FAQs in Indianapolis

Great teeth and gum care starts at home. Brushing and flossing as recommended daily is the best way to maintain your oral health. By keeping to a daily routine, you will minimize your risk of developing gingivitis and tooth decay as you age.

Gingivitis occurs when bacteria surround the teeth and enter the gums. Gum tissue can become irritated and inflamed and will often bleed. To prevent gum disease from worsening, we highly recommend regular hygiene visits at Preferred Dental Care in Indianapolis, IN. During your visit, our hygiene team will teach you proper flossing techniques and oral hygiene steps for home care.

Periodontal disease is an infection that begins with few or no noticeable symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surround the teeth and enter the gum tissue. The immediate condition is known as gingivitis. If not properly treated, it will worsen. Noticeable symptoms now appear, including:

• Bad Breath
• Receding Gums
• Sensitivity to Acidic Foods
• Abscess
• Tooth Pain
• Tooth Loss

Periodontal Disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. With professional periodontal cleanings, root planing and scaling, laser therapy, and local antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal surgery is only necessary for severe cases.

Silver fillings containing amalgam have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, amalgam was once the best material for fillings. The metal expands and contracts in response to the heat and cold placed in the mouth. This limits the amount of bacteria that could enter a tooth once it is filled, keeping the tooth healthy and strong.

White fillings made from composites often contain plastic or glass polymers. These cosmetic fillings allow us to fill a cavity with a substance that looks and feels like your existing tooth structure. The composite material fits tightly in the tooth to prevent decay. Instead of having a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match the tooth color.

There are several ways to enhance your smile, including:

• Teeth Whitening
• Bonding
• Porcelain Veneers
• Porcelain Crowns

We have the ability to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. For consultation and personalized recommendation, please contact our office so we may provide you with a customized treatment plan.

Teeth Whitening is a cost-effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful smile. Over the years, fluoride has been added to the whitening product to reduce the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity. Professional teeth whitening is monitored by your dentist and only recommended after a comprehensive exam and cleaning.

The whitening results can last for several years with proper care. Beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and wine will reduce the lasting effect. Remember, if it will stain a white shirt, it will stain your smile!

Bonding is a cost-effective procedure used to fill gaps in front teeth and to change a tooth’s color. The immediate results are amazing. Within a few hours, you will have a great smile! Bonding may change color over time with regular exposure to substances such as coffee, tea, cola, and wine.

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that we bond directly to your natural teeth. Veneers change the size, shape, and color of your teeth. We use veneers to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or a crooked smile. Patients often ask for porcelain veneers because they want to look and feel more confident with a gorgeous smile.

A dental crown covers an entire tooth, changing the size, shape, and color and reinforcing the structure.

A dental implant is a replacement for a missing tooth. Made from titanium, the implant is inserted under the gum and directly into the upper or lower jawbone. After a few months, the dental implant and the bone fuse together, creating an anchor for a new tooth to be placed on top.

• Look and function like natural teeth
• A permanent solution for missing teeth
• Easy to maintain with at-home care and routine hygiene visits
• Minimal risk of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss
• Affecting only the tooth or teeth that are missing
• Fixed in place for added stability and bite force

With major advancements in dentistry and dental implants, most people are candidates. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.

The average dental implant procedure takes 3 to 4 visits. The first visit is to X-ray the area and take an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the implant. The next visit is to place the implant under local anesthesia. The procedure is usually completed with minimal pain. You will return in approximately 3 months to begin creating the porcelain crown to place over the implant.

The cost varies depending on your case. We will discuss the procedure and all costs involved during your initial consultation.

Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to help you achieve your perfect smile!

With routine dental hygiene scheduled and proper home care, a dental implant can last 30 years or longer.