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Over the years, Dr. Mouravieff has been asked many questions regarding dental myths and misnomers. He wants to educate you to bust those myths and get the facts out in the open.
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 MYTH #1
Crowns are the best and strongest treatment possible to restore a tooth!
FACT#1
Preserving tooth enamel and tooth structure makes a tooth stronger than crowns. Early detection and conservative preparation of teeth is most important. We use advanced technology to diagnose and treat our patients. Every time we treat a tooth we leave as much tooth structure as possible, only removing the unhealthy and weak portion. Many times a ceramic inlay or onlay will strengthen a tooth but full crown would actually weaken it.
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MYTH#2
If a tooth does not hurt, leave it alone.
FACT#2
Early detection and a proactive approach will preserve teeth for a lifetime. When patients arrive with symptoms of problems the destruction in a tooth will often be very advanced. Our advanced diagnostic equipment can help detect problems earlier.
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MYTH#3
Implants for teeth always hurt and usually fail.
FACT#3
Dental implants can be placed with virtually painless technique. Proper technique is critical for success. Once healing is established restoration of implants is simple and usually requires no anesthesia. We use advanced techniques to determine where implants will work best.
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MYTH#4
Fillings and crowns last forever.
FACT#4
Nothing lasts forever. The original tooth does not last. The key to retention of teeth for a lifetime is early detection and conservative, minimally invasive dentistry. Our goal is to preserve tooth structure using conservative techniques and technology to make our crowns and restorations last longer.
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MYTH#5
Crowns, porcelain veneers and large restorations on teeth always require messy impressions and uncomfortable temporaries.
FACT#5
Single visit crowns and tooth colored ceramic onlays and porcelain veneers can be accomplished with advanced CEREC technology. No impressions and no temporaries! Our use of ceramic inlays and onlays can make your teeth last longer.
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 MYTH#6
Braces always require the use of brackets and wires.
FACT#6
Patients can frequently be treated with invisible aligners instead of brackets and wires. They are truly invisible and can take less time than older techniques. We use new INVISALIGN technology to correct tooth position.
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MYTH#7
Dentures always look false and are loose.
FACT#7
Dentures can be made with advanced materials to look lifelike. Well fitting dentures can usually be made. Implants can help stabilize bone loss and significantly improve the retention of the denture. We feel that the use of implants provides our patients denture stability and retention when it cannot be achieved with traditional techniques.
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MYTH#8
Dental x-rays are dangerous.
FACT#8
The amount of radiation that is harmful is minimal with today’s technology. New dental x-rays units filter out much of the harmful radiation. Digital x-ray technology allows us to use 50-75 percent less radiation to help diagnose problems. We do not have to use environmentally unfriendly chemicals to process digital x-rays, we use computers.
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MYTH#9
Dental procedures are always painful!
FACT#9
Administering and achieving dental anesthesia is fairly predictable today. Most dental procedures are pain-free. Much of the discomfort comes from old memories and anticipation. We try to understand our patient’s needs and fears. Our goal is to address both in a comfortable environment.
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MYTH#10
Gum disease always requires surgery.
FACT#10
Gum disease can be classified in stages of progression. Initial treatment addresses removing the buildup that causes progressive disease. Depending on the “stage” of the disease and the response to initial treatment surgery may not be indicated. Treatment can usually be provided with local anesthesia. We believe that most patients can improve their oral health status. Gum surgery, if indicated, is done by caring specialists that have worked with us for many years.
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MYTH#11
Unhealthy gums are not a problem if I have no pain.
FACT#11
There is a proven link between unhealthy gums and heart disease, stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, pre-mature birth and low birth weight. We believe that most patients can improve their oral health status which will have a positive effect on their overall physical health.
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MYTH#12
Jaw pain or clicking is normal will usually go away.
FACT#12
When a persons bite is not correct it causes problems with the jaw joints. These joints have disks that can slip. Headaches and facial pain is frequently caused by a poor bite. These problems do not go away without treatment. Teeth that require root canal treatment can also refer pain to the jaw joint. Correct diagnosis is important!
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MYTH #13
Snoring is not dangerous, it is only a noise.
FACT #13
Many people who snore actually suffer from sleep apnea, which is when they stop breathing and negative pressure builds up. This can affect their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, insulin levels, also causing gastric reflux and excessive daytime sleepiness. A dentist is an important healthcare practitioner when it comes to discovering who is affected with this sleep disorder. back to top |
