Easton dentist, Dentist in Easton, PA

We always answer your questions as clearly and completely as possible, but we
all realize that sometimes you just forget to ask. In case this has happened to
you, we have gathered some common questions and their answers.

What about patients safety from infection?

To protect patients and ourselves, our staff wears masks, gloves, and glasses as well as barrier uniforms. We strictly observe all infection control guidelines, as all of our instruments are cleaned, disinfected and sterilized. Whenever possible, disposable single-use items are used to ensure your safety. Handpieces and their drills are always sterilized. In addition, all surfaces in the treatment room are cleaned, covered, and disinfected after each patient.

I feel very nervous whenever I go to the dentist. How can you help me in this situation?

You are not alone if you feel anxious during your dental visit. We understand and share your concerns. Our main goal is to make each and every visit as
comfortable for you as possible. In addition to the routine application of topical anesthetic, we can offer you nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas) to help relieve anxiety. We also have stereo headphones, or videos for your viewing pleasure.
Dr. Zilker has extensive experience in treating both children and nervous adult patients.

Do you treat children?

Absolutely, in fact, they are some of our very best patients. We do all phases of treatment, including fillings, pedodontic endodontics, caps, sealants,
orthodontics, and more. Usually the first visit is limited to a cleaning and exam.
It's a "getting to know you" session. Parents are permitted in the treatment room, but are reminded that the child often cries before anything is done to him/her.
This is normal and is just part childhood.

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What if I have an emergency toothache? How long will I wait for an appointment?

Generally, if you are current patient of record, we will see you the same day that you call. This policy requires that you be flexible in your time schedule. After hours, the practice has an answering machine which is checked frequently. With early morning (7 a.m.) and evening appointments (8 p.m.) you can be seen generally at a time that is convenient to your busy schedule.

How can I afford dentistry? Do you have some type of payment plans? What about dental insurance?

Over the long term, dentistry is really a very good investment in your general
health and well being. In order to eliminate any financial barrier, we have several different options available. Please call and speak to the office manager with any
of your concerns. Remember, we are able to help you sort through the financial maze with or without dental insurance.

Do you do "cosmetic dentistry?"

Absolutely yes. For the very smile that you always wanted, our up-to-date techniques can do wonders. Cosmetic dentistry encompasses resizing and reshaping with tooth color veneers, crown or acrylic/porcelain bonding.
Bleaching is another method to enhance your smile. Let us put smile on your
face.

How often do I need a cleaning/checkup?

The answer varies from patient to patient, based on that particular patient's periodontal (gum) status. Generally, the patient without any gum disease who flosses daily can be seen once every 6 months. However, the patient that has
some form of gum disease, flosses poorly or not at all, should be seen every 3 months.

Why don't you use silver alloy fillings?

Simply put, the bonded acrylic or porcelain fillings are vastly superior to the old silver fillings in several critical areas.

1) Silver fillings oxide ("rust") over a period of time, resulting in leakage and reoccurrence of decay.

2) The silver filling preparation actually weakens the tooth, while the bonded filling does the reverse by actually enhancing the strength of the tooth.

3) Cosmetically, the alloy filling will turn dark over time, while the bonded filling
is tooth color.

4) For some people, the presence of mercury in the alloy is a health concern.

When you think about the above, why would anyone want this 18th century filling when you can have a 21st century tooth-color bonded filling?

What is periodontal disease?

Generally, periodontal disease is the progressive loss of bone around the roots of the teeth over a period of time. Some of the symptoms are bleeding gums, bad breathe and loosening of the teeth. The x-rays frequently will show a decrease in height of the surrounding bone. Eventually, this silent disorder will advance over the years until the teeth will be lost. Fortunately, treatment, both surgical and nonsurgical is effective in stopping damage, and in some cases, restoring the bone that was lost. However, the periodontal patient must be committed to a lifetime regime of quarterly exams and cleanings, along with effective brushing and flossing.

People often refer to a dental implant as a replacement tooth, but it is actually a metal post or appliance that replaces the patient's tooth root or roots. Once the artificial root or roots are in, replacement teeth are put in place and thus anchored firmly to the bone by the implant. The patient's new teeth look, feel and work just like natural teeth. There are several types of dental implants suited to various dental conditions.

What are the benefits of implants?

Dental implants are an alternative for:

• The patient who cannot function comfortably with conventional dentures.
• The patient who has lost teeth and wants to avoid removable partial dentures.
• The patient who needs a crown or fixed bridge but doesn't want to damage his or her adjacent healthy teeth.
• The person who wants to have the dental solution that is the closest to what Mother Nature created.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Because of recent advances in implant technology, more and more people are implant candidates - although many people may be told they are not. The only way to know for certain is to be evaluated by a practitioner who has received advanced training in implant dentistry. Typically, if a patient is healthy enough to undergo fixed bridgework procedures or routine extractions, he or she can also undergo dental implant procedures.

What does the dental implant procedure involve?

Most implants can be placed by a trained dentist in one or two office visits. Further visits will also be needed to fit the replacement teeth, which fasten to the implants. In addition, it is possible that some bone structure will have to be added to the patient's jaw or that other adjustments may have to be made. Tested methodologies now exist that can effectively and safely add bone where needed. This process can delay the placement of the implant for a period of months. Most insertions can be performed under the same local anesthesia used for routine fillings. Medication so the patient can sleep during the procedure is available with oral conscious Sedation or IV sedation. Temporary teeth are usually placed until permanent replacement teeth are made so that patients can lead normal lives during the interim.

How long does an implant last?

Implants have remained in patients' mouths for 30 years or longer. We recommend a preventive maintenance program to help insure the long-term success of your implants and teeth.

How much does an implant cost as compared to other forms of dentistry?

The cost of implant dentistry is comparable to that of fixed bridgework or other advanced dental procedures in most cases.

Do implants require any special care?

Dental implants and accompanying replacement teeth should be cared for in the same way as natural teeth. Although they cannot get decay, they are still subject to gum disease in the same way natural teeth are.

Is there any chance of rejection of the dental implant?

The body doesn 't reject a dental implant as it might a soft tissue implant such as a lung, heart or kidney. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is compatible with the body.

How long will I be off work?

Generally we recommend the day of the implant placement and the day after. Most of our patients are back to work the next day after implant placement. It's an individual decision.

What will happen without treatment?

When yu lose your teeth, you gradually lose the bone that supportsed the teeth. As this bone shrinks, problems with a lack of support lead to increased discomfort, mobility, lack of retention of dentures, and sharp, painful ridges, movable gums and sore spots. The tongue also enlarges to accommodate the space. With tooth loss, a five-fold decrease in function occurs and the diet shifts to softer foods. When bone is lost, the incidence of numbness to the lower lip or even fracture of the jaw increases. In addition, this progression will affect our ability to provide the treatment we could have before so much bone loss. It could require more implants or more extensive treatment. Or,it may be possible that we will not be able to provide the same treatment we recommend now. At its worst, the bone loss could be so severe that the only way for the person to have teeth of any kind would require a hip graft (taking bone from the patient's hip).

Do all patients who want cosmetic makeovers get the same kind of teeth?

Absolutely not! Each person has a look they want for themselves and they have facial structure and skin tones that guide us in making individual selections that vary in size, shape, and color for each person.

Do I have to get my teeth capped to get rid of spaces between my front teeth?

In most cases capping to correct spaces isn't necessary. Today with beautiful, natural looking porcelain veneers (also called porcelain facings) we can easily make dramatic cosmetic changes to remove spaces, fix cracked teeth, do minor tooth straightening, and change the color of your teeth. In many instances, little or no tooth structure needs to be removed to create the smile of your dreams.

Is "tooth whitening" safe?

Bleaching procedures are safe and approved by the American Dental Association. Bleaching does not wear away any tooth structure or make a tooth more susceptible to staining.

Is gum surgery essential if I have periodontal (gum) disease?

We have found, many times, surgery is not necessary following a conservative course of periodontal treatment. This type of care typically includes a series of nonsurgical gum treatments. Even when surgery is required, it often is needed only in a few areas of the mouth and results can be greatly enhanced by nonsurgical preparation.

If periodontal disease is such a problem, why doesn't it hurt?

This is, unfortunately, a very good question. Periodontal problems can become quite serious and extremely advanced without any pain whatsoever. That is why it is so important to be attentive to the warning signs - bleeding gums when brushing and flossing, swollen gums, receded gums, teeth changing position, pus or swelling around gums - to name a few.

Recently, a new non-surgical periodontal therapy has been introduced that is showing very promising results. See Perio Protect section within this web site or at www. Perioprotect.com

Please feel free to call the office or E-mail if you have any unanswered questions or other concerns.