Is whitening my teeth safe?
Bleaching and whitening techniques are very safe, and the procedures we use have been approved by the American Dental Association. Our in-office tooth whitening does not degrade any tooth
structure or make it easier to stain your teeth. Results and safety of at-home whitening products vary, so check with us for recommendations before trying one.
If I have gum disease do I HAVE to get surgery?
NO! You can be treated on a regular basis and may not have to have surgery. The best option is to have a dentist look first and tell you the best options for your situation.
Will I need to get caps on my teeth to remove the spaces between them?
NO! Most of the time, it is not required to get caps on your teeth to remove the spaces. Nowadays, with porcelain facings, one can easily make cosmetic changes to get rid of those spaces,
make your teeth straighter, brighten the color, and fix cracks. In fact, most of the time, we won't have to remove much of the tooth structure to create a beautiful white smile.
Are everyone's teeth the same that get a cosmetic makeover?
NO! Each person is different, and each tooth is shaped and created to fit your facial structure and mouth size.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a metal appliance used to replace the root of the tooth. This post or screw serves as an anchor in the bone, to which a prosthetic tooth is securely attached. Dental
implants and prosthetics look and function just like your natural teeth.
Why should a patient consider dental implants?
Dental implants are an excellent choice for patients who are missing one or several teeth and has not been able to function comfortably with dentures or does not wish to try dentures.
Implants are also good options for patients who require a crown or fixed bridge but wants to avoid damaging surrounding healthy teeth. Simply put, dental implants provide a permanent,
durable solution that looks and feels very much like your natural teeth.
Who is right for dental implants?
More patients than ever can be candidates for dental implants, thanks to advances in the technology. Dr. Randy Agnew possesses extensive training in the field of implant dentistry and can
help you determine if implants would be the right solution for you. Generally speaking, if a patient can receive fixed bridgework or standard extractions, they should be able to have a
dental implant procedure.
How long will dental implants last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last 30 years or longer. This makes them a durable long-term solution to tooth loss and other dental issues.
Are dental implants expensive?
Dental implants cost about the same as fixed bridgework or similar advanced dental procedures.
Do dental implants need any special care or maintenance?
Care for your implants the same way you should your natural teeth. Dental implants aren't susceptible to decay, but the surrounding gums may still develop gum disease without proper oral
hygiene.
How much time will I need to allow for recovery after dental implants?
We suggest allowing yourself an additional recovery day after the day of placement; however, most patients return to work the next day. You can do what feels right for you.
Can I choose not to get treatment?
The choice is always yours to make, but we highly recommend that you trust Dr. Agnew's expert opinion. Without treatment, you may experience tooth loss, which leads to deterioration of
the bone that supports it.
Bone loss can lead to even more serious problems, including:
- Pain or discomfort
- Enlarged tongue to fill the space
- Loss of function
- Numbness in the lower lip
- High risk of jaw fractures
- Difficulty securing dentures
- Sunken facial appearance
Putting off treatment can make it that much more difficult to treat you, and may require more extensive, invasive, and/or costly procedures later.
Why do I need to see a dentist regularly?
You’ve probably heard the recommendation to visit your dentist at least twice a year to maintain good oral health. There is a reason our Anaheim Hills dentist recommends this—it’s to
find any dental issues early on! Over time, a small dental issue, such as a cavity, can become a larger problem. Treating it right away is a simpler procedure and can prevent you from
having to spend more on costly treatments. We also look for any medical conditions, diseases, or illnesses that might be found in the mouth.
Of course, every patient’s situation will be unique and some might need more visits than others, so it is important to discuss your particular treatment plan with us at Canyon View
Dentistry.
What should I expect during my dental visits?
First, we would discuss your medical history, and discuss whether you have had any issues or conditions in the past that might have affected your dental health. We will take X-rays if
necessary, examine your mouth for symptoms of disease, check for tooth decay, and examine your gum health. We will discuss any risks you might have for developing gum disease, bone
disease, tooth or root decay, and oral cancer—these factors will be different for every patient, of course. We will take a look at your bite and also check to see if there is a need for
tooth restoration or replacement. Finally, we conduct a thorough teeth cleaning to remove stains and deposits.