Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
Renton Dentist - An interview with Dr. Jack Chen
Dr. Jack Chen is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Care.
Q. What are the effects of whitening your teeth? Can it damage the teeth?
A. The process of Whitening is placing low concentration of peroxide on your teeth surface for a certain duration of time. The peroxide will oxidize and "whiten" the stains inside your teeth. The process is safe and does not damage your tooth structure. However, it may make your teeth temporarily more sensitive. The degree of sensitivity varies, but generally, if you have sensitive teeth (usually to cold) to begin with, whitening probably won’t be too comfortable for you. Although the peroxide will not damage your teeth, it will however, burn your gums. That is why its important to use proper fitting trays and wipe off any excess on your gums.
Q. If a person has silver amalgam fillings which are beginning to look bad, what can be done to improve them?
A. There are three options for replacing silver amalgam fillings. First is simply replace it with another silver amalgam. Second is replace it with a tooth colored resin/composite filling (also known as ’bonding’). Third option is to crown/cap the tooth. The third option may be necessary because of the size of existing amalgam. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, your dentist will be able to explain those further.
Q. What is root canal treatment?
A. Root canal treatment can be thought of as a filling for the roots of a tooth. Just like a traditional filling, the dentist will clean and shape the canals inside the root(s) of a tooth. After that, a restorative material is placed to fill the canal(s). The procedure is done when the pulp (nerve center of a tooth) has become infected. It has an unfair bad reputation for being painful but in fact, its probably the most boring procedure in dentistry for the patient. Like any other procedure, if the patient can achieve profound anesthesia, then he/she feels nothing.
Q. Are there alternative treatments for root canal?
A. There are currently no alternative treatments for a root canal. Antibiotic therapy will work for a period of time but the infection will eventually return.
Q. What happens if the pulp gets injured?
A. There are two categories of injured pulp (pulpitis), reversible and irreversible. Reversible pulpitis indicates an acute trauma to the pulp and will eventually heal itself once the cause has been addressed. Irreversible pulpitis indicates the injury as progressed to a point where healing is not possible. In such a case, root canal therapy or extraction is indicated.
Q. What is an invisalign and how does it work and what are the benefits of it?
A. Invisalign is a orthodontic treatment option offered by general dentists as well as orthodontists. Invisalign uses a pre-determined series of plastic trays to move teeth into alignment. The primary advantage of Invisalign is the use of clear plastic removable aligners (looks like a rigid whitening custom tray) so that treatment can do away completely or reduce the use of orthodontic brackets and bands. It is generally more expensive compared to traditional braces and has greater treatment limitations. It is however, covered by insurance companies under traditional orthodontic benefits.
Q. How to contact Dr. Chen if we have further questions?
A.
1717 NE 44th Street
Suite A
Renton, Washington 98056
Tel : (425) 226-2684
Fax: (425) 663-3267
Email : admin@impressionsdentistry.com
Website : ImpressionsDentistry.com
