Common Dental Questions

There are many common dental questions Fitchburg patients ask our dentist, Dr. Brian McDowell. We have taken the time to answer some of the most common questions we are asked at Brian C. McDowell, DDS. If you have additional questions, you may call 978-252-2049 to schedule a consultation with at our dental practice.

Why are My Teeth So Sensitive?

Common Dental Questions Fitchburg | Brian McDowell DDS | Dentist Fitchburg Sensitive teeth commonly come from the fact that you have some loss of bone. This bone loss causes gum loss in the same area. Usually, there is a problem with the bite leading to this condition. Many kinds of toothpaste, gels, and dental procedures can be applied to manage this. Let us know if you have extremely sensitive teeth.

What Should I Do to Help Prevent Gum Disease and Tooth Decay?

Great teeth and gum care starts at home. Daily brushing and flossing of your teeth is the best way to continually improve your teeth and gums. In addition, keeping to a daily routine will significantly minimize the risk of gum disease, gingivitis, or tooth decay as you age.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is caused by bacteria surrounding the teeth and entering the gums. As a result, the gums can become irritated, inflamed, and often bleed. We highly recommend regular hygiene visits to prevent gingivitis from worsening. Our dental hygiene will teach you the proper flossing techniques during your office visit. In addition, oral hygiene protocol for home care will help avoid Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease.

What is Periodontal Gum Disease?

Periodontal gum disease is a silent disease that begins with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surround the teeth and enters the gums. The beginning of this disease is known as gingivitis. The gums become inflamed, irritated, and often bleed. If not initially treated, the condition worsens. Noticeable symptoms now appear. They include:

Bad Breath
Gum Recession
Tooth Sensitivity to Foods/ Liquids
Abscesses
Tooth Pain
Tooth Loss

How Do You Treat Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease or gum disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Periodontal disease can be controlled through regular teeth cleanings, root planning & scaling, and local antibiotics. Periodontal surgery is only necessary for the more severe cases.

What is the Difference Between a Silver (Mercury) Filling and a White Filling?

Silver (Mercury) Fillings, known as Amalgam, have existed for decades. Made from an alloy medal, it was the best restoration for dental fillings. The silver (Mercury) fillings expand and contract with the heat and cold in the mouth. This expansion and contraction allow the fillings to pull away from the edge of the tooth, leaving openings. Also, there is no bond to the tooth with the silver filling, leading to an increased likelihood of fracture.

White Fillings, known as composites, are often made of plastic or glass polymers. These cosmetic, white fillings allow us to fill a cavity with a substance that looks and feels like your natural tooth. This restoration is created with a resin material and fits tightly into a tooth to prevent decay. This material also chemically bonds to the tooth, decreasing the likelihood of fracture. Rather than a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match the tooth color.

How Can I Enhance My Smile?

There are several ways in today’s dentistry to enhance your smile. Certain cosmetic dentistry procedures include:

Tooth Whitening
Porcelain Veneers
Bonding
Porcelain Crowns

Our cosmetic dentist, Dr. McDowell, can enhance your smile using all or some of these procedures. For a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact our Fitchburg dental practice, Brian C. McDowell, DDS, so that we may provide you with a customized dental treatment plan.

What is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth Whitening is a cost-effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, fluoride has been added to the whitening product. Fluoride reduces the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity.

Tooth Whitening must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning.

The whitening process can last for several years if maintained properly. However, beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and wine will reduce the lasting effect.

Remember, if it could stain a white shirt, it would stain your smile!

What is Dental Bonding?

Bonding is a cost-effective procedure used to fill gaps in front teeth and to change a tooth’s color. The immediate results are excellent. Within a few hours, you will have a great smile! Bonding, like teeth whitening, may change color over time due to coffee, tea, cola, and wine.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain Veneers are thin, translucent pieces of porcelain that go directly on your natural teeth. This entire procedure can take as few as two visits. Veneers change a patient’s teeth’ size, shape, and color. Cosmetic dentists like Dr. Brian McDowell, use this procedure to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or a crooked smile. However, patients often ask for porcelain veneers to look and feel younger with a straighter, more stunning white smile!

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are a permanent cosmetic procedure that covers the entire tooth. Crowns will change the teeth’ size, shape, and color in as few as two visits.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant, traditionally made of titanium or zirconia, is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root. This screw-like dental instrument is inserted under the gum and directly into the upper or lower jaw bone. There is typically minimal discomfort involved with this procedure. After a few months, the dental implant and the bone fuse create an anchor for the implant specialist to place a new tooth onto the dental implant.

Does Your Dental Office Offer Financing for Services Provided?

Please get in touch with Brian C. McDowell, DDS, to discuss the options we have available to make your perfect smile today!

Schedule A Personalized Consultation

Contact dental practice at (978) 252-2049 to schedule a consultation with Brian C. McDowell, DDS to address any questions or concerns your may have with your smile. With over 30 years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, we care for dental patients from Fitchburg, Lunenburg, Leominster, Westminster, Gardner, and many surrounding areas.