Dental FAQs
in Malone, NY

Gingivitis occurs when bacteria gets into the mouth and isn’t removed promptly. This, in turn, results in red irritated gums that may bleed easily. Patients with gingivitis can prevent the problem from growing worse if they schedule regular oral hygiene visits. The dental hygiene team will demonstrate the optimal brushing and flossing techniques to prevent the gingivitis from becoming periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease is typically preceded by gingivitis. It happens when the bacteria is allowed to enter the gums, where it gets trapped. Periodontal disease may start quietly, but if not treated it includes issues like bad breath, receding gums, gum sensitivity, abscesses, teeth pain, and eventually teeth loss.

There are several different approaches to periodontal disease. Dr. Poupore will discuss options with each patient based on the level of periodontal disease. Treatment may include periodontal cleaning, root planing and scaling, and local antibiotics. In severe cases of periodontal disease, surgery may be needed.

Silver fillings, also called amalgam fillings, are the older option. These fillings have been used for many decades in teeth restorations. The filling material is a metal alloy which expands and contracts due to heat and cold. Silver fillings prevent bacteria from getting into the tooth and help it stay strong. White fillings, also called composite fillings, are typically crafted from plastic or glass polymer. These fillings do the same job as the silver fillings but have the extra advantage of being tooth colored. They are a popular choice for aesthetic reasons, particularly in the teeth that are most visible. Dr. Poupore only uses white fillings in his office for their strength and appearance.

There are many ways to enhance the smile today. Some of the most popular cosmetic procedures include: Teeth whitening, bonding, porcelain veneers, implants and porcelain crowns. The smile can be greatly enhanced, or even completely “made over” using a customized combination of these techniques.

Tooth whitening is a way to lighten the tooth enamel. The whitening product also contains fluoride to lower the chance of teeth and gum reactions. Teeth whitening should only be done on healthy teeth after a dental cleaning and check-up. To maximize the effects of teeth whitening, patients should avoid drinking beverages like coffee, tea, soft drinks, and red wine.

Bonding is a way to conceal gaps in the most prominent teeth, and can also be used to completely change the color of the teeth. It takes just a few hours in office, and it can yield a beautiful new smile. As with tooth whitening, bonded teeth look their best if patients avoid dark drinks like coffee, tea, soft drinks, and red wine.

Porcelain Veneers are ultra-thin shells made from porcelain. These shells are custom made to fit on top of the natural teeth. Veneers are used to correct a variety of different issues, including size, shape, and shade. Veneers are also used to repair fractured teeth, so they can be both structurally and aesthetically useful. Veneers can be done in two visits or less.

Crowns are made of porcelain and are similar to veneers. However, a crown covers the whole tooth. Crowns are typically used for teeth in the middle and back of the mouth while veneers are used for the front teeth. This type of restoration can alter the size, shape, and shade of teeth and can be done in two visits.

Dental implants are replacements for teeth that are entirely man-made. Dental implants create a brand new root and tooth from titanium. The implants are inserted in the jaw surgically while the patient is under anesthesia, so it causes very little pain. Over several months, the titanium implant and the bone will become fused, creating the ideal foundation for a replacement tooth to be screwed securely into place.

Dental implants are an excellent option for many reasons. First, they are a permanent replacement for the lost teeth. A dental implant looks and works just like the natural teeth do. Removable dentures may shift around the mouth and may make eating certain foods difficult, but dental implants allow a person to act just like they did when they had natural teeth. Having dental implants in place means that patients are better able to maintain the health of their remaining natural teeth. Dental implants can lower the chance of jaw bone loss, periodontal disease, and shifting of the natural teeth.

Dental implants can be a good fit for many different people today. A small group of people may be medically excluded from getting dental implants, including those with serious osteoporosis, heart disease, or serious chronic illness. Most other people who are in good health may find that dental implants are the ideal way to replace missing teeth permanently.

Dental implants are done over a period of several months in most cases. Generally, the patient will have a total of three or four visits for dental implants. In the initial visit, digital x-rays are taken. An impression of the patient’s mouth will also be made so that the temporary prosthesis can be made. In the second visit, the implant is placed while the patient is under local anesthesia. The implant is placed in the jaw and sutured into place. The patient will have a temporary tooth replacement, which will be replaced by a permanent tooth and porcelain crown around six months later. The dental implant process rarely causes pain, as it is done under anesthesia with the patient’s comfort foremost in mind.

The cost can vary based upon a number of factors. Patients can schedule a personal dental implant consultation with Dr. Poupore to find out exactly what their cost will be.

A dental implant typically lasts for decades as long as the patient takes good care of it and has regular dentist visits. For most people, dental implants last a whole lifetime.

Dr. Poupore and his team are happy to discuss financing options. Call our office at (518) 483-3100 to learn more about how the ideal smile can be financed.