Got a Question?
Litchfield Smiles Has Answers!
Dentistry can be more complicated than you’d think. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t ask our dental professionals all the questions you want! Patient education has always been a priority at Litchfield Smiles, so feel free to check out a handful of the most common questions we hear at the dental office as well as our detailed responses! If you have another question, don’t hesitate to call or mention it during your next appointment.
When should I visit for a checkup?
We recommend that all patients visit our office at least once every six months. This allows us to confirm that no problems are present with your current oral health. For example, we’ll perform an oral cancer screening during every exam just as a precaution. We’ll also be able to perform a detailed cleaning, which involves removing plaque and tartar that may have developed since your last visit.
Can you make my smile look more attractive?
Absolutely! Cosmetic imperfections can appear for many different reasons, which is why we offer many solutions for you to consider! While take-home teeth whitening and direct bonding can both be completed relatively quickly, other methods can offer more comprehensive solutions that take a little more time (i.e. porcelain veneers and metal-free crowns.) We can even provide you with a preview of your future smile thanks to digital imaging, so you’ll know exactly what you’ll look like following treatment.
How should I replace teeth?
There are many ways to replace teeth, but the best option will depend on your specific needs. If you’re looking to replace multiple teeth (and do so sooner rather than later), dental bridges offer a natural-looking solution that lasts for several years. However, dental implants can last even longer and feel incredibly lifelike thanks to their integration process. We’ll discuss both in great detail once you arrive, so you can be informed on the expectations of both.
Can you place dental implants?
We sure can! Dr. Moreira is highly experienced in the placement of dental implants. In fact, he’s even able to replace an entire arch of teeth and place a full prosthetic during the same appointment via the All-on-4 method. This process involves placing dental implants in a way that fully maximizes bone tissue, making them strong enough to hold a new set of teeth right away!
My gums hurt. Can you treat them?
If your gums are feeling sensitive or tender, it could be to an infection caused by unremoved plaque and bacteria. To relieve you of this discomfort, we may need to perform gum therapy through a process known as deep cleaning. This involves gently removing plaque and tartar from above and beneath the gum line as well as smoothing the tooth roots. Both work to promote healing, reduce gum recession, and save your natural gum tissue from breaking down further.
Will my next root canal hurt?
Not at all! We make sure to provide the proper amount of local anesthetic to your tooth and surrounding gum tissue at the beginning of every root canal treatment. This ensures you feel virtually no sensations during therapy. Of course, sedation dentistry is also available if you are particularly concerned.
