Questions

Who needs full mouth restorative dentistry?

We often see patients that have dental restorations that were placed during different times of their life. Some leftover fillings from adolescence, some crowns from another dentist and perhaps a bridge from still another. These restorations may have broken down or just don't look as good as they can. Replacing these restorations along with other esthetic concerns and desires are often the reasons patients seek out our office for full mouth restoration. After completing a thorough examination where we have listened to our patients and discussed their concerns and desires, we can show then how they wil benefit from the newest technologies and materials. Because we believe in helping our patients keep their teeth for a lifetime, we use one of the finest labs that understand and share our philosophies in function and esthetics. We continue to educate ourselves in order to keep uo with all the changes and improvements in the dental field.

What is Smile Design?

"I hate my teeth!" is a phrase we hear often. When we ask the patient what it is that they hate about their teeth, they usually con't describe it. That's where Smile Design comes in. Digital full-face and close-up photos are taken. The dentist uses the desires of the patient, along with his experience and specialty training, to determine what issues need to be addressed. Then with the aid of specialty software, he can creat a new smile that is esthetically pleasing. He can share these "after" photos with the patient and they can make any additional changes before any treatment begins. Knowing what the new smile should look like greatly eliminates any surprises during the treatment.

What are provisionals?

Whether it's a new smile or a full mouth restoration, the patients will get to "test drive" their new teeth before they are made permanent. That is where provisionals come in. Provisionals are temporary acrylic teeth that the patient wears while their permanent restorations re being prepared. They speak, eat, smile and function with them and then return to give their final approval. Changes are made to the length, width, thickness or shape, as required to make them ideal. Only when the patient approves of their provisionals do we take impressions of them and forward them to the dental laboratory for use as a three dimensional blueprint for the fabrication of the final restorations. This guarantees no surprises when the fial restorations are placed.

Do I have TMJ?

Everyone has a (TMJ) Temporomandibular Joint or jaw joint the same way everyone has a knee joint. This acronym is often misused when describing TMD or Temporomandibular dysfunction. Dysfunction in the joint can cause a myriad of symptoms including headaches, ear pain, dizziness, and tooth pain just to name a few. Dr. Gavrilos has 15 years experience with the treatment of this disorder. Using MRIs, Doppler, loading and other diagnostic information, he can diagnose and treat TMD with predictable results.

How is your office different?

Rarely does one find an office that has experience in both the cosmetic and functional aspects of restoration. We frequently see patients that have been through the process and still have not had their needs met. Our office has trained with Dr. Peter Dawson and his staff. He is the leading figure in TMJ and bite related research and has a center for advanced learning in St. Petersburg Florida. We practice the philosophy he addresses in the area of clinical education and practice management. We also address the cosmetic side of treatment with our affiliation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. From the laboratories we use to the materials we place, all is done with both the cosmetic and functional aspects in mind.

Can you show me what my smile will look like ahead of time?

We rountinely use digital imaging to help our patients visualize the end results of cosmetic and restorative work. By simply asking the right questions, taking various digital photos of your current smile, and keying in the correct input into our computer, we'll generate a number of graphic images that accurately demonstrate how your procedure will affect your smile.

I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. Can you help me?

Spaced or shifted teeth can often be corrected without the need for braces. With the aid of bonding materials and porcelain veneers there is almost nothing that can't be achieved.

I'm a new patient and I know there will be forms for me to fill out prior to my first appointment. Could I get copies of these ahead of time, to save time on my appointment day?

We're happy to provide you with all the necessary new patient forms prior to your first appointment. You can fill them out at your convenience and bring with with you to your first appointment.

What about payment/insurance?

Our office is a fee for service practice. If you have dental insurance, we will file all insurance claims for you instructing the insurance company to reimburse you. We will send the claim electronically, directly to your carrier. This method has been proven to get reimbursement toyou much sooner that with the traditional forms. If the insurance company requires any additional information, we will follow up with them to make certain that you get the maximum from your benefits.

How do I start?

Call our office for your initial examination. We will take a full set of x-rays or use a recently taken set from your previous dentist. We will perform an hour-long exam that includes the evaluation for TMD, periodontal disease, caries, mobility, premature wear, abfractions, and cancer screening. After all the diagnostic information is gathered, we will create a treatment plan specific to your needs.