Do you see emergency patients?
Yes. Sometimes, a patient can experience a situation of deep discomfort and pain, that may indicate the need of immediate attention. For this reason, we always have policy to see emergency patients first. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you feel you are in an emergency situation!
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, KW Dentistry continues to grow and accept new patients. Walk-ins and emergencies are also welcome. Call us to schedule your appointment.
Are bleeding gums a sign of a problem?
Bleeding after brushing or flossing can be unsettling. It can also be a sign of an otherwise silent disease — periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a leading cause of tooth loss. It is a build-up of bacteria from plaque and tartar that can inflame or infect gum and bone.
Periodontal disease causes deep pockets to form in tissue between the gums and teeth. This sometimes gives the appearance of puffy or receding gums. During dental exams, we routinely examine your gums. There are a number of treatments for bleeding gums and periodontal disease, including removing plaque and tartar below the gum line. These treatments, performed in a dental office, are called scaling and root planing. They allow the gum to heal and become healthy again. We recommend daily brushing and flossing as well as regular checkups and cleanings to help prevent periodontal disease.
Is it important to have an oral infection treated?
Sometimes the body’s immune system will fight and heal infections on its own, but often it needs some help. When it comes to oral infections such as tooth and gum infections, only your dentist can make that call. This is why it is so important to have infections and abscesses examined by a dentist.
Oral infections are a serious health matter. Symptoms include tooth, gum, and jaw pain, lumps or pus-filled abscesses, and weeping or bleeding gums. Left untreated, they can affect your overall health.
Your dentist can diagnose an infection during an oral examination. They will feel your gums, gently tap your teeth, and take x-rays to determine the extent of the infection and whether it has spread.
If your dentist feels the infection is harmful, or your body is not fighting it effectively, they may prescribe antibiotics. Your dentist will also want to treat the underlying cause of an oral infection to prevent it from reoccurring in the future. Causes may include tooth decay, periodontal, or gum disease, tooth cracks, and weakened fillings.
Do not ignore the signs of oral infection. Practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis, and have your mouth and teeth examined by a dentist.
What can dental bonding do for my teeth?
Dental bonding is a simple, painless and affordable procedure that has many uses, including:
- repairing chipped or cracked teeth
- closing spaces between teeth
- reshaping teeth
- covering badly stained teeth
Bonding involves the application of a tooth-colored resin. The dentist prepares the tooth for bonding by placing a mild chemical on it to roughen the surface. Using a shade guide, the dentist selects a shade that closely matches your tooth and then mixes and tints the resin. The resin is applied in thin layers and then hardened with an ultraviolet light or laser. The dentist then shapes and polishes the resin to smooth it and give it a natural look.
The procedure usually takes about 30-60 minutes to complete. You can even get several teeth bonded in one visit. No special techniques are needed to care for bonded teeth – just good oral hygiene.