Patient-Centered Care at Art of Smiles – Norman D. Knowles, D.M.D.

Dental implants are an excellent 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 time. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants frequently requires a team approach.

In most cases, a periodontist or an oral surgeon will place the implant(s), which will serve as an 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.

The Art of Smiles accepts most insurances. If you are unsure if we accept your insurance, don’t hesitate to give our team a call at 772-778-0954!

If you have cosmetic concerns, many new methods are 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 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 conservative inlays and bridges without grinding away a whole healthy tooth.

The short answer is: No.

Under microscopic examination, your teeth’s enamel looks like glass rods with spaces between them. The enamel also has minimal intrinsic color and looks frosty-white to clear colored. Bleaching/whitening agents 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 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. That does not mean 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 to reduce sensitivity. Prescription-strength fluorides can also help with this sensitivity. Overall, teeth whitening does not cause permanent damage, and the enamel is not affected.

While the question is simple, the answer is more complex. It depends on several factors.

If pain accompanies a cracked or chipped tooth, a dental crown may not wholly suffice. In a vertical factor with a splitting effect, the pulp may be impacted, causing pain or abscess. A dental crown may not be enough in a case like this, 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. Further treatment, such as a root canal, may be necessary in other cases. It’s essential to consult with your dentist before making any treatment decisions.

Any licensed dentist can 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).