Archive for September, 2009

What treatment is available for a cracked tooth?

Monday, September 21st, 2009
Q.
Hi, I cracked my front tooth last week. It hurt at the time but the pain has faded. I wanted to get it sorted as soon as possible but have been too busy with work and the kids. I am a single parent. I would like to know what kind of treatment is available for a cracked tooth? Thanks.

A.
Sometimes a broken tooth can be repaired with a white tooth colored filling materail called composite.  Other times it may require a porcelain veneer or even a porcelain crown if much of the tooth is broken away. In the most severe case, you may require a root canal and a post if the nerve of the tooth is involved.

dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley

Smiles By George
7465 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46256
Web: www.smilesbygeorge.com Tel: 317-841-1111

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Upper bridge does not touch bottom teeth. What should I do?

Monday, September 21st, 2009
Q.
I had to have a bridge replaced recently. The new bridge is too low and I have a space of about 2 and a half teeth where my new, upper bridge isn’t touching my bottom teeth. My dentist says it will self adjust. But it’s been over 2 months and it doesn’t appear to ba adjusting at all. I’m wondering if it will eventually readjust, and if not, what my options are. Thank you

A.
I think you should discuss this with your dentist. If your teeth are not touching on that side of your mouth you may not be able to function properly and this should be evaluated. 

dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley

Smiles By George
7465 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46256
Web: www.smilesbygeorge.com Tel: 317-841-1111

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Does it take long to get used to partial dentures?

Monday, September 21st, 2009
Q.
I am going to be getting partial dentures for my bottom teeth next week. I was just wondering how long it generally takes to get used to it. Would I be okay going back to work the same day or should I take a day or two off? I work as a receptionist.

A.
A new partial denture can take time to get used to. You may require an adjustment or two but I don’t think you will need to take time off work.

dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley

Smiles By George
7465 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46256
Web: www.smilesbygeorge.com Tel: 317-841-1111

View My Profile Dr Kirtley


Do any dentists offer free treatment for patients in need?

Monday, September 21st, 2009
Q.
Do you or any one you know help those who are in need of treatment, but can not pay for services?

A.

We wish we could help all those in need. There are so many deserving people who need care but there is only so much we can do. That is why we are members of the charitable foundation of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Give Back a Smile foundation. It is through the foundation that we restore the smiles and lives of victims of domestic violence. If this is your situation or the situation of someone you know you can contact the Academy. If not my suggestion is to seek treatment at a State run facility such as a local Dental School. The dental services are not free but are provided at a significantly lower fee due to a teaching environment. 
Dr. Lemongello

dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello

Lerner & Lemongello
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418
Web: www.lernerlemongello.com Tel: (561) 627 9000

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What could white blotches on teeth be?

Friday, September 18th, 2009
Q.
I have just noticed that there are what appear to be white blotches on my teeth. I did not notice this until yesterday and am unsure what it is. Is it a sign of anything serious?

A.

Not usually.These spots are often developmental discolorations in the surface of the teeth. If your teeth are dry or in certain types of light they may be more obvious. White spots can also be areas of the teeth that are decalcifying and could become cavities. With good hygiene and use of Fluoride these should not change. Consult your dentist to be sure.

Dr. Lemongello

dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello

Lerner & Lemongello
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418
Web: www.lernerlemongello.com Tel: (561) 627 9000

View My Profile Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello


Do clinics offer specialist treatment for people with behavioural disorders?

Friday, September 18th, 2009
Q.
Are there clinics which offer specialist treatments for people with behavioural disorders? Is it similar to that offered to nervous patients?

A.

Depending what the disorder is you should be able to find a specialist in your area to address your needs.For example for Autism or Mentally handicapped individuals a Pediatric dentist often can use an Outpatient Facility to provide general anesthesia to manage the situation.If this is an adult situation a good resource is to speak to a respected specialist such as an Oral Surgeon or Periodontist and ask them for a referral to someone they work with who can address your specific needs. Theses specialists are good resources because they work with many dentists.

Dr. Lemongello

dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello

Lerner & Lemongello
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418
Web: www.lernerlemongello.com Tel: (561) 627 9000

View My Profile Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello


should i use tooth whitening kits from the shops?

Friday, September 18th, 2009
Q.
I know you can get tooth whitening kits from the shops, but these can’t be as good as getting it done by a professional, can it?

A.

The most predictable, safest way to whiten your teeth is in a dental office under the supervision of a dentist.  In the dental office everything is custom made to fit properly and provide the optimal, safest environment for whitening.  Anything else is a compromise.

Dr. Lemongello

dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello

Lerner & Lemongello
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418
Web: www.lernerlemongello.com Tel: (561) 627 9000

View My Profile Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello


Are bleeding gums when brushing my teeth a sign of disease?

Friday, September 18th, 2009
Q.
For some reason, my gums have started to bleed when I brush my teeth. What could be wrong?

A.
Bleeding gums can be  a sign of periodontal disease so you should be evaluated by a dentist.

dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley

Smiles By George
7465 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46256
Web: www.smilesbygeorge.com Tel: 317-841-1111

View My Profile Dr Kirtley


Are snap on smiles as good as veneers?

Friday, September 18th, 2009
Q.
hello are snap on smiles as good as veneers somebody told me they are painless and dont cost as much as dental veneers but look great. Do you offer snap on smiles?

A.
No, I do not offer snap on smiles. They are less expensive that veneers but of course they are not going to look as beautiful either.  Patients with crooked teeth are not good candidates for this treatment because the snap on smile would be very bulky. Porcelain veneers are a permanent and durable solution. 

dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley

Smiles By George
7465 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46256
Web: www.smilesbygeorge.com Tel: 317-841-1111

View My Profile Dr Kirtley


Is cleaning your tongue as important as caring for teeth and gums?

Friday, September 18th, 2009
Q.
I know you are supposed to keep your teeth clean and also your gums, but what about your tongue? Do you need to give this just as much attention when cleaning your teeth?

A.

Yes. Our office often recommends tongue hygiene as well. Bacteria can get trapped in the surface fissures of the tongue. Once here the debris can remain there adding to breath malodor, halitosis or bad breath. Tongue hygiene is very simple using one of the many different tongue scraping devices on the market today. Once you use a tongue scrappin device and see all the bacteria debris that can be removed you will never neglect tongue hygiene again!

Dr. Lemongello

dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello

Lerner & Lemongello
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418
Web: www.lernerlemongello.com Tel: (561) 627 9000

View My Profile Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello


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