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FAQ

How often should you have your teeth professionally cleaned? What can you do to better protect your teeth at home? Do you have questions about oral health, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and sedation dentistry?

The office of Art of Smiles – Norman D. Knowles, D.M.D. is happy to answer your questions!

If you’re located in Vero Beach, FL, and are looking to consult with a dentist, get in touch with our office. We look forward to speaking with you!

Call 772-778-0954 today!

 

Common Dental Questions

Have a question for Dr. Knowles? Check out these common dental questions and find the answer you’re looking for! If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to us!

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a wonderful way to replace missing teeth when certain health conditions exist. Dental implants may also be necessary if you’ve had missing teeth for an extended length of time. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants frequently requires a team approach.

After Dr. Knowles performs a thorough examination, our team will form a treatment plan for you. In most cases, a periodontist or an oral surgeon will put the implant(s) where they’ll serve as artificial root(s) in the jaw(s). General dentists can also place dental implants. The healing process usually takes four to six months. Once complete, a general dentist or prosthodontist will place dental crowns or bridges over the implants.

At your next appointment, talk to Dr. Knowles about whether or not you may be a good candidate for dental implants .

What can be done to improve old silver fillings?

Silver amalgam fillings, which are composed of 50% mercury and 50% silver alloy, eventually need replacing. It may surprise you to know that the average lifespan of a silver filling is five to eight years. Your dentist can tell you when they appear to need replacing due to leakage, breakdown, or recurrent decay.

If you have cosmetic concerns, there are many new methods available to replace fillings with beautiful, functional long-lasting restorations. Tooth-colored fillings, porcelain inlays, dental crowns, and veneers are some options that can help you achieve your dream smile.

There is currently a great deal of interest in new, reinforced hybrid materials. These beautiful resin materials may be reinforced with fibers, similar to fiberglass, and used in very conservative inlays and bridges without having to grind away a whole healthy tooth.

Will bleaching harm the enamel of my teeth?

The short answer is: No.

Under microscopic examination, your teeth’s enamel looks a lot like glass rods with spaces in between them. The enamel also has very little intrinsic color and looks frosty-white to clear colored. Bleaching/whitening agents actually pass through those glass-like rods to reach the next layer (known as “dentin”), wherein the color lies and shines through the enamel. The edges of young, healthy teeth look rather clear to grayish since the edges are pure enamel. The gumline area of teeth tends to look darker since the enamel thins out there and the color of the dentin can be seen more clearly.

The middle of the teeth is a mixture, so the color is intermediate in nature. That does not mean that you may not have any side effects of such treatment. Cold sensitivity is the most common side effect. This is because bleaching agents (peroxide or carbamide peroxide) can open the pores of any exposed dentin along the gumline. Gingival recession can thin the gumline and expose the dentin layer.

Many contemporary bleaching agents contain anti-sensitivity chemicals right in the product to cut down on such sensitivity. Prescription-strength fluorides can help with this sensitivity, as well. Overall, no permanent damage occurs, and the enamel is not affected by teeth whitening.

Will a dental crown replace a cracked tooth?

While the question is simple, the answer is not necessarily as simple. It depends on a number of factors.

If pain accompanies a cracked or chipped tooth, a dental crown may not completely suffice. In cases of a vertical factor, where there is a splitting effect, the pulp may be impacted, causing pain or abscess. In a case like this, a dental crown may not be enough, and tooth extraction may be necessary. Fortunately, a dental implant can replace the missing tooth, and we can fully restore the area with a dental crown or bridge. In other cases, further treatment may be necessary, such as a root canal. It’s important to consult with your dentist prior to making any decisions on treatment.

What is the difference between a D.M.D and a D.D.S?

D.M.D is a Doctor of Dental Medicine. D.D.S is a Doctor of Dental Surgery. There is no practical difference between a D.D.S and a D.M.D. The curriculum for each is identical. Each dental school chooses which degree to award its graduates. As long as the school is accredited, the graduate is eligible to sit for the national board, as well as any regional board or state licensing board.

Any licensed dentist is allowed to perform any dental procedure, provided they have not limited their practice to one of the dental specialties (oral surgery, orthodontics, endodontics, etc.). The University of Florida College of Dentistry, where I attended, awards the D.M.D degree. Dentists in Canada tend to have B.D.S. degrees (Bachelor of Dental Surgery).

Special Technology

At the office of Art of Smiles – Dr. Norman D. Knowles, D.M.D., we utilize state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and deliver better results for our patients. Discover more of what our specialized equipment has to offer!

Kavo Electric High-Speed Handpieces

We use KaVo electric high-speed handpieces to deliver a faster and higher level of care and precision you won’t experience with traditional dental drills. Whether you’re undergoing a cavity filling, a dental crown procedure, or tooth recontouring, this handpiece will maximize your comfort throughout treatment.

Biolase iLase

Laser technology is the future of modern dentistry, and at Art of Smiles, we’ve integrated the Biolase iLase in many of our practices. From removing tough plaque and performing soft tissue procedures, this cordless laser allows us to yield better results and maximize patient comfort.

Odyssey Diode Laser

The Odyssey Diode laser is one of the newest pieces of equipment we utilize at the office of Art of Smiles – Norman D. Knowles, D.M.D. This tool allows us to minimize wounds, create accurate impressions for dental implants, remove gingivitis, and perform many other soft tissue procedures.

Sirona XG 3D Digital Pan/CBCT

The Sirona XG 3D Digital Pan/CBCT system combines the dynamic powers of cone beam technology and panoramic radiographs to deliver better and safer x-ray results. This system minimizes exposure to radiation and produces detailed images of teeth, the oral cavity, the jaw, sinuses, and the temporomandibular joints (TMJ).

Schick Elite Intraoral Sensors

The Schick 33 Intraoral Sensor produces high-quality and high-resolution imaging for faster and more accurate diagnoses. This intraoral sensor helps our patients feel more comfortable during x-ray procedures and simultaneously reduces their exposure to radiation.

mectron PIEZOSURGERY® Unit

When we perform surgical and hard-tissue procedures, such as dental implants and bone grafting, we utilize the PIEZOSURGERY® Unit by mectron. This device enhances precision, prevents soft tissue damage, minimizes swelling, and speeds up patient recovery.

Anycubic Photon 3D Printer

The Anycubic Photon 3D Printer creates accurate, high-quality resin models of teeth that yield stronger dental implants, crowns, and bridges. These models allow us to communicate better with patients and show them what types of results they can expect after their procedure.

Form Labs/ Form 2

Form Wash/Form Cure is a printing system that streamlines the process of making intraoral devices, including mouthguards, dentures, dental crowns, and bridges. Once these are made, we’re able to rinse, cure, and produce the parts faster than traditional molding methods.

Nobel Biocare Osseoset 200 Implant Motor

When it comes to administering stable dental implants, we rely on the OsseoSet 200 Implant Motor from Nobel Biocare. This high-performing drill maximizes our ability to extract precise measurements and place implants more safely because of its advanced torque control.

Nouvag Endodontic Motor

Endodontic procedures, like root canals or treating infections and injuries, can make patients feel uneasy. With the Nouvag Endodontic Motor, we perform our endodontic procedures faster and safer while maximizing patient comfort. This device allows us to drill, cut, clean, and seal off the treated area more efficiently, minimizing discomfort in the process.

Implantest Implant Stability Analyzer

We rely on the Implantest Implant Stability Analyzer to assess and measure tooth mobility and dental implant stability. This device allows us to administer better and longer-lasting dental implants, and diagnose potential issues and treat them before they become problems.

Salvin Centrifuge for PRF Collection

The Salvin Centrifuge plays an important role in all of our diagnostic and surgical procedures. This device optimizes patient comfort and enhances both hard and soft tissue healing during our procedures.

Edan iM50 EKG/Vital Signs Monitor with Continuous Capnography

This superior EKG machine measures the vital signs and heart rates of our patients during surgical procedures. We also use this device when administering sedation therapy.

Medit i500 Intraoral Scanner

The i500 Intraoral Scanner by Medit enhances treatment by capturing better and more accurate optical impressions of teeth. This device is also comfortable for patients, and its digital imaging is unparalleled compared to traditional scanners.

Carestream CS1500 Intraoral Camera

The CS1500 Intraoral Camera by Carestream allows us to make more accurate diagnoses and educate our patients on the state of their oral health. This camera produces clear images of teeth and oral cavities, which allows patients to see and understand the types of treatment they may need.

Patient Forms

Our goal is to make your time with us as enjoyable as possible. To help cut down on waiting time, we’ve provided patients with the following forms. Please fill these forms out prior to your next appointment and bring them with you. If you have any additional questions, please fill out the contact form below, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly!

Contact Us.

Art of Smiles - Norman D. Knowles, D.M.D.

Monday - Thursday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(Closed from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM for Lunch)

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