Jeffrey F. Allen DDS

Jeffrey F. Allen DDS

Home Contact Us Map and Hours Office Photos Downloads Staff FAQs Links Treatment Rooms Reception Area Front Desk Sterilization Office Exterior	FAQS Do you think your teeth are too yellow? How long does bleaching last? My old fillings in the front have turned dark. Can they be bleached? My gums bleed when I brush or floss. Is this normal? What are the signs of Gum Disease? What is Gum Disease? What is the correct way to brush? What is the correct way to floss? Will my insurance cover periodontal treatment? Do you think your teeth are too yellow? Cosmetic bleaching is a simple, safe, and easy way to brighten up your smile. It usually takes only a few weeks to dramatically whiten your smile. How long does bleaching last? Each person is different. It depends on many factors including your diet, the original color of your teeth, and each person's ability just to absorb the bleaching products. My old fillings in the front have turned dark. Can they be bleached? Bonding and composite resin fillings do not bleach. Usually, polishing may help but if not, you can have the surface of the fittings redone. Otherwise, it's time to replace with newer bonding or porcelain laminates for longer lasting results. Remember, only replace these fillings after bleaching in order to match the new improved color of your own natural tooth. My gums bleed when I brush or floss. Is this normal? No! A thorough soft tissue evaluation including x-rays, with a prophylaxis (cleaning) and good homecare instructions is an essential beginning. Usually bleeding is a beginning symptom of gingivitis or periodontal disease, and may require conventional gum surgery if necessary. Talk to your dentist who can do different forms of treatment from simple cleaning of the teeth to antibiotic therapy, and as a last resort, surgery. What are the signs of Gum Disease? If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, see your dentist immediately: ˇ gums that bleed when you brush your teeth ˇ red, swollen or tender gums ˇ gums that have pulled away from the teeth ˇ bad breath that doesn't go away ˇ pus between your teeth and gums ˇ loose teeth ˇ a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite ˇ a change in the fit of partial dentures What is Gum Disease? Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, however, you may not know you have it. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums. What is the correct way to brush? Place the head of the toothbrush next to your teeth, with the bristle tips at a 45-degree angle next to the gum line. Move the brush back and forth in a small circular scrubbing motion. Brush the outer surfaces of all teeth, upper and lower. Make sure you keep the bristles angled against your gum line. Now, brush the inside tooth surfaces, using the same brush strokes. To reach the inside surfaces of your front teeth, tilt your brush vertically and use gentle, up and down strokes with the head of the brush. Scrub the chewing surfaces of all back teeth. What is the correct way to floss? Use a piece of dental floss approximately 18 inches long. Wind each end of the floss around your middle fingers. Holding the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, leave about an inch of floss in between. Use a gentle, back and forth motion to guide the floss in between your teeth. Avoid snapping the floss, which may cause some unnecessary irritation to the gums When the floss is at the gum line, curve it into an arc around each tooth until there is mild resistance. Holding the floss in the arc position, gently slide it up the side of the tooth, making sure the floss goes under the gum. Move the floss up and down (not back and forth) several times to remove the plaque from under the gum. Repeat this procedure on both sides of each tooth. Will my insurance cover periodontal treatment? Dental insurance is intended to cover some, but not all of the cost of your dental care. Most plans include coinsurance provisions, a deductible, and certain other expenses which must be paid by the patient at the time of services. Reimbursement amounts are not, and never have been, a guideline for quality care.
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