“Does Creekside Dental offer financing?”
As with any product or service, payment is expected at the time dental procedures are performed, which is typically at each office visit. For your convenience, we accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards. In addition, we realize that obtaining a great smile should not be compromised due to a lack of finances. We have partnered with CareCredit, who will qualify you for financing, allowing you to pay them as little as $25 monthly for your smile. They offer up to 12 months no interest or up to 60 months with low interest.
“What's the difference between dental bonding and porcelain veneers?”
Dental Bonding is a tooth colored (composite) resin material that is light activated and done in one visit to our practice (little tooth reduction, no anesthesia required). Porcelain veneers can mask dark stains better with a more durable porcelain material. They are very thin veneers of porcelain that are bonded to your teeth. Although this procedure takes two visits to our Douglasville office, porcelain laminate/veneers are stronger than dental bondings and less prone to staining.
“I have a space between my two front teeth. How can it be closed?”
There are several ways in which this can be corrected:
1. Dental bonding (one visit); will correct discoloration and shape of teeth.
2. Porcelain laminate/veneers (two visits); will correct discoloration and shape of teeth.
3. Orthodontics; requires multiple visits and cannot correct color or shape of teeth.
“If I require fillings, what type should I get?”
Where silver (amalgam) and gold were all that were used in the past for fillings in back teeth, we at Creekside Dental only use tooth-colored porcelain or composite materials that are strong and extremely wear resistant. You can even give your teeth a "facelift" by removing your old metal fillings and replacing them with "invisible" ones.
“I need a face lift and some dental work... which should I do first?”
Do the dental treatment first. A good aesthetic dentist will give your face the support it needs so that your lips and cheeks have the proper lift. By doing so, you'll have the required muscle support in your face to its physiological position. That way, when you get a facelift, the final result will look much more natural without that unappealing, "pulled-back" look around your check area.
“My smile is crooked, what can I do about it?”
Although orthodontics is the ideal way for children and young adults to correct this condition, sometimes an alternative using restorative treatment with dental bonding, porcelain veneers or full crowns can make a pleasing result. As an adult, orthodontics is a treatment option, but also dental bonding or porcelain veneers can achieve aesthetically correct results in two visits or less.
" My crown in the front doesn't match my teeth -- it looks fake. What can be done?”
A skilled aesthetic dentist will not only match the color and contour of the adjacent teeth, but by using an all porcelain crown, can also make your smile look just as natural as it did before getting the crown.
“I have a "gummy" smile... can anything be done?”
With the invention of laser dentistry, this can be done very easily and painlessly in most cases. Tissue sculpting (gingivectomy) is an important adjunct to achieving a beautiful, healthy smile.
“Why should I spend a lot of money on a root canal? Why not just pull the tooth?”
Losing a tooth can be the beginning of many more lost teeth. Saving the tooth maintains space, keeps other teeth from shifting, and eliminates the need and cost of a bridge or implant and crown. Although seemingly expensive, it is actually quite cost effective. Replacing an extracted tooth is, most times, more expensive than having the root canal.
“What is 'plaque' and how does it affect my teeth?”
Plaque is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If left undisturbed, the bacteria in the plaque produce byproducts that can not only irritate the gums and make them bleed, but it can also lead to periodontal disease. A daily regimen of proper brushing, flossing and rinsing (plus, regular dental visits), will help you keep your teeth healthy.
“My gums bleed when I brush or floss. Is this normal?”
Healthy tissue doesn't bleed. This is most likely a sign of early gingivitis. If you experience bleeding gums, schedule a soft tissue evaluation with Dr. Brian Deas for your hygienist to review proper brushing and flossing techniques. A soft tissue evaluation includes x-rays and prophylaxis cleaning. Gum bleeding must be taken seriously because if left untreated, it will lead to periodontal disease.
“How often should I have my teeth cleaned?”
People accumulate plaque at different rates. Although most insurance plan coverage is for a twice a year schedule, it's sensible to get your teeth professionally cleaned as often as your dental health professional advises you, even if it's every 3 months.
“What can I do about bad breath?”
Proper brushing and flossing normally reduces the bacteria that causes bad breath. The newest addition to effective oral hygiene has been tongue cleaning. Since research shows that 85% of bad breath can be controlled by removing bacteria that colonizes on the back of the tongue, it's a good idea to use a tongue cleaner at least once a day. We offer a variety of professional products in the office that can assist you with bad breath.
“How many times should I floss my teeth?”
You should floss your teeth at least once a day. There's an old adage among dentists: "Floss only the teeth you want to keep." If you don't want to lose your teeth, floss every day. Otherwise, you'll be 75% more susceptible to periodontal disease that has been documented to have serious health consequences, e.g. a higher likelihood of heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia and infections. About 45% of American adults have some form of gingivitis, and most adults over 60 have already lost their teeth. Don't be one of them. Floss at least once a day.
“What is tartar and how can I control it?”
In most cases, tartar is "hardened plaque" that has been left undisturbed. It's a black, solidified protein layer at the gum line that can only be removed safely with a dental scaling instrument during hygiene cleanings. The best way to control tartar is to brush and floss every day and to have routine dental cleanings.
“How can I get the yellow and dark stains out of my teeth?”
You have three intelligent teeth whitening choices: whitening toothpastes, professionally supervised at-home bleaching and in office "power" whitening