MY BLOG
It is always good to be prepared before you have any dental or medical procedure. Make sure that you are informed and know what to expect to make you as comfortable as possible. We recommend that you have a list of questions with you to ask us during your consultation. If we inform you that you need a crown, consider asking any or all of the following questions:
- Am I a good candidate for a crown?
- Can you do a computer-generated mock-up of my new smile with crowns? (This question is only applicable if the crown is for a front or visible tooth.)
- Is there a way that I can “test-drive” my new smile and crown(s) before making them permanent?
- How long will the entire process take from my first appointment through completion?
- What are the risks, benefits and alternatives associated with the type of crown(s) you are recommending?
- Is there any discomfort associated with crown procedures?
- Will I need or receive any type of sedation when you prepare (drill) the tooth or teeth for a crown?
- Is what you are recommending commonly done?
- Can you show me some before and after photos of cases that you have done?
- How much will my crown(s) cost?
- Will my insurance cover all or a portion of the cost?
- How long can I expect my crown(s) to last?
- Will there be any maintenance required with my crown(s)?
To learn more about crowns, read the Dear Doctor article, “Porcelain Crowns & Veneers.” Or you can contact us today to discuss your situation and schedule a consultation.
A generation ago, hearing the term, “smile makeover,” would most likely have resulted in questions and puzzled looks. However, through the power of both the media and celebrities, today it has become a common household term with over 70% of all inquiries coming from people in the 31 to 50 year old age group, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). While some people seek cosmetic dentistry purely to boost their self-esteem, others pursue it to improve first impressions during business and social interactions, as many studies have revealed that first impressions are the ones that typically last the longest.
The AACD study also revealed other interesting statistics that support why a smile makeover is a wise choice that can yield a life-changing return on your investment — you!
- 99.7% of Americans believe a smile is an important social asset.
- 74% feel an unattractive smile can hurt chances for career success.
- 50% of all people polled were unsatisfied with their smile.
Another important study recently conducted by Beall Research & Training, Inc., an independent marketing research firm, used before and after photos of smile makeovers for polling purposes. The research found that people who have had a smile makeover are viewed by others as more attractive, intelligent, happy, successful in their career, friendly, interesting, kind, wealthy, and appealing to the opposite sex. This evidence clearly proves just how important a first impression can be as well as what it can silently communicate about you.
Want to learn more?
Contact us today to discuss your smile makeover questions or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to meeting with you to learn about your specific concerns and to show you what we can do for you. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor article, “The Impact Of A Smile Makeover.”
Protecting your children is one of your most important roles as a parent or caregiver. Dental sealants are one way you can protect your children's teeth from the ravages of tooth decay, drilling and fillings — and they can be applied simply, comfortably and quickly right here in our office.
What is a dental sealant?
A dental sealant is a thin, plastic film that is painted onto the tiny grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (usually the premolars and molars) to prevent caries (cavities) and tooth decay. And by allowing us to use sealants to seal these little nooks and crannies where your child's toothbrush can't reach, you will dramatically reduce their chances for developing tooth decay. This one, simple and quick office visit could save you both money and time with fewer dental visits and healthier, cavity-free teeth.
So will sealants guarantee no (or no more) cavities?
No, just like life, there are few guarantees. Your child's oral hygiene, regular dental visits, fluoride, sugar consumption and genetics are the other important factors that will determine to what degree your child experiences tooth decay. However, research shows that pit and fissure (chewing surface) decay accounts for approximately 43% of all decayed surfaces in children aged 6 to 7, even though the chewing surfaces (of the back or posterior teeth) constitute only 14% of the tooth surfaces at risk. This demonstrates the vulnerability of the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to decay. By placing a protective seal over the areas of teeth at risk, you can effectively and proactively protect your children's teeth.
How long do sealants last?
Research has shown that some sealants can last up to 10 years. However, if you opt for sealants for your children's teeth, we will closely monitor them with each office visit to ensure that they are still doing their job. As needed, we can apply more sealant.
Periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, can cause permanent damage and severe health complications if not treated right away. The infected gums can separate from the teeth, and as the infection spreads to tissue and bones, tooth loss can occur. When gum disease can't be successfully treated with antibiotics or root planing and scaling, a surgical procedure known as flap surgery may be recommended to clean the root of the tooth and repair the damaged bones that support the teeth.
The procedure for flap surgery involves the loosening of the gum from bone to expose and clean the underlying tooth structures. With the gum folded back, the dentist can remove the existing plaque and tartar, and if necessary, the bone may be reshaped or grafted. Follow-up visits with Shane R. Costa DDS will be an important part of the healing process.
Signs of Gum Disease
Detecting gum disease early is key for preventing permanent damage and reducing your need for extensive treatment and surgery. Common signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste
- Loosening or separating of permanent teeth
- Change in bite
Gum disease prevention starts with good dental care at home. Brush and floss regularly and visit our Great Falls VA office for routine appointments and cleanings. We can detect unhealthy gums in the earliest stage of infection, and work with you to find a treatment plan to help you achieve your optimal oral health.
If you've experienced tooth loss as a result of tooth decay, gum disease or injury, it's important to replace the missing teeth to avoid additional problems, including a shift in your remaining teeth, a misaligned bite, and an older, sunken facial appearance. Whether you've lost some or all of your teeth, Shane R. Costa DDS can provide removable dentures that can restore your smile, boost your self-esteem and improve your health.
Dentures are a set of replacement teeth for any teeth that are missing. When healthy teeth remain, there are partial dentures, which take the place of only a few teeth and prevent the others from shifting position. If all teeth have been lost, there are complete dentures for replacing an entire set of teeth, which can include upper dentures, lower dentures or both. Both full and partial dentures improve your ability to chew and speak, while supporting facial muscles and enhancing appearance.
Advancements in dental technology are creating dentures that are more comfortable, more durable and better fitting than ever before. At Shane R. Costa DDS, we can custom design dentures that not only replace teeth, but ensure the best possible fit, function and comfort for your jaw and bite.
Dentures can help you look better and feel better, but may offer other benefits as well. Dentures can:
- Prevent other teeth from shifting position
- Improve your ability to chew and speak
- Support the muscles in your face
The loss of one tooth or many teeth can be devastating, but it doesn't have to be permanent. The condition and severity of your remaining teeth will determine the type of denture that will best address your needs. Visit our Great Falls VA office for an examination, and we'll work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you.
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Dentist - Great Falls
10135 Colvin Run Road
Suite 230
Great Falls, VA 22066
(703) 757-0833
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