Q.
Is it only white and silver fillings that are available or are there more options for ones that look more like natural teeth. I have the amalgam ones and have done so for quite some time but hate the way they look. I know people can see them when I laugh. Would white fillings be the better option if I was to get them changed?
A.
The materials available are white fillings, silver filling and gold fillings. White or tooth colored filling can be made of different types of materials but all look like a tooth. In most cases tooth colored fillings are a better option than silver fillings and changing them is not difficult.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
At what age is it normal for the
wisdom teeth to come through? Is it painful for everyone?
A.
Usually around 15-20 years of age. It is not painful for everyone. Sometimes, but rarely, the
wisdom teeth (3rd molars) erupt nicely into place.
Q.
Hello, I found out a year ago that I’m a night grinder. Two months ago I realized because of that I had ground the backs of my two front upper teeth halfway down and the tops of my frong bottom teeth down. My two front upper teeth broke while I was sleeping and I apparently swalled the broken teeth. I am financially embarrassed at this time and in desperate need of dental help. I have a friendly and usually smiley personality, but because of my teeth it is highly embarrassing to even smile anymore. I really need help in finding a qualified dentist who will help me either for free or very low cost. I would be great advertisement for a referral for this special dentist. I have done extensive Internet searches to find help. I am living in Gainesville, Ga. Can you help guide me? Thank you for your time and consideration.
A.
I am sorry to hear about your unfortunate situation. It is difficult to recommend someone to help you. If cost is a factor I would suggest you locate the closest Dental School and seek treatment there. Usually dental treatment in a teaching institution is significantly less. The only difficulty is time. Treatment may require more time than in private practice.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I reallly am impressed with the results that I have seen on the before and afters of your patients. I would like to know if you accept delta dental coverage? I have alot of work to be done this year with 95% of the remainder of my benefits. I would like to see if their is anything that you can do for me to have A BEAUTIFUL SMILE just like your other clients. Thank you! I hope to hear from you soon
A.
Sorry for the tardiness of this answer…computer problems!!! Thank you for the compliment, I appreciate it very much. Some forms of Deltal we do accept. However, understand that most smilemake overs gain little if any support monetarily from the insurance companies. The most you could expect is what your annual maximium would be. I would be happy to evaluate you at no cost to you. It would require your presence here in the office of course……
Q.
Would smoking about three times every fortnight have a really bad effect on teeth and gums or is this not too bad as it is quite a minimal amount? I clean my teeth regularly so that shoudl really keep it in check I think?
A.
Smoking is not good for your health. There is no way to qualify that a little smoking is better than a lot of smoking. Maintaining good oral is hygiene is important regardless of your smoking.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
How long do implants take to fit from first consultation to last? I work overseas and will be back in the country for a whirlwind visit. My teeth are on there last legs and my goal is
dental implants, but at a pinch I would get temporary dentures. thanks
A.
There are a number of factors that need to be considered. With traditional treatment typically the time frame is 3-6 months start to finish. You can plan the treatment in about a week and transition to a set of temporay dentures so you will never be without teeth. After the implants heal, you can return and have the denture attached or fitted to the implants. The other option is plan the treatment and if at least 5-8 implants can be placed the dentures can be attached that day. You then heal and return in about 3 months for a final set of detures. If necessary we can coordinate these appointments for you. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I have had a top denture for 38 yrs with no problem, however I have had my lower bridges removed and one implant put in at the front, not having had bottom back teeth for 38 yrs and having lost a lot of bone my dentist is having difficulty with the fitting which is very painful and I am going back sometimes 2 or 3 times a week for bits removed or added but after 10 month I am getting desperate that I will never again be out of pain, on top of that I have had a new denture made and my palate is red sore and burning at times I am in tears with it, my doctor said it is not thrush and my dentist does not know what is causing it as the top denture fits well. I do have allergies to certain things and wondered if I could be allergic to the new denture, the lab have said they will make a top denture without monomer on the palate but the gums will have it in. Please please could you advise me I am now getting so depressed over it my life is a nightmare of constant pain. could I have a full top denture made with something other than acrylic and also a bottom one that could house my implant? I would appreciate any help you can give me.
thank you
regards
A.
I am sorry to hear of your unfortunate situation. I would see if the dentist and laboratory are willing to fabricate you a denture out of a material low in or without monomer. It may be the monomer causing the discomfort. Unfortunately, lower dentures are very, very difficult under the best circumstances to fit and make comfortable. I would consider having at least 4 implants placed in the lower jaw so the denture can attach to it. This will stabilize it and provide stopping points on the implants instead of the delicate gum tissue with little bone causing pain. I understand this will be a significant investment but may be your best chance for success. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I had a deep cleaning a few weeks ago. The dentist did the operation without a nurse and at one point he had me hold the spit sucking thing in my own mouth. There was fluid flying all over my face. I had to ask him to stop to wipe my eyes. When he started he said he decided not to use novicane. So any spot that was too sensitive he just skipped. He did remove most of the stains ( I’m a smoker) but my teeth still had plaque all over them. Not only do i feel like he rushed me through and did maybe half of the work i paid for, but i paid for the novicane and laughing gas that he didn’t use. What can I do to get my teeth cleaned properly?
A.
I would recommend you express your concerns to the doctor and let him know how you feel about your visit. If the doctor charged you a fee for something he didn’t perform than that would be inappropriate and requires an explanation. Ultimately, you need to be treated by a dentist who you are comfortable with and who performs the procedures at your level of satisfaction. Perhaps this is not the right dentist for you. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
To what extent can cavities heal themselves without having to go to the dentist?
I was pretty depressed for a while last year and shamefully neglected pretty much everything in my life, including my dental hygiene. About six months ago I pulled myself together and started really paying attention to looking after my teeth which feel alot healthier and stronger. I am on a pretty low income so if possible I wold refer to avoid the dentist. So my question is how much can I prevent/reverse cavities just by paying lots of attention to brushing/rinsing/flossing?
A.
once you have decay, it will not go away until you remove it. Therefore, the dentist is your last hope or you can allow this to go on and then you lose teeth….that costs….then you have holes in your smile…that doesn’t look good…then you have to spend more money and more time to fix those things that would have been much cheaper to do earlier!!! My point is simple…deal with it now>
Q.
Hi Doctors
I went for an X-Ray at my dentist the other day and i was shocked by how little protection I was offered. I have been reading up on the effects of radiation recently as a result of the situation in Japan. Could dental X-rays cause thyroid cancer as this is a part of the body that is particularly susceptible to radiation? Also what prcautions do you take when giving X-rays? is it something you have given much though to?
A.
We take dental x-rays very seriously and so do most dentists. We would never recommend an x-ray unless there was a need or benefit to taking it. We offer a full body shield and neck collar. We also use digital x-rays which offer the advantage of using the lowest dose of radiation possible. Fortunately, dental x-ray exposure is extremely small in regards to the amount of radiation. Lower than almost all other x-rays you receive. You are exposed to more radiation on a daily basis from natural sources than during a dental x-ray procedure. Dr. Lemongello
View My Profile
Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello
