If you have questions, most likely others have had them too! Browse our list of frequently asked questions, and feel free to contact us directly if you don’t find the answers you need. We’re here to help!
General FAQs
What If I have a dental emergency?
Dental emergencies can include facial trauma that damages the structure of the teeth or jaw, loss of a permanent tooth, severe tooth pain, or signs of infection. If you believe you have a dental emergency, please give us a call right away at 727-201-8700.
Why are my teeth sensitive?
Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.
What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?
Great teeth and gum care start at home. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums on a continual basis. By keeping to a daily routine you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The gums can become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. In order to prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended. During your visit, our hygiene team will teach you the proper flossing techniques and oral hygiene protocol for home care will prevent the 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 now appear. They include:
- Bad Breath
- Gum Recession
- Gum Sensitivity to Acidic Foods
- Abscesses
- Tooth Pain
- Tooth Loss
How do you treat periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. It can be treated through a series of periodontal cleanings, root planing & scaling, laser therapy and local antibiotics. We also offer perio non-surgical laser treatment at our office.
What is bonding?
Bonding is a cost effective procedure used to fill gaps in front teeth and to change a tooth’s color. The immediate results are amazing. Within a few hours, you will have a great smile! Bonding like Tooth Whitening may change color over time due to coffee, tea, cola and wine.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that go directly on your natural teeth. This entire procedure can take as few as two visits. Veneers change the size, shape and color of a patient’s teeth. This procedure is used to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or a crooked smile. Many times, patients ask for porcelain veneers to simply feel and look younger with a straighter, whiter smile!
What are same-day crowns?
Same-day crowns are used to repair teeth that have suffered from extensive decay or damage, whether from an accident, excessive wear, or deteriorated fillings. To better serve our patients, we’ve invested in a high-tech CEREC® milling machine that allows us to design, fabricate and place crowns in a single appointment!
Implants
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root. Made from titanium, this screw-like object is inserted under the gum and directly into the upper or lower jaw bone. There is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure. After a period of a few months, the dental implant and the bone fuse together. This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
- Dental implants look and function like your natural tooth.
- Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
- Dental implants are maintained by routine hygiene visits to your dental office.
- Dental implants decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss.
- Dental implants replace the need for a removable full or partial denture.
- Dental implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing. A traditional bridge would involve the two or more adjacent teeth being compromised to create a false tooth in between.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
With major advancements in dentistry and dental implants, most people are candidates for dental implants. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.
What does the dental implant procedure Involve?
The average dental implant procedure takes 3 - 4 visits. The first visit is to x-ray the area and take an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the Implant.
The next visit is to place the implant. A local anesthesia is applied to the area. (Any additional sedation is no longer necessary unless deemed by the dentist). The dentist will then make a minor incision to place the implant. The implant is placed into the jaw bone. The area will then be covered with sutures. The procedure is usually completed with minor pain.
You will next return in approximately 3 months to begin creating the porcelain crown to place over the implant.
How much does a dental implant cost?
Fees from dental implants vary from dentist to dentist. Always schedule an implant consultation to discuss the procedure and all fees involved.
How long does a dental implant last?
With routine dental hygiene scheduled and proper home care, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Financial Questions
What forms of payment are accepted?
To learn more about our payment and insurance policies, check out our Payment & Insurance page.
Does your office offer financing for services provided?
Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to make your perfect smile today!
Want to schedule an appointment?
Ready to experience the difference at Kristine Marshall, DDS? Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services. Our office is conveniently located at 180 4th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. We are open Monday through Thursday, from 8 AM to 5 PM. You can reach us by phone at (727) 201-8700. For more information, please visit our Contact page.
Emergency: (727) 481-6052