FAQ
Exploring Your Dental Care
We’re passionate about keeping our patients informed and creating an educational and confidence-boosting dental experience. When you have questions about your dental care and oral health, Dr. Gilmore and our staff will be there to guide you through every step in your treatment process.
If you’re located in Redmond, OR, or Deschutes County and need to speak with a dentist, reach out to Gilmore Dental today. We’re happy to assist you and answer any of your questions.
Questions You May Have About Your Dental Care
Don’t see an answer to your question? Send us a message! Someone will reach out to you soon.
What is metal-free dentistry?
In the past, when you needed a tooth filled or capped, you had to settle for an unsightly metal compound that could potentially cause more harm than good.
Metal-free dentistry utilizes porcelain, glass, quartz and composite resin for white fillings, dental veneers, and a variety of other restorative and cosmetic dental procedures.
These materials are highly esthetic, bond directly to the tooth, and remove less natural tooth structure than traditional metal fillings.
What are the disadvantages of silver amalgam fillings?
Metal fillings are malleable which can weaken the structure of the tooth and cause tooth fractures. This makes it far easier for bacteria to set in, causing rapid tooth decay.
What is the difference between a silver filling and a white filling?
Silver amalgam fillings have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, it was once the best restoration for fillings.
White fillings also known as composites, are tooth-colored fillings that look and feel like your existing teeth.These tooth-colored cosmetic fillings look and feel like your existing teeth.
In order to place an alloy filling, more natural, undiseased tooth structure must be removed in order to create an area the alloy can be placed as alloy does not bond to the natural tooth. Composite fills bond to the natural tooth.
What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?
Daily brushing and flossing are essential to healthy gums and teeth. By keeping to a daily routine, you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age. Regular professional hygiene visits are also crucial in fighting off decay and gum disease.
What is gingivitis?
Plaque build up on the teeth is what bacteria in your mouth feeds off of. The bacteria can get between your teeth and soft tissues. This causes a mild form of gum disease that can cause bleeding, inflammation, and irritation. It can lead to periodontitis if left untreated. Regular hygiene visits can treat gingivitis and prevent the condition from worsening. Our hygiene team will teach you the proper flossing techniques and oral hygiene protocol to prevent periodontal disease.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a quiet disease that begins with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The immediate condition is known as ‘gingivitis’. The gums become irritated, inflamed, and often bleed. If not properly treated, the condition worsens. Noticeable symptoms can include:
- Bad breath
- Gum recession
- Gum sensitivity to acidic foods
- Abscesses
- Tooth pain
- Tooth loss
- Tooth mobility
How do you treat periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Through a series of periodontal cleanings, root planing and scaling, laser therapy, and local antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal surgery is only necessary for severe cases.
How can I improve my smile?
There are several ways in today’s dental world to enhance your smile. Certain procedures include:
- Tooth Whitening
- Bonding
- Porcelain Veneers
- Porcelain Crowns
- SureSmile Clear Aligners
We have the capability to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. For an exact consultation, please contact our office so that we may provide you with a customized treatment plan.
What is tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening is a cost-effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Tooth whitening must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning.
The whitening process can last for a number of years if maintained properly. Beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and wine will reduce the lasting effect. Remember, if it could stain a white shirt, it will stain your smile!
We take impressions and create a custom mold that administers tooth whitening serum in the comfort of your home. Just 15 minutes a day and you’ll begin to notice an incredible change.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that go directly on your natural teeth. Veneers change the size, shape, and color of a patient’s teeth and produce a fuller, whiter, and more uniform smile.
What are dental crowns & bridges?
After removal of fractures, old alloy fills or disease, full coverage crowns restore your tooth to its natural size, shape and color. Dental bridges cover a large area where there is a missing tooth. Crowns and bridges can be done in the office on the same day!
What are implant restorations?
Once you’ve seen the oral surgeon for the placement of the implant in the space of the missing tooth, the implant then has an abutment and crown placed on it. The crown is the only part you see in the mouth. This usually is placed 4-6 months post implant placement when healing is ideal.
What are the benefits of implant restorations?
The benefits of implant restorations include:
- Look & function like your natural teeth
- A permanent solution for missing teeth
- Maintained by routine hygiene visits to your dental office
- Replace the need for a removable full or partial denture
How long do implant restorations last?
Implant restorations can last approximately 30 years to a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings.
Do you offer sedation?
Yes, we offer anti-anxiety prescriptions that help patients relax before a treatment.
Need more information?
Gilmore Dental
834 SW 11th St
Redmond, OR 97756
Contact
Phone: 541-504-5707
Email: info@gilmoredental.com
Hours
Monday: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed