FAQs

Q: I really do not like visiting the dentist; is there anything you can do to help me relax?

A: Many people are uncomfortable with visiting the dentist. Your comfort is our highest priority, and our office is designed so that you can enjoy a relaxing dental visit. For entertainment and distraction, stereo music, HDTVs for watching movies/news, and massage units are available so you can keep your mind on more pleasant things.

Q: I brush everyday, but my breath is just not fresh. Is there anything else I can do?

A: Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Here is a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem:

• twice daily brushing
• daily flossing
• tongue cleaning
• regular professional cleanings
• careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances

However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, we can offer several solutions.

First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue, while significantly alleviating odor. Or, we can recommend a specially-prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually breakdown the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, we may also suspect a systemic or internal problem, such as an infection or underlying condition, in which case we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.

Q: What is a crown, and why do I need one?

A: If Dr. Ali has recommended a crown for you, it is likely either to correct a broken tooth or to repair a tooth that has deteriorated due to cavities (decay). The decay in your tooth eats away healthy tooth structure much like rust eats away at metal. If not removed, decay will deteriorate the tooth to the point where extraction is the only viable treatment option. Sometimes, decay is removed leaving healthy tooth structure, but not much of it. A crown can then be placed, restoring the look and function of your tooth, while allowing you to keep your natural, underlying tooth structure. Most crowns are precision-milled porcelain or full metal (gold or silver) and are individually customized for each application in each patient, giving you a natural, long-lasting smile.

Q: I know I need X-rays, but I'd prefer to not be exposed to unnecessary radiation. Do you offer digital X-rays?

A: Yes, we do offer digital X-rays at Roslindale Village Dental. Digital X-rays use less radiation and are safer for you than traditional film-based X-rays. You will find that Dr. Ali and his team research the latest trends in technology to find the solutions that promote your overall health, safety, and comfort.

Q: How does fluoride help my teeth?

A: Research shows that fluoride reduces cavities in both children and adults by halting tooth decay. It also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay becomes visible. Interestingly, many people continue to be misinformed about fluoride and fluoridation. Fluoride is a safe chemical component when used correctly. When your dentist applies fluoride to your teeth, usually in the form of a fluoride varnish, gel, or foam, that fluoride is more concentrated than the fluoride contained in toothpaste or mouthwash. The ADA recommends that dental professionals use any of the professional strength, fluoride varnish, gel, or foam products carrying the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Q: What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?

A: By replacing missing teeth either with a bridge or an implant, you will alleviate the problems associated with missing a tooth and will give your smile back its beautiful, full appearance. A bridge is one solution for replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, Dr. Ali places a porcelain restoration into the vacant space, restoring the functionality and look of your smile.

A dental implant is also an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has bonded to the bone, it can act as a new, solid support for a natural-looking, porcelain restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth or an entire set of teeth, offering more function and permanence than traditional dentures.

Q: What can I expect during my first appointment?

A: At your first appointment, your overall dental and oral health will be assessed with a comprehensive oral evaluation. Upon completion of your medical/dental health form, we will ask you to tell us your goals regarding your smile, teeth, and gums. Digital photos and X-rays will be taken of your teeth to identify areas of decay, cracked teeth, and malfunctioning restorations. SOPRLIFE intra-oral camera/Caries Detection Device will also be used on your teeth, notifying us of early areas of decay that are not visible on the X-ray or digital photographs. Our goal is to preserve as much of your teeth as possible by catching decay in its earliest stages. We will also assess your gums and recommend the appropriate hygiene treatment for you.

Q: My teeth keep chipping and cracking. What causes this, and what can I do about it?

A: Many people who notice chipped or cracked teeth, but who don't remember when the injury occurred, damaged their teeth while they were sleeping. Grinding or clenching your teeth during the night will cause your teeth to chip, crack, and even break. To keep you from seriously damaging your teeth, we recommend a dental appliance called a nightguard. A custom-fitted nightguard protects your teeth from grinding & clenching in your sleep. Dr. Ali takes great care in making sure you have a proper fit to prevent pain in your jaw joint. Do you suffer from headaches? You may find that a side benefit of your nightguard is headache prevention. Many headaches start during the night, caused by the extreme pressure generated as you grind and clench your teeth. Ask us about having a custom nightguard created just for you.

Q: I want and need a lot of dental work, but I'm afraid I can't afford it. Do you offer monthly payment plans?

A: Yes, we do offer monthly payment plans through our financial partner, CareCredit. We provide a variety of ways for you to pay for your treatment so that it fits comfortably into your personal or family financial goals. The Roslindale Village Dental team works with you to create the best financial solution so that you can have the beautiful, healthy smile you have always desired.

Q: What different payment options do you provide?

A: Helping to make your dental care financially comfortable and affordable is important, and we proudly offer a variety of options:

• Cash or personal checks
• VISA/MasterCard
• Monthly payment plans, as well as low-interest and extended payment plans through CareCredit.

We are happy to estimate fees and insurance reimbursement before starting recommended treatments and will gladly file insurance forms for you.

Optimal, comprehensive dentistry is what we practice and we do not base our treatment on what insurance will or will not pay. We base our treatment on what is best for you, and any treatment not paid by insurance is your financial responsibility.

Q: My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something about which I should be concerned?

A: It is certainly not desirable to have bleeding gums following brushing; however, the condition may or may not require attention ― depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough "scrubbing" instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled toothbrush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or, gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If this problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods, or if it occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set-up an evaluation appointment.

Q: How do sealants protect teeth?

A: A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars.) This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids and guards against disease-causing bacteria. Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth; however, toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to efficiently extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.

Q: Sometimes when I chew, I get a sharp pain. What can I do to correct this?

A: Most dental pain brought on by chewing is caused by a fracture, or crack, in the tooth. The pain can be corrected by placing an inlay/onlay, a porcelain crown, or with more advanced treatment. You want to correct the pain as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the tooth. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

Q: How can porcelain veneers help my smile?

A: Porcelain veneers improve your smile by correcting a multitude of cosmetic concerns, including: gaps in teeth; chips and broken teeth; dull or yellowing teeth that cannot be whitened with traditional means; "gummy smiles" (showing too much gum when one smiles); and, crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers broaden, straighten, whiten, and beautify most any smile. This procedure can be done in as little as two clinical visits. Many of our patients feel like this was the best improvement that could have been done for their overall confidence. At your next visit, ask your Roslindale Village Dental team about how porcelain veneers can improve your smile (or send us an email.)

Q: How can I whiten my teeth?

A: There are multiple ways to whiten your teeth.

At-home whitening trays - these products use peroxide-based gels to bleach your teeth. Generally, the process involves the daily application of the gel in a formed "mouthguard" for about two weeks. Side effects may include short-term tooth or gum sensitivity.

Zoom! Whitening (a.k.a. in-office whitening) - Zoom! Whitening is a procedure that takes place in a single visit to your dentist. It involves the application of a specially formulated gel that, when exposed to a type of light energy, penetrates the stains in your teeth, breaking them apart and leaving your smile brighter and whiter. The entire process takes under an hour. (This option is coming soon – not currently available.)

Porcelain veneers - many people who have tetracycline-stained teeth, who cannot whiten their teeth with traditional means, or who want a more permanent solution will opt for porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are a great way to whiten your teeth in a more permanent fashion. The veneers do not stain with time, and they also correct many other concerns that you may have, including crooked teeth, gaps in teeth, and a "gummy smiles." Most of the smile makeovers you see on television are accomplished with porcelain veneers.