Dr. Russell B. Rainey, D.M.D.

How many times have you wondered…

Q: Why do I need a crown when my tooth is cracked but it does not hurt?

A: The absence of pain is not an indicator of the health of the tooth. The crack can cause irreversible damage and if left untreated can kill the nerve inside the tooth and then only a root canal can save the tooth.

Q: Will bleaching really whiten my teeth?

A: Bleaching is highly successful in dramatically whitening the natural shade of your teeth. And if applied by your dentist, it is totally safe and will last for 3-5 years before needing a touch-up.

Q: Would extra fluoride help my teeth?

A: Many people, children and adults, benefit from daily applications of a prescription strength fluoride gel. It helps guard against cavities and desensitize areas on the roots of the teeth where there is dental wear.

Q: How many years will a filling last? When does a filling need to be replaced by a crown?

A: Many fillings will last 10 years or more. When the filling begins to leak as it ages, and if it covers more than half the chewing surface of the tooth it needs to be replaced by a crown. Any filling, no matter how small, weakens the tooth. A crown can save the tooth and help protect it from further trauma.

Q: In the past few years my front teeth seem to have gotten shorter. What can I do about that?

A: This is a result of a bite out of alignment. Much like the wear on automobile tires, when a person clenches or grinds their teeth, they wear down. The first step is to adjust, realign and stabilize the bite. Then porcelain veneers or crowns can correct the look to create a beautiful and youthful smile.

 

Russell B Rainey DMD - Providing services in cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry, tmj treatment and periodontal care in the areas of Tallahassee, Florida.

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