
----------------------------------------

Insurance

Understanding Insurance
----------------------------------------Reasonable & Customary
-----------------------------------------Managed Care
----------------------------------------

Procedures

Patient Information

Introduction
----------------------------------------First Visit
-----------------------------------------Scheduling
----------------------------------------Insurance
---------------------------------------Financial Policy
---------------------------------------Home Instuctions
----------------------------------------Infection Control
----------------------------------------Privacy Policy
----------------------------------------New Patients
---------------------------------------Current Promotions
--------------------------------------

Cosmetic Dentistry

Bonding
----------------------------------------Crowns
-----------------------------------------Bridges
----------------------------------------Veneers
---------------------------------------Reshaping Teeth
---------------------------------------White Filling
----------------------------------------Whitening
----------------------------------------

Can Kissing Someone Spread Gum Disease

Gum Disease

Diagnosis
----------------------------------------Treatment
-----------------------------------------Maintainence
----------------------------------------

FAQ's

Dental Emergency

Prevention

Exams
----------------------------------------Cleanings
-----------------------------------------
X-rays
----------------------------------------Sealants
---------------------------------------Fluoride
--------------------------------------Mouthguards
----------------------------------------