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DENTISTRY OF ORLANDO FAQS

POPULAR FAQS

We recommend going to the clinic at least 15 minutes earlier than your appointment. This gives the staff time to set up, and you can fill out the necessary paperwork. Be sure to have your identification and insurance cards ready as you approach the reception area.

If you were prescribed an antibiotic prescription as a preventative measure, take it an hour before your dental appointment. This enables your body to have enough time to absorb the drug.

You need to bring your ID and insurance cards during your dental appointment. Additionally, you must have your medical information as this is critical in providing the right dental solutions.

An appointment with a general practitioner lasts for about 50 minutes. If you are seeing a dental specialist, it will take about 45 minutes per appointment.  

Dentists can prevent dental issues. They may be able to detect the beginning of gum disease and dental decay. It's critical to visit your dentist regularly so they can identify any problems early, before the problem becomes serious.

Use toothpaste with fluoride at least twice a day to brush your teeth. Don't forget to floss and clean in between your teeth. Eat healthy, balanced meals and avoid eating too many snacks.

Inquire with your dentist about further procedures that can prevent tooth cavities. 

Below are the dental procedures that are safe for pregnant women, according to the American Dental Association. 

 

  • Dental X-rays 
  • Tooth extractions 
  • Dental anesthesia 
  • Dental fillings 
  • Dental cleaning 

 

Make sure to inform your dentist about your condition first before any dental procedure. 

 

 

FAMILY DENTISTRY FAQS

DENTAL CLEANINGS

No. Dental cleaning does not hurt. If a patient experiences pain, this may be because of factors like gum inflammation, tooth decay, or sensitive teeth. Let our hygienist know if teeth cleaning hurts so we can provide you customized care for a comfortable and pain-free procedure.

Generally, the ideal interval for professional dental cleaning is every six months. However, some patients who are prone to having dental issues may need to come for teeth cleaning every three months. While others who experience less or hardly any dental issues can visit their hygienist every nine months.

In between cleaning, you need to practice good oral care to maintain a healthy mouth. Here are some things you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums: 

  • Brush teeth twice a day, and for at least two minutes each time. 
  • Floss at least once a day after brushing. 
  • Use fluoride toothpaste.
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or once it’s worn out. 
  • Eat a healthy diet and avoid sweets and sweetened drinks. 
  • Keep dentures and retainers clean. 
  • Visit your dentist for regular checkups.
DENTAL EXAM & X-RAYS

No, not necessarily. The frequency of x-rays varies per patient. We may require other patients to only have x-rays annually while others may need it every six months to monitor developing conditions. We don’t just require x-rays just because. We carefully weigh the benefits and potential risks of any tests we conduct.

There are different types of dental x-rays and each one for a different purpose. The most common classifications are intraoral x-rays and extraoral x-rays.

Intraoral x-rays
The most common types are bitewing, periapical, and occlusal. These detailed x-rays allow your dentists to find cavities that are not visible, check the health of the tooth root, bones surrounding teeth, cysts, and abscesses.

Extraoral x-rays
The different types of extraoral x-rays include panoramic x-rays, tomograms, cephalometric projections, sialography, and computed tomography. Extraoral x-rays are used to look for impacted teeth, monitor jaws, and identify problems between teeth and jaws and the temporomandibular joint and other bones in your face.

This is a common concern for many patients but dental x-rays only involve a minimal amount of radiation. At Dentistry of Orlando, we provide protections including a lead-line apron to cover portions of the body that may be exposed to x-rays. 

We also do not recommend x-rays to just anyone and at any time. We only prescribe them when they are appropriate and necessary. We also utilize state-of-the-art technology to ensure that every procedure is safe.

COMPOSITE FILLINGS​

Do's
Take prescribed medicines to control tenderness.
Brush your teeth carefully
Call your dentist if you still feel pain and discomfort after a few days

Don’ts
Avoid food and drinks intake for at least an hour if you’re feeling dizzy
Don’t chew too much until the pain is gone
Don’t drink hot beverages right after the procedure

No. It is generally painless because of the applied anesthesia to numb the tooth. You will feel the taps on your tooth while the dentist is placing the filling, but it is not painful. If there is discomfort, let us know so we can do something about it. 

The average lifespan of a composite filling is about 5-7 years. This of course depends on the oral hygiene, diet, and the location of the filling. Lifespan will also be shorter if the person grinds and chatters teeth.

ROOT CANAL THERAPY

Yes, you don’t have to wait until you experience severe pain to have your dentist perform a root canal treatment. If we see that your tooth is decayed, we may suggest root canal treatment to preserve it and prevent the decay from spreading to neighboring teeth.

Root canal procedures are typically done in one visit and usually don't last longer than two hours. If infection is severe or if you choose to have a crown, it will take two visits to complete the procedure.

Yes, most dental insurance will cover the cost for root canal treatment. This treatment is considered a medical process for the benefit of your oral health. It is not considered a cosmetic dentistry procedure. 

TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Most people may not need their wisdom teeth extracted. During your consultation with Dr. Chapkis, he will evaluate your wisdom tooth and see if it needs removal. If a wisdom tooth is painful or doesn’t develop properly, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction.

Tooth extraction may cause mild discomfort. Our dentist and dental assistants at Dentistry of Orlando are experts in local anesthetics, so you won’t feel pain during the removal. If you feel nervous, feel free to talk to us. We’ll do our best to make the procedure as seamless and comfortable as possible.

If the tooth extraction leaves a space between your teeth, we recommend replacement to ensure a healthy bite and a cosmetic smile. Otherwise, leaving the space empty may lead to other problems. Your dentists will discuss your options, such as implants or dentures.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY FAQS

PORCELAIN CROWNS

When taken care of properly, porcelain crowns can last up to 20 years. You may anticipate your crown to last a very long time because the porcelain ceramic materials used to construct it are incredibly strong and hard. 

A dental crown should be cared for the same way as a real tooth. Be sure to floss once a day, brush twice a day, and visit your dentist for teeth cleaning and oral examination every six months.

After your crown has been installed, there won't be any "downtime." Since the procedure is non-invasive and doesn't involve surgery, you can resume your normal activities immediately. 

TEETH WHITENING

As much as we want to do the best teeth whitening services for all patients, it isn’t for everyone. If you have gum disease or decay, we recommend that these be treated first before whitening. Talk to our experts to know the proper treatment best for your needs. 

Take-Home Trays 

Custom-fitted trays are built to fit your smile, making it easier for the whitening solution to do wonders for your teeth. These are also designed to protect your gums from possible irritation. If you want to know more about trays for teeth whitening, visit our clinic immediately. 

 

In-Office Bleaching 

We also offer in-office bleaching to provide fast results. However, before suggesting this option to our patients, we make sure that they don’t suffer from tooth sensitivity or other oral health. 

On average, teeth may brighten from 6 to 12 shades in the whitening shade range. However, the degree of whitening varies from client to client and cannot be guaranteed.

DENTAL BRIDGES​

Cantilever Bridge
We use a cantilever bridge when teeth are present on only one side of the gap. It is used in areas of your mouth that don't experience an intense chewing load, such as your front teeth.

Maryland Dental Bridge
Also known as resin-bonded bridge, the metal bands are bonded to the surrounding teeth with resin to hold the false tooth in place. This type of bridge is commonly used in areas of the mouth with less stress.

Implant Supported Bridge
Similar to a "traditional fixed bridge," this bridge is secured in place by implants as opposed to being bonded to teeth.

While there are many benefits of having dental bridges, it’s not for everyone. We will take a look first at your oral health and condition to see if you are a good candidate. 

 

Dental bridges are a great alternative for patients who have one or more missing teeth through extractions or tooth loss. Ideally, they must have two healthy teeth in the mouth, one on either side of the gap where teeth are missing. 

On the other hand, the candidate is not suited for a traditional dental bridge if it is discovered that these teeth are weak. This is due to the possibility that the teeth could become diseased or weaken over time, leaving them unfit to support the bridge.

Lastly, the candidate should have a good overall oral health. 

To break hard foods, you need to apply some pressure, but this pressure can fracture or ruin the bridge's structure, requiring a replacement bridge. To help a dental bridge last longer, you should avoid foods like popcorn kernels, chips, raw carrots, and hard sweets.

DENTAL BRIDGES​

Dental veneers can last between 10 and 30 years when properly maintained. Always take certain precautions because dental veneers are not indestructible.

They could increase the sensitivity of teeth to heat and cold. Furthermore, these are not a fix for deteriorating or falling teeth.

Snap-on veneers are rampant online. However, these are only short-term solutions. They won't change how you smile. Plus, they could be uncomfortable and even lead to other oral issues.

DENTAL BONDING

Dental bonding or resin teeth bonding is a painless dental treatment. Dr. Marc Chapkis usually doesn’t need to administer anesthesia when performing the procedure. The exceptions are when bonding is close to the gumline, or it’s done to fill a cavity, repair a chip close to the nerve, or if tooth reshaping requires drilling. In general, dental bonding is a minimally invasive procedure. There’s also no downtime for the treatment. Once it’s done, you can smile widely and beautifully. 

Dental bonding is a more affordable option compared to porcelain veneers. Since veneers are from porcelain and are made to last longer (usually 15 years or more), they generally cost more. However, if you’re looking for a quick solution to cover stains, repair chips, or gaps, dental bonding does the job at a more affordable rate. 

Dental bonding usually lasts between three to five years. With excellent dental hygiene habits, the resin tooth bonding may last up to 10 years. Dr. Marc Chapkis will provide you with dental care tips for your dental bonds. As a caution, nail biting and other habitual chewing are discouraged to maximize its longevity. 

DENTAL INLAYS AND ONLAYS

Dr. Marc Chapkis will perform a dental examination to determine if inlay or onlay the best solution. He will also check where the inlay/onlay has to be placed. In some cases, the dentist may need to remove older filling material before the procedure can be done. Most patients who are good candidates for inlay or onlay can have the procedure safely done in the clinic at the earliest convenience.

Since inlays/onlay are more durable and last longer, it will cost more than a regular filling. The exact cost will depend on several things such as the material being used and how much damage the tooth has suffered. To know more about inlays and onlays, schedule a one-on-one consultation with our dentist today.

Tooth onlays and inlays are durable and long-lasting. With proper care and hygiene, they can last anywhere between 5-30 years. We recommend these dental habits to properly care for your teeth after inlays/onlays are placed: 

  • Brushing twice a day 
  • Flossing every day 
  • Follow-up visits
  • Regular cleaning 
  • Avoid grinding teeth 
  • Avoid or lessen chewing hard food 
  • Other special recommendations from your dentist.
INVISALIGN

The ideal candidates for Invisalign are those with relatively simple crowding and/or bite concerns. They are a good option for anyone who would feel self-conscious wearing more conventional braces. 

Invisalign aligners don't have to be worn all the time (only 20 to 22 hours per day). Ensure that you take care of your aligners and wear them as prescribed.

The quality of our services is demonstrated by the growing number of patients we have. Find out why people in Orlando choose our dental clinic for their Invisalign requirements.

IMPLANT RESTORATIONS

Not all are strong candidates for dental implants. It is best to consult Dr. Marc Chapkis so he can evaluate if you have a healthy or adequate jawbone mass through an X-ray of CT-scan.

For people who have chronic dental problems like nighttime grinding or teeth clenching, dental implants may not be the best option. Others who have health issues like diabetes or chronic smoking will also not be good candidates for dental implants.

In a normal course of dental implant healing, osseointegration happens. This is the process where the titanium implant fuses with the jawbone. The bone usually covers the implant over several months and secures the implant the way it would secure a natural root. If this process doesn’t take effect, then the implant may become loose in the future. It’s also important that your body maintains a strong and dense jawbone. Jawbones deteriorate if you develop gum disease or infection. 

If you notice red, swollen, and bleeding gums, visit our clinic right away so Dr. Marc Chapkis can give you the right treatment. 

It depends on the kind of damage your dental implant has. If only a portion of your implant is fracture, we may restore it using a bonding material or if not, we replace the crown. If the actual implant loosens, Dr. Chapkis will have to remove it and place a new implant. 

The best solution is determined after careful examination at our clinic. Dr. Chapkis will discuss with you how extensive the damage is and the procedures necessary to repair or restore dental implants. 

FAQs | Dentistry of Orlando

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