What do you want when you have a burning question that you just can’t get out of your mind? 

A: Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Here is a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem:

• twice daily brushing
• daily flossing and tongue cleaning
• regular professional cleanings
• careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances.

However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, Norman Dental can offer several solutions.

First, our team can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue and significantly alleviates odor. Or we can recommend a specially prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, we may suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, in which case we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.

A: If we have recommended a crown to you, it is likely either to correct a broken tooth or to repair a tooth that has deteriorated due to cavities (decay). The decay in your tooth eats away healthy tooth structure much like rust eats away at metal. If not removed, decay will deteriorate the tooth to the point where extraction is the only viable treatment option. Sometimes, decay is removed leaving healthy tooth structure, but not much of it. A crown can then be placed, restoring the look and function of your tooth while allowing you to keep your natural, underlying tooth structure. Most crowns are precision –milled porcelain, porcelain bonded to gold, or full gold and are individually customized for each application in each patient, giving you a natural, long lasting smile.

A: Yes, we offer digital X-Rays. Digital X-Rays use less radiation than traditional film X-Rays. You will find that in our dental practice, we research the latest trends in technology to find the solutions that promote your overall health, safety and comfort. 

A: Research shows that fluoride reduces cavities in both children and adults by halting tooth decay. It also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay becomes visible. Interestingly, many people continue to be misinformed about fluoride and fluoridation. Fluoride is a safe chemical component when used correctly. When we apply fluoride to your teeth, usually in the form of a fluoride varnish, gel, or rinse, that fluoride is more concentrated than the fluoride contained in toothpaste or mouthwash. The ADA recommends that dental professionals use any of the professional strength, fluoride varnishes, gels or rinse products carrying the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

A: You are not alone. Most people want to have a nice smile since it is the first thing others notice about you. You may be interested in a few minor adjustments or may have concerns that need more attention. Some smiles can be enhanced with simple whitening or bonding treatments. Other smiles need porcelain veneers, crowns or bridges; gum contouring; periodontal therapy or a combination of all these techniques. We will suggest a treatment plan for you based on your goals, areas of concern and the overall condition of your oral health. Contact us for a smile evaluation to determine what course of action will produce the best solution for you. 

A: Dr. Norman has a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. Talk with our team further about the option that best suits your individual situation.

A: Losing a back tooth will darken your overall smile making it look smaller and narrower. Your smile will appear to stop short, and the look will be exaggerated if your missing tooth has teeth on both sides of it. Function during chewing will be reduced and the function of teeth can be affected by losing just one tooth. When you are missing a tooth, you compensate by chewing differently, putting pressure on different parts of your mouth. This can cause your other teeth to shift, creating gaps and spaces and may even cause fractures that result in additional tooth loss or the need for restorations.

A: By replacing missing teeth either with a bridge or implant, you will alleviate the problems associated with missing a tooth and give your smile back its beautiful, full appearance. A bridge is one solution for replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, Dr. Norman places a porcelain restoration into the vacant space, restoring the functionality and look of your smile. A dental implant is also an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has bonded to the bone, it can act as a new, solid support for a natural looking, porcelain restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth, or an entire set of teeth, offering more function and permanence than traditional dentures.

A: During your first appointment, your overall dental and oral health will be assessed with a comprehensive oral evaluation. Upon completion of your medical / dental health form, we will ask you to tell us your goals regarding your smile, teeth, and gums. Digital photos and X-Rays will be taken of your teeth to identify areas of decay, cracked teeth and malfunctioning restorations. Diagnodent™, a specialized laser, may also be used on your teeth, notifying us of early areas of decay that are not visible on the X-Ray or digital photographs. Our goal is to preserve as much of your teeth as possible by catching decay in its earliest stages. We’ll also assess your gums and recommend the appropriate hygiene treatment for you.

A: Over the years patients have given us the compliment of referring family and friends to our practice. Our reputation for excellent dental care depends on two things: our good work and your beautiful smile. Your confidence in our care motivates us to continue to strive for excellence.

Thank you for your referrals. Your trust and support are greatly appreciated.

A: Many people who notice chipped or cracked teeth, but don’t remember when the injury occurred, damaged their teeth while they were sleeping. Grinding or clenching your teeth during the night will cause your teeth to chip, crack and even break. To keep you from seriously damaging your teeth, we recommend a dental appliance called a night-guard. A custom fitted night guard protects your teeth from grinding & clenching in your sleep.

Do you suffer from headaches? You may find that a side benefit of your night-guard is headache prevention. Many headaches start during the night, caused by the extreme pressure generated as you grind and clench your teeth. Ask us about having a night-guard custom created for you.

A: Yes, we do offer monthly payment plans with our financial partner, Care Credit™. We provide a variety of ways for you to pay for your treatment so that it fits comfortably into your personal or family financial goals.  Our team works with you to create the solution that accommodates you so you can have the beautiful, healthy smile you have always desired.

A: Dental insurance is designed to assist you in paying for your dentistry. Most procedures are not fully covered by your insurance. Cosmetic dentistry, in particular, is not covered by most dental insurance plans. To help you afford your smile, we offer a variety of payment options in addition to a monthly payment plan provided by our financial partner, Care Credit™. We also pay special attention to maximizing the benefits that your insurance does provide. Ask our team how you can comfortably afford your dentistry and maximize your dental insurance benefits.

A: Gums affected by periodontal disease become red and inflamed, often bleeding during brushing or flossing.  Timely treatment can reverse these conditions. However, if these conditions are ignored, your periodontal disease can worsen, becoming a condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis is much more difficult to treat.

A: It is certainly not desirable to have bleeding gums following brushing. However, the condition may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following:

• improper, rough 'scrubbing' instead of gentle, circular brushing motions
• using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line
• gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease.

If this problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods or occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment.

A: Gums affected by periodontal disease become red and inflamed, often times bleeding during brushing or flossing.  If treated in a timely manner, these conditions can be reversed, preventing periodontal disease from developing.  Periodontitis is much more difficult to treat. If you don’t catch periodontitis in its early stages, you may require extensive surgery to save your teeth and may put yourself at risk for other serious health problems.

According to Caesy Dental Education, “Ailments associated with periodontal disease include respiratory disease, pneumonia, strokes, ulcers, difficult-to-control diabetes, low birth weight babies, and infective endocarditis, a dangerous infection of the heart valves.  Researchers recently discovered that this chronic infection in your mouth creates an open doorway for plaque bacteria to enter the blood stream.  These bacteria – Streptococcus sangguis – may cause blood clots that can block your arteries and even trigger a heart attack.”

A: A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids and guarding against disease-causing bacteria.

Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. However, toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to efficiently extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.

A: Most dental pain brought on by chewing is caused by a fracture, or crack, in the tooth. The pain can be corrected by placing an inlay/onlay, a porcelain crown, or with more advanced treatment. You want to correct the pain as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the tooth.  Contact us today to schedule a visit.

A: Porcelain veneers improve your smile by correcting a multitude of cosmetic concerns including: 

• gaps in teeth
• chips and broken teeth
• dull or yellowing teeth that cannot be whitened with traditional means
• “gummy smile” (showing too much gum when one smiles)
• crooked teeth. 

Porcelain veneers broaden, straighten, whiten and beautify most any smile.  This procedure can be done in as little as two clinical visits.  Many of our patients feel like this was the best improvement that could have been done for their overall confidence.  Ask us about how porcelain veneers can improve your smile at your next visit or send us an email.

A: Dentist directed at-home whitening and in-office whitening procedures are both effective ways of brightening your smile. In either case, Dr. Norman customizes the treatment to ensure your happiness with the results.  Talk to our team to determine which procedure is the best fit for your needs.