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We are always happy to answer our patients’ questions, and if we don’t have the answer immediately, we will find the answer! We feel an educated patient is the best patient, so we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions below. We will continue to add to this list, so keep on asking and we will keep on responding!
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"Is my drinking water fluoridated?" |
A |
Most communities have fluoridated water supplies, however, the best way to verify whether your water supply is fluoridated is to place a call to your local Board of Health. They should have the answer. |
Q |
"The fillings in my mouth are silver. Can I replace them with a better looking filling that is white?" C.D., Wakefield MA |
A |
The silver fillings in your mouth are from dental treatments which have been used for over 100 years. Historically, dentists have had to rely on this un-cosmetic, metal alloy/mercury mixture, since white type, composite filling material was not durable and strong enough to stand up to the force and pressure applied by the "chewing" molar and bicuspid back teeth. In the past few years, remarkable improvements in the white type fillings have allowed us to provide white, cosmetic fillings for the back teeth that are as strong and have many superior qualities over silver fillings. |
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"Are silver fillings hazardous to your health, as reported a few years ago on a "60 minutes" TV special?" S.K., Winchester, MA |
A |
For years, the safety of silver (amalgam) restorations has been a controversial subject among various dental practitioners and researchers. The main concern is the stability of the mercury used in the silver. "Does the mercury leach out into the mouth and become absorbed and stored in the body?" was the main question the 60-minutes program touched upon. Some research has indicated a "yes" to the question and other research the opposite.-therefore a very inconclusive answer can be given. However, there are other qualities of silver that make it inferior to composite (white filling) material that does not contain any metal or mercury. |
Q |
"My teeth are crooked and crowded and I don’t want braces. How can I improve the look and have a better smile without going through the longer treatment with braces?" E.D., Windham, NH |
A |
Orthodontic treatment, more commonly known as braces, is the best way to straighten teeth-but does require time. Often minor spaces and crooked teeth can be cosmetically improved by what is referred to as "instant orthodontics", this includes the use of :crowns, composite bonding, or porcelain veneers (a thin layer of tooth shaped porcelain bonded to your natural tooth to enhance its color, shape, size, and length). These procedures have enamel-like characteristics that can make your smile natural and attractive. |
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"What do you recommend for a toothbrush, type toothpaste, and are electric toothbrushes advisable?" S.R., Boston, MA |
A |
It is important your toothbrush is soft and does not have hard bristles. A hard brush can cause wear of the teeth and promote irritation and possible receding of your gingival tissues (gums). There are many soft toothbrushes available in various sizes and one of our dental hygienists would be happy to evaluate your mouth and recommend the type and size that would be best for you. There are many toothpastes on the market-each claims various merits: tarter control, anti-cavity agents, breath fresheners, plaques fighters, whiteners, etc. We are strong believers that toothpaste is important and should be used, but what is more important is using the proper brushing method and spending at least two minutes in duration during brushing. Our hygienists again are the best source to help you with your brushing technique. Your final question regarding electric toothbrushes is an interesting one, but I am going to skip it for now. Instead, we are planning to dedicate in next month’s new item section valuable information regarding electric toothbrushes and our stand concerning them. |
| Thanks so much for picking our brains! We truly enjoy answering
your questions! If you have further questions please e-mail us: Info@Lentinesmile.com |
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