Elevate Dental Wellness & Health FAQs
How can I fix a broken tooth?
The answer depends on how broken the tooth actually is. If it is a slight chip, sometimes it can merely be smoothed out, or even have a little bonding and filling material added. If it is a large break, the tooth will require a crown to ensure that it does not break again. Occasionally, if a tooth breaks down to the nerve or gumline, it will require a root canal or possibly even an extraction. If you break a tooth, please give our office a call so that we can make an appointment to evaluate the area.
How can I replace a missing tooth?
There are a few different options to replace a single missing tooth. The most common option is a bridge. A bridge requires preparing the two teeth around the missing tooth so that they can provide support for the false tooth in the middle. A second option would be to have a dental implant placed. Often this is the best option because it does not require compromising the teeth next to it. The procedure is easy and healing time is minimal. Lastly, there is always an option to replace the tooth with a removable appliance that looks similar to an orthodontic retainer. Elevate Dental Wellness & Health can consult with you to help you determine the best way to replace your tooth/teeth.
How do I whiten my teeth?
The fastest way to whiten your teeth is to have them whitened professionally in the office. There is a one-hour process that can be done in the office that will give you the fastest results. Another option is custom-made whitening trays. We will take a mold of your teeth to make trays to fit your mouth and give you a professional strength gel to take home. This process usually takes about 10-14 days to achieve optimal results. There are many options to purchase from the store (ex. whitening strips, toothpaste) that can help but may not give you the results you wish to achieve.
Why does my tooth hurt?
Your tooth could be hurting for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the nerve of the tooth develops sensitivity to cold and a simple fluoride treatment or sensitivity toothpaste will help. The pressure from sinus issues can even cause discomfort in a tooth. Many times though, your tooth may hurt due to decay that needs to be treated. The best way to determine why your tooth is hurting is to set up an appointment for an exam and possibly some x-rays.
How should I handle a dental emergency?
The most common dental emergencies are pain/swelling, broken teeth, and a loose or knocked-out tooth. If you are experiencing severe pain and swelling, call our office ASAP. We may prescribe antibiotics since most swelling is due to a dental infection. You can apply hot or cold compresses to your jaw and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (whatever you typically would take for pain/soreness). If you have a broken tooth, but it is not causing you pain, it is still best to get into the office for an evaluation as soon as possible so that the tooth doesn’t become painful or break to the point of being non-restorable. If your entire tooth has been knocked out or you have a large break in a front tooth due to an accident, place the tooth in milk and call our office immediately.
How should I fix my snoring?
Snoring is most often a result of your airway is partially blocked. The smaller airway forces your body to work harder to breathe for less oxygen, which can be detrimental to your body over time. Dr. Werleman has extensive knowledge of oral structures and will be able to help you determine the best route to fix your snoring. She is easily able to make a custom appliance to be worn at night that will support your jaw in a way that opens up your airway helping you to breathe better.
Do I have sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing completely stops repeatedly while you are sleeping. It is characterized by loud snoring and periods of gasping for breath at night, sometimes waking you up. You will often feel fatigued during the day, never feeling truly rested. There are different evaluations and tools that a dental professional can use to determine if you are experiencing sleep apnea. Dr. Werleman is trained in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, and can often make a simple appliance that will help to open your airway during sleep.
How do I fix my smile?
Depending on your goals, there are many different ways to fix your smile! Technology in dental has become so advanced that just about anything that you want to fix can be done. Teeth can be easily whitened with a one-hour in-office appointment. Teeth can be straightened and your facial profile can even be adjusted with braces or clear retainers. Missing teeth can be replaced with bridges, implants, and partial or full dentures. Imperfections in front teeth can be fixed with veneers and bonding. Dr. Werleman can help you to come up with a treatment plan based on your goals.
What should I do if I broke my tooth?
If you happen to break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to calm and cleanse the area. If you are in pain, you may take over-the counter-medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help. If possible, save the piece of the broken tooth to bring to your dental appointment. You can keep the piece of tooth soaking in milk and it will help to preserve the structure. Call our office as soon as possible to get the tooth evaluated and treated.
