Informative Facts on Common Dental Procedures

Below is a list of some frequently asked questions.  Please feel free to call our office (704) 289-5233 or email us at DrKazemian@DesigningSmiles.com if you need additional information.  We are always pleased to assist you.

What types of dental procedures does Dr. Kazemian offer?

Dr. Kazemian's office provides dental procedures in several areas including:

•     Restorative:  Fillings, Root Canals, Crowns, Bridges and Dentures.

•     Cosmetic:  Teeth Whitening, Bonding, and Veneers.

•     Periodontics:  Diagnosis and treatment of gum conditions and diseases.

•     Implants:  Replacement of missing, damaged or weak teeth.

•     Pediatric: (Children's) Dentistry

Our office uses tooth-color or white fillings and computer generated porcelain restorations instead of amalgam.  The cosmetic and functional benefits are also superior.

Is it okay to take medication before I have any dental treatment?

Some patients need to take medications before they have any dental treatment to reduce the risk of medical complications.

You may need to take antibiotics before your visit if you have had recent cardiac surgery, prosthetic cardiac valve, a heart murmur, and artificial joint or pin surgery, and/or rheumatic fever.  Please advise us if any of these items relate to you and keep us updated if your medical health information changes in the future.

Why do I need x-rays?  Aren't they harmful?

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth clinically.  An x-ray exam may reveal the presence of small cavities between the teeth, infections in the bone, abscesses, cysts, developmental abnormalities and some type of tumors.  The amount of radiation from dental x-rays reaching the more sensitive cells of the body is approximately the same as that received in a single day from natural sources.

What is a dental implant?

Dental implants are small prosthetic posts that are placed into the bone of the upper or lower jaw.  They act as replacements for the root portion of lost natural teeth and also serve as an anchor for replacement teeth.  Dental implants look and feel exactly like natural teeth -- in fact, no-one (other than maybe your dentist) will be able to tell the difference.  Implants are used to replace small bridges, removable partial dentures and missing single teeth.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Dental implants are appropriate for almost anyone who is in reasonably good health and is currently missing teeth or is at risk of losing teeth.  You must have enough bone in the area of treatment to provide for the anchorage of the implants.

How long will my dental treatment last?

It is difficult to predict how long any type of medical or dental care will last.  It becomes much more predictable when the patient follows a regular routine of preventive care by visiting our office at recommended intervals.  Periodic visits for preventive care enables us to detect minor problems before they become catastrophic. 

What is gum disease?  Does it hurt?  Would I know it if I had it?

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection that attacks the gums and bone supporting the teeth.  In its early stages gum disease is not apparent to the patient.  Just as high blood pressure is called " the silent killer", so is gum disease " the silent killer" of teeth.  We’ve learned a great deal about gum disease in recent years and we are now able to diagnose it earlier and help patients get it under control much better than in the past.

In the early stages of periodontal disease there is little, if any pain; therefore you may not notice the gradual onset of puffiness and occasional bleeding.

The earlier periodontal disease is detected, the sooner we can get it under control.  If your gums are bleeding ,even slightly, it is often a sign of gum disease.  When patients wait until their teeth are loose and painful and their gums are oozing it is much more difficult and costly, if at all possible, to get the disease under control.

Why should I have a root canal?

Having the tooth removed may seem to be the easiest or the least costly choice when an infection is present. Unfortunately, when the patient decides to have that tooth replaced he or she may find the cost to be much higher than saving the tooth with root canal therapy.  If the nerve in a tooth dies slowly, the patient is often unaware there is a problem because there is no pain. Meanwhile an abscess, which can only be detected with an x-ray, continues to grow causing destruction of the bone around the tooth.  If the tooth is injured and the nerve dies right away it is quite apparent to the patient because it usually is very painful.  Most of the time patients do not have to lose the tooth and root-canal therapy will help to save it.

My teeth are yellow.  What are my options?

There are many causes of tooth discoloration; substances like coffee, soft drinks, and smoking.  Some medications and aging can also cause your teeth to stain over time.  Your dentist can determine the source of your discoloration, then recommend the best whitening system for you.  If the teeth are not extensively decayed or filled and generally are in good condition, except for the yellow color, whitening is often the easiest, most conservative and least expensive option.  Placing porcelain restorations or veneers on them can also whiten yellow teeth.

Does whitening always work?

Whitening teeth is an inexpensive process that is designed to take the dark pigments out of the teeth.  It will not whiten fillings or crowns on teeth.  In addition, certain types of discolorations tend to respond better to whitening than others.  Based on our experience, we can give patients a reasonably accurate prediction of the results they are likely to achieve.

Can you whiten old fillings or crowns?

Whitening only affects natural tooth structure, not artificial fillings or crowns.

I would like to whiten my teeth, but I have fillings or crowns on my teeth.  If they won't whiten, what do I do?

If you have old fillings or crowns, don’t be concerned.  Whiten your teeth and then, when you are happy with the results, we can replace old fillings or crowns to match your new whiter smile.

How long do porcelain veneers take to get?

Porcelain veneers can be done in as little as two short visits a few days apart.

What is Computer Controlled Anesthetic?

Computer controlled local anesthetic delivery system "WAND".  The WAND is an excellent example of our efforts to bring you the latest dental technology, and to help all of our patients have a pleasant, positive visit to our office.  The micro-processor inside the WAND automatically insures a steady flow rate regardless of tissue density.  Constant, slow flow is one key to virtually pain-free injections.

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