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When was your last dentist appointment?
Regular dental cleanings and check ups are essential to maintaining
good oral hygiene, healthy teeth and gums, and a whiter and brighter
smile!
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Frequently
Asked Questions
-
If
I have a dental emergency, can I be seen the same day?
- If
you have a dental emergency, we will see you on the same day that you
call. If your emergency is during the weekend, you can contact the
doctor by calling our emergency number listed on our answering machine.
We will see weekend emergencies on Monday morning.
-
What
can I expect on my first visit?
- On
your first visit to our office, we will provide you with a complete and
comprehensive examination. With your consent, we will take some x-rays
and check your teeth, gums and all other soft tissues. Before you leave
our office, you will be informed about the current condition of your
dental health and any recommendations we may have.
- I
am very
nervous about going to the dentist. What are my options?
- Going
to the dentist doesn’t have to be a struggle anymore. If
needed, Dr. Priscila can prescribe you an oral sedative medication so
you can experience a completely anxiety-free therapy.
- What
should
I do if I have bad breath?
- Bad
breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition.
Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it
from time to time, especially in the morning.
There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy
people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue,
especially the back of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply
brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.
What
may cause bad breath?
- Morning
time – Saliva flow
almost stops during sleep and its
reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
- Certain
foods – Garlic,
onions, etc. Foods containing
odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to
the lungs, where they are exhaled.
- Poor
oral hygiene habits –
Food particles remaining in the
mouth promote bacterial growth.
- Periodontal
(gum) disease –
Colonies of bacteria and food
debris residing under inflamed gums.
- Dental
cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances
– May
also contribute to bad breath.
- Dry
mouth (Xerostomia) –
May be caused by certain
medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
- Tobacco
products – Dry the
mouth, causing bad breath.
- Dieting
– Certain chemicals called ketones are released in
the breath as the body burns fat.
- Dehydration,
hunger, and missed meals
– Drinking water and
chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
- Certain
medical conditions and illnesses
– Diabetes, liver
and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and
pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.
Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad
breath. Also, review your current medications, recent surgeries, or
illnesses with your dentist.
What
can I do to prevent bad breath?
- Practice
good oral hygiene –
Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and
toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in
between the teeth and under the gumline. Brush or use a tongue scraper
to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush
every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean
them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
- See
your dentist regularly
– Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you
have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more
frequent visits.
- Stop
smoking/chewing tobacco
– Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the
habit.
- Drink
water frequently –
Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
- Use
mouthwash/rinses –
Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to
mask unpleasant mouth odor. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses
that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill the germs that cause
the problem.
In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is
determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent,
your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of
the odor and an appropriate treatment plan
- How
often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?
- You
should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year,
though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent
visits. Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in
preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and
gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities.
Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and
monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health.
These include:
- Medical
history review: Knowing the
status of any current medical
conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your
overall health and also your dental health.
- Examination
of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs):
Essential for detection
of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine
tooth and root positions.
- Oral
cancer screening: Check the
face, neck, lips, tongue, throat,
tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Gum
disease evaluation: Check the
gums and bone around the teeth for
any signs of periodontal disease.
- Examination
of tooth decay: All tooth
surfaces will be checked for
decay with special dental instruments.
- Examination
of existing restorations: Check
current fillings, crowns,
etc.
- Removal
of calculus (tartar): Calculus
is hardened plaque that has been
left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth
surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be
removed with special dental instruments.
- Removal
of plaque: Plaque is a sticky,
almost invisible film that forms
on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris,
and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the
gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
- Teeth
polishing: Removes stain and
plaque that is not otherwise removed
during toothbrushing and scaling.
- Oral
hygiene recommendations: Review
and recommend oral hygiene aids as
needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides,
rinses, etc.).
- Review
dietary habits: Your eating
habits play a very important role in
your dental health.
As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot
more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. We are
committed to providing you with the best possible care, and to do so
will require regular check-ups and cleanings.
- What
are porcelain veneers and how can they improve my smile?
- Porcelain
veneers are very thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are
individually crafted to cover the fronts of teeth. They are very
durable and will not stain, making them a very popular solution for
those seeking to restore or enhance the beauty of their smile.
Veneers
may be used to restore or correct the following dental
conditions:
- Severely
discolored or stained teeth
- Unwanted
or uneven spaces
- Worn
or chipped teeth
- Slight
tooth crowding
- Misshapen
teeth
- Teeth
that are too small or large
Getting veneers usually requires two visits. Veneers are created from
an impression (mold) of your teeth that is then sent to a professional
dental laboratory where each veneer is custom-made (for shape and
color) for your individual smile. With little or no anesthesia, teeth
are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the front surface of the
teeth to allow for the small thickness of veneers. The veneers are
carefully fitted and bonded onto the tooth surface with special bonding
cements and occasionally a specialized light may be used to harden and
set the bond. Veneers are an excellent dental treatment that can
dramatically improve your teeth and give you a natural, beautiful
smile.
-
Does
your office follow all recommended sterilization procedures?
- We
follow the latest and safest guidelines recommended by the American
Dental Association, Communicative Disease Center and OSHA. Our
sterilization autoclaves are monitored regularly and all instruments
are kept sealed, free from any contamination. The results of those
tests are placed in our reception area for your review.
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Endodontist and Cosmetic Dentist
Root Canal, Porcelain Veneers, Teeth Whitening
Rio de Janeiro - Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana |
Av. Ataulfo de Paiva 1079,
Sala 910
Leblon, Rio de Janeiro CEP 22440-034
Office: (21) 2239-1181 English: (21) 8104-2280 |
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