Waterlase Dental Treatment: Patient FAQs

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Waterlase is a dental laser treatment tool that makes it possible to perform regular dental treatments without the need for shots or major discomfort. Commonly used on children and even pregnant women, this treatment has numerous advantages, including less discomfort for the patient. Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions regarding Waterlase dental treatment.

What exactly is Waterlase dentistry?

Waterlase dentistry is an innovate treatment method that involves the use of a laser that is combined with both water and air to perform certain types of treatments. lasers have been used in other medical procedures for many years, but they have only started showing up in the dental practice field in the last few years. Waterlase can be used to treat multiple conditions, including:

  • to eradicate cavities before a filling
  • to eliminate small fragments of bone after an extraction
  • to properly clean sugar spots from the teeth
  • to prepare a tooth before a crown is added

Why is the Waterlase method better for fillings?

When you get a filling done in the traditional way, the dentist uses a small drill that has a bur on it that breaks away bits of the damaged tooth. Even though this method is effective, the friction from the drill can cause some pain and discomfort for the patient. Plus, it is easy to cause damage to adjacent teeth or the tooth being drilled. Waterlase gives the dentist a gentle and precise way to remove only the damaged parts of the tooth. There is no friction, no heat, and no risks to the surrounding teeth.

Why do patients heal faster after Waterlase treatments?

Waterlase is a gentle and efficient way to perform many common dental procedures. The procedure is non-invasive and is less likely to damage the soft tissues in the mouth than some forms of traditional treatment, such as drilling. Therefore, after a patient has received treatment using Waterlase, there is less discomfort and they can bounce back rather quickly.

Overall, Waterlase dentistry treatment is a valuable component of modern-day dental practice. Reach out to us at the office of Michael J. Tupta for more information about Waterlase and if this is a treatment option we can offer you.

Home Remedies for Dental Pain That Actually Help

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Most people claim that toothache pain is one of the most intense pains ever, and it really can be. When the enamel breaks down on a tooth, it exposes the sensitive nerves in the soft tissue, and the pain can be quite severe. If you have to wait to see a dentist, you will be willing to try a lot of things to help thwart the throbbing toothache. Here are a few safe home remedies that may actually help.

Rinse Your Mouth in Warm Salt Water

Saltwater has the ability to calm inflammation and has healing properties for wounds in the mouth. Therefore, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can actually help with a toothache. The salt also acts as a natural disinfectant and will loosen debris that may be stuck in your teeth that is causing irritation. Simply mix a 1/2 teaspoon of salt with a warm glass of water and stir before using the solution to swish around your mouth.

Apply Garlic Paste to the Aching Area

Garlic has been recognized for all kinds of amazing therapeutic reasons, but it can do something that a lot of people do not know about: it can act as a pain-relieving agent. Simply peel one clove of garlic and crush it. Work with the crushed garlic until you have what resembles a bumpy paste and then apply it to the area causing the pain. You can add a tiny bit of salt to further help with inflammation.

Dab the Area with Natural Vanilla Extract

Alcohol can help numb pain, and vanilla extract does contain a small percentage of alcohol. Plus, natural vanilla extract can help heal wounds because it boasts antioxidant properties, so if an abrasion is causing pain the extract may help. Simply use a cotton swab or cotton ball to dab the area that’s hurting with the extract and repeat as often as you need to.

Toothaches are never something easy to deal with, and there are effective ways to relieve some of the pain, but it is a must that you seek professional attention from a dentist as soon as possible. Reach out to the office of Michael J. Tupta DDS in Charleston so we can help you.

teeth whitening

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Professional Teeth Whitening

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If you are dissatisfied with the color of your teeth, you can have them professionally whitened to improve your smile. Your dentist can provide this helpful service upon request, though it is not covered by insurance. To help you decide if this procedure is right for you, read through this FAQ to learn all you need to know about professional teeth whitening services.

How bright will my teeth look after whitening?

Although the brightest white might seem tempting, it does not suit everyone. You need to consider many different factors to find a shade that flatters you. You will work with your dentist to find the optimize tooth whitening shade for your perfect smile. Professional teeth whitening can often lighten your enamel by up to eight shades. Your dentist will show you all the possibilities and you can select from them to perfect your beautiful smile.

Will whitening my teeth hurt or make them sensitive?

Having your teeth professionally whitened should never cause any pain or discomfort. If you note any problems, let your dentist know right away.

Over-the-counter tooth whitening kits have the potential to make your teeth much more sensitive, but it is much less likely with professional whitening services. Your dentist will take the necessary steps to ensure your enamel does not incur any damage during the whitening process. There is always a risk of increased sensitivity, however, as is the case with all teeth whitening products.

How long does it take to fully whiten my teeth?

To keep the risk of sensitivity to a minimum, dentists usually take up to four weeks to complete the professional teeth whitening process. By gradually removing stains and whitening the teeth, it is possible to achieve the desired results without side effects. You can expect to spend at least one hour in the office once a week throughout this process.

Do I need to have the teeth whitening process repeated?

Although effectively, professional teeth whitening does not provide permanent results. You must take proper care of your teeth and avoid stain-causing substances to get the most out of the improvements to your smile. Even then, you may need to have the process repeated from time to time to retain your dazzling smile.

When can I come in for teeth whitening?

You can schedule an appointment for professional teeth whitening services at your earliest convenience. Just give us a call at 304-744-4150 to schedule your visit with your trusted dental care professionals.

The Benefits of Fluoride

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Fluoride is a natural mineral that contains the key element fluorine. It is widely used throughout the world as an additive for drinking water because it is known to promote healthier teeth and gums. Namely, fluoride helps protect teeth from decay and subsequent cavities.

Why do we need fluoride?

Fluoride is necessary for your teeth because it helps you combat cavities. It does this by working with the phosphate and calcium already present in your teeth. Together, these three elements fight against the harmful acids that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities in your mouth.

How can you get more fluoride in your diet?

Many communities and countries throughout the world fortify their public drinking water with fluoride. This does not change the taste of the water and is considered safe. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes the practice of fluoridation as completely safe and healthy.

If your community does not fortify their water with fluoride, however, certain over-the-counter dental products can help you get the fluoride you need. For example, fluoride-fortified toothpastes and rinses are widely available.

Finally, you might consider a fluoride treatment. Most dental offices offer these treatments, which are often recommended for children and teens but can also be provided to adults.

What is fluoride treatment?

Fluoride treatments are typical procedures performed in dental offices by hygienists. Generally speaking, the fluoride is applied to the teeth by way of a foam, gel, or varnish. Depending on the product, the fluoride may be painted on the teeth or applied with a mouth guard. After a specified amount of time, the fluoride is then removed and rinsed.

Are you a good candidate for a fluoride treatment?

Not everyone needs fluoride treatments, but your dentist may recommend them for children and teens or some adults who struggle with tooth decay and cavities.

If you are interested in strengthening your tooth enamel with a fluoride treatment or need to book a regular teeth cleaning, you can request an appointment at today by filling out our online appointment request form or calling our office directly at (304) 744-4150.

Everything You Need to Know About Cosmetic Dentistry

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Do you have questions about an upcoming cosmetic dentistry procedure? If so, here’s a list of our most frequently asked questions and their answers.

What Are Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?

Cosmetic dentistry procedures are any form of treatment that improves the aesthetic appearance of your mouth. For example, crowns and bridges can replace broken or misshaped teeth, dentures and implants can provide a brand-new smile, and teeth whitening can brighten and lighten stained teeth. These procedures are intended to improve your self-esteem and help you feel more comfortable with your smile.

Will My Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure Hurt?

While you might experience slight discomfort during the procedure, Dr. Tupta will do everything he can to minimize these sensations. He uses various kinds of anesthetic to numb your mouth so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.

Who Can Benefit From Cosmetic Dentistry?

Anyone who is unhappy with their smile can benefit from cosmetic dentistry. In particular, it’s a great choice for patients with broken or chipped teeth, missing teeth, and yellowing or graying teeth. At your initial appointment, Dr. Tupta will talk with you about your concerns and devise a personalized treatment plan to help improve these deficiencies. Usually, the only patients who don’t qualify for a cosmetic procedure are those with poor oral hygiene or active infection in the mouth.

Will My Insurance Cover a Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure?

Unfortunately, because most cosmetic dentistry procedures are not medically necessary, health insurances often don’t provide full coverage. However, if you have a separate dental policy, you may receive at least partial coverage for your procedures. To know for sure, contact your insurance companies to ask about your coverage.

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Have Health Benefits?

The benefits of cosmetic dentistry go far beyond just improving your smile. Chewing and speaking may be easier, and you may also be able to preserve density in the jaw if you’ve lost teeth. You may also have a decreased chance of infection because bacteria will have less room to grow once empty spaces have been replaced by crowns or bridges.

Professional Teeth Whitening FAQ

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Although brushing and flossing are vital to maintaining your oral health, good dental hygiene cannot prevent everything; for example, stains can develop on the teeth even if you brush and floss as recommended. These stains frequently occur when dark-colored foods and certain kinds of drinks are consumed. However, these stains can usually be addressed quickly and effectively with professional teeth-whitening treatments.

5 FAQ About Professional Teeth Whitening

1. Does Professional Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Other than some tooth sensitivity during the procedure, professional teeth whitening is essentially painless.

2. Will a Professional Teeth-Whitening Procedure Damage My Enamel?

People frequently experience sensitivity during their whitening treatment, which has led to concerns related to whether teeth bleaching damages tooth enamel. The enamel is not damaged during the teeth-whitening process, and as soon as the procedure is over, this tooth sensitivity ends.

3. Is There a Possibility That the Stains on My Teeth Will Not Respond to Whitening?

Natural stains are the most common type that develops. These kinds of stains form on the surface of the teeth, which means they can be addressed with professional teeth whitening. On the other hand, if the stains are internal, another type of treatment will be required: Potential treatments for internal staining include porcelain veneers or bonding.

4. Can I Have Professional Whitening Treatments Even Though I have a Dental Prosthesis?

Dental prostheses like crowns, bridges, and veneers will not respond to teeth-whitening products the way that your natural teeth will. However, your natural teeth can be whitened to match your dental prosthesis, or if you would like your teeth to be whiter than your prosthesis, your natural teeth can be whitened and then a prosthesis can be created to match your new tooth color and shade.

5. How Long Do the Results Last?

The results achieved with professional teeth whitening can last for several years.

At the office of Michael J. Tupta, DDS, Inc., we provide professional teeth-whitening services to individuals residing in and around Charleston, West Virginia.  If you are interested in learning more about how Dr. Tupta can help you obtain the smile you have always wanted, contact the office today by calling 304-744-4150 or click here to fill out our online form.

Dental Implants

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Exploring Why Regular Dental Checkups are So Important

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Only with routine professional dental checkups and care can you fully preserve the health of your teeth and gums. During each checkup appointment, your dentist will perform a full examination to assess your dental health, and then offer preventative and restorative care based on the exam findings. When you commit to coming in for a dental checkup on a regular basis, you will enjoy the following benefits.

Preventative Care Keeps Teeth and Gums Healthy

Preventative dental care helps keep your teeth and gums healthy year after year. At every dental care appointment, your dentist will likely perform a full teeth cleaning to remove plaque both above and below the gumline. The tooth cleaning process helps to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other potentially painful dental problems.

Early Treatment Helps Limit Tooth Loss and Complications

When you are visiting your dentist on a regular basis, not much time goes by between examinations, allowing for the early diagnosis and treatment of dental problems. When you have these problems treated right away, you reduce the risk of tooth loss and other complications. With early diagnosis, you can reduce the risk of emergency dental problems and select the level of care that feels best for your needs.

Ongoing Support Helps Optimize Effectiveness of At Home Dental Care Routine

With ongoing support from your dental care team, you can improve your at home care practices using their demonstrated techniques. Dental professionals strive to help their patients learn all they can about effectively removing plaque at and below the gumline. These experts also proudly assist their patients in learning about the most effective tools to use for at home dental care, including electric toothbrushes and water flossers.

Schedule Your Dental Checkup to Learn More

To improve your dental health, you can partner with your trusted dentist to receive the care you need. Your dentist will help improve the appearance, function and overall health of your teeth and gums with proven care techniques. To schedule your dental checkup appointment, give our team a call at 304-744-4150.