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Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Houston, Baytown, La Porte, Pasadena, and Port Arthur

Click on the topics below for answers to common questions about dentistry:

How Will I Know How to Choose the Right Dentist?
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Dental Implants
Crowns, Bonding and Veneers
Dentures
General Dentistry
Orthodontics
TMJ Treatment

How Will I Know How to Choose the Right Dentist?

1. The dentist should be easy to talk to and answer your questions.

When choosing a dentist, approachability is a major consideration. A good dentist is someone who genuinely cares about you and your oral health. They will always ask the right questions and try to make sure you don't leave the office uncertain or confused.

2. The dentist should explain things in a way you can understand.

It can be easy to be confused by terminology you don't understand. The world of dentistry is very complex and a good dentist will try to explain things clearly in a language you can understand.

3. The dentist should never pressure you into any decision.

Although dentists have a comprehensive understanding of oral health they should never pressure you into a procedure you are not sure about. Ultimately, it is your decision and your dentist should always strive to inform you of your options and respect your right to decide.

4. The dentist should be accessible.

Of course no dentist will be available for you 24-7, but they should always have some time set aside for emergencies, questions or concerns that you have. A good dentist will find time for you while making sure they provide quality dental care for all their patients.

5. The dentist should have a good reputation.

The most single important thing is a good relationship with your dentist. They should have a concern for both the relationship and the procedure. Ask around. If you continually hear horror stories about a dentist, then you may want to consider choosing another one. Or if you hear wonderful things, call the practice and ask for a consultation. You can also ask about the practice's retention rate or how many patients come in from word of mouth referrals.

6. The dentist should have a clean, professional, and friendly atmosphere.

The biggest question to ask, is 'Do you feel comfortable?' Like any office, a dentist office should be warm, welcoming and focused on you. If you notice an office that is dirty, has terrible reception or is highly chaotic, then it may not be the right office for you.

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Snoring and Sleep Apnea

How common is sleep apnea?

It is estimated that sleep apnea affects about 12 million Americans: 4% of men, 2% of women, and up to 3% of children suffer from some type of sleep apnea. The mild form of sleep apnea is most common but still poses several dangers.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Partners of sleep apnea patients report episodes of loud, frequent snoring, intermittent or unusual breathing, animated noises and body movements during sleep. The patient may experience gasping, daytime fatigue, headaches, and excessive grogginess.

Is sleep apnea dangerous?

Because sleep apnea interrupts natural breathing patterns, it has been fatal in some cases. Sleep apnea has also been associated with heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, high blood pressure, and other heart problems.

What treatments are available for sleep apnea?

Based on your degree of sleep apnea, Dr. Wooten will recommend a treatment option or combination of treatments. Although there is no cure for the condition, there are several options to reduce the occurrence of breathing pauses and encourage regular breathing patterns. Dr. Wooten may suggest some lifestyle changes to minimize the effects of apnea, such as halting use of alcohol or sedatives or losing weight. Your physician may recommend the CPAP device to minimize the effects of apnea and keep various obstructions from interfering with breathing.

What is the CPAP device and how is it used?

The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device is the most popular sleep apnea treatment device recommended by physicians. The CPAP was designed to promote airflow into the nasal cavities with a miniature air blower hooked onto a hose. This nose mask prevents the airway from collapsing due to obstruction and allows patients to experience pleasant and relaxing, uninterrupted breathing patterns while sleeping.

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Dental Implants

Are dental implants safe?

Yes. Today's implants are FDA approved and made from safe materials. Implant dentistry technology is constantly being reinvented and improved. Dr. Wooten's dental implants are created from biocompatible materials that pose no health risks.

Will my dental implants look natural?

Absolutely! Dental implants are custom created from natural-looking materials designed to recreate the function and feel of natural enamel. You will be able to chew normally with comfortable dental implants that can withstand as much pressure as your natural teeth. With your new permanent dental implants, you'll find that you are less self-conscious and more confident, especially when smiling!

What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a bridge?

Patients who choose to have dental implants enjoy a natural-looking smile without modification of surrounding teeth. Dental implants also offer permanent solution with stability and comfort.

What are the consequences of not replacing missing teeth?

Each tooth in your mouth has a symbiotic relationship with other teeth. Individual teeth are not self-standing - they depend on each other for stability and correct placement. When a missing tooth is not replaced, surrounding teeth can become displaced and eventually require extraction as well. When a tooth is missing, surrounding teeth and gums are more vulnerable to bacteria, decay and gum disease. Failing to replace teeth can also have a negative effect on your appearance.

How long do dental implants last?

We now have studies spanning a 20-year period demonstrating over a 95 % success rate for dental implants. With proper care and regular dental visits, your smile can maintain its form and function for a very long time.

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Crowns, Tooth Bonding and Veneers

When is a dental crown recommended?

Crowns are excellent for strengthening teeth that have been broken, weakened by decay, excessively worn, or have an extra large filling. They can also be used to create a dazzling smile. Crowns are made to match your natural enamel color and offer a great option for covering discolored teeth and metal fillings and in the same stroke enhancing the beauty of your smile. Crowns are also used to cover and protect root canal teeth.

How long does it take to crown a tooth?

Preparing and placing a crown will require two visits with Dr. Wooten. During the first, Dr. Wooten will prepare the tooth for the crown placement, find your perfect shade, and fit a temporary crown. After one to three weeks, you will return for the permanent placement of the crown.

How Long does a dental crown last?

Dr. Wooten's crowns have proven to last a very long time, sometimes over two decades. With proper home care and routine check ups, your dental crown can maintain its form and function for a very long time.

Who can benefit from dental tooth bonding?

Patients who have cosmetic defects such as small gaps, chipped, cracked, discolored, worn or decayed teeth may consider dental tooth bonding for a seamless and natural-looking appearance improvement. Contact Dr. Wooten to find out if you are a candidate for tooth bonding.

How long does tooth bonding last?

Tooth bonding can last up to seven years, depending on the quality of home maintenance and the frequency of regular dental care.

Am I a candidate for porcelain veneers?

Durable porcelain veneers bonded to teeth can correct many abnormalities, including oddly shaped teeth, uneven tooth surfaces, chipped, cracked or crooked teeth, and discolored teeth. Smile improvement with veneers is easy and natural looking and could help almost everyone improve the appearance of their teeth and smile.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

Finely crafted porcelain veneers can last almost indefinitely if maintained properly with good dental hygiene and regular dental visits.

Is the application of porcelain veneers painless?

Absolutely! Veneers are secured painlessly during two office visits and anesthesia may not be required.

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Dentures

Who needs a denture?

Denture patients have usually lost most or all of their natural teeth. Dr. Wooten will usually recommend full or complete dentures for patients who have no natural teeth remaining, and partial dentures for patients who have some natural teeth left. .

What are the advantages of dentures?

Partial or full dentures can greatly improve chewing function and allow patients to eat foods that were not previously possible. Denture placement can improve speaking ability and have a dramatically beneficial effect on facial appearance.

What happens when you get a full denture?

Dr. Wooten will make an impression of your mouth to get exact dimensions. Next, Dr. Wooten will use wax to give your face the proper support and appearance. Then he will test a mock-up of your denture to be certain everything is perfect. After that the denture will be processed for final placement.

How do you wear a removable partial denture?

A partial denture is composed of replacement teeth attached to gum-colored bases. Designed to fit perfectly into the spaces where teeth are missing, a partial denture affixes to your remaining natural teeth for a seamless appearance. Dr. Wooten may recommend you have crowns on your remaining teeth for a more comfortable fit and natural appearance.

How do I brush my dentures?

Remove dentures, rinse and brush gently using a soft bristle toothbrush and baking soda as dentifrice. Make sure to brush dentures after meals and snacks and in the evening before bed. Diligent maintenance of your dentures will help ensure that they last as long as possible and retain their natural appearance.

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General Dentistry

What constitutes a good dental exam?

A good dental exam should include a soft tissue exam, an oral cancer screening, an evaluation of the muscles of mastication, a periodontal exam, an orthodontic review, a TMJ evaluation and a thorough appraisal of the teeth.

How often should I visit the dentist?

According to the American Dental Association, adults should schedule regular cleanings a minimum of every six months. Dr. Wooten believes this schedule should be modified to meet the specific needs of the patient. Consult Dr. Wooten to find out the best dental schedule for you.

What causes gum disease?

There are several reasons why patients develop serious gum disease. Although there may be some hereditary influence, the majority of gum problems result from controllable factors. Patients who have neglected regular home care like brushing and flossing, or who have failed to visit a dentist for professional cleaning, tartar removal and oral evaluation often develop signs of gum disease. Patients who procrastinate and fail to attend to treatment recommendations when needed may also be compromising their oral health.

Why is it important to maintain healthy gums?

About 80 percent of adult tooth loss is due to periodontal disease. It has recently been discovered that periodontal disease has been linked to other heath factors such as heart disease, low birth weight babies and diabetes. In order to maintain good overall heath, it is important to take care of your gums.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is a bacterial process that is fueled primarily by simple sugars. Tooth decay can usually be prevented by regular thorough brushing, flossing and the use of fluoride and dental sealants. Simple sugars can be found in things such as candy, gum and pop. The general rule is: 'the stickier it is, the worse it is."

What is gingivitis?

When harmful bacteria are allowed to develop plaque and tartar, they eventually do irreversible damage. Inflammation of the gums caused by a bacterial build-up is referred to as gingivitis and considered an early stage of gum disease. If you have red, swollen and bleeding gums, make sure you visit Dr. Wooten as soon as possible. It is important to treat the early stages of gum disease before it progresses.

What is bad breath?

Bad breath is more than an offensive odor to others; it can be the beginning of a serious heath problem. Oral odor is caused by volatile sulfur compounds, which are also now known to break down healthy gums. Dr. Wooten offers a comprehensive approach to the solution of bad breath.

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Orthodontics

What causes orthodontic problems?

Orthodontic problems arise because of a disharmony in the development of the jaws, muscles and teeth. Many of the orthodontic problems we see are inherited, but environmental and behavioral factors can also play a part in abnormal development. Orthodontic treatment from Dr. Wooten can balance out the irregularities and correct overcrowding and other difficulties. Dr. Wooten also makes certain that the orthodontic treatment supports a healthy TMJ, so permanent teeth will not be removed as part of the process.

Will permanent teeth be removed?

No! One possible exception would be if the removal of permanent teeth would enhance the facial profile and not be detrimental to the health of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Will orthodontic treatment cause TMJ problems later in life?

A very high percentage of TMJ patients have had orthodontic extractions. With current knowledge, orthodontic treatment can be provided without the extraction of teeth and minimize the chance of having TMJ later in life.

Why should I have Orthodontics?

There are a variety of reasons to have orthodontics. And all of them are positive! Orthodontics makes the teeth easier to clean because they are straight. Also, straight teeth allow for a greater volume of bone between the roots of the teeth, which means a greater defense to periodontal disease. And of course more self-confidence, self esteem and the success that comes with having straight teeth and a dynamite smile.

Can I afford orthodontic treatment?

Over the course of a lifetime, many patients will spend thousands to improve their dental health and appearance. Orthodontic treatment, especially early in life, may eliminate or reduce the need for those expensive future dental treatments. At the office of Dr. Wooten, we offer affordable payment options to make orthodontic treatment available to almost everyone.

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TMJ Treatment

What causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?

Although researchers have not yet pinpointed an absolute cause of TMJ, factors such as a bad bite, tooth loss, muscle deficiencies, tooth grinding and improper cranial development are linked to the development of TMJ dysfunction. TMJ health may also be adversely affected by stress, injury and arthritis.

How is TMJ Diagnosed?

In most dental offices, TMJ is diagnosed based on symptoms alone. TMJ is properly diagnosed through using state-of-the-art equipment like tomographic X-rays and computer assisted electro-diagnostic tools. Dr. Wooten's office is fully equipped to diagnose and treat all types of TMJ dysfunction.

How is TMJ treated?

The treatment depends precisely on having an accurate diagnosis. It is not a splint for everyone. It could be palliative treatment, occlusal treatment, orthopedic treatment, orthodontic treatment or restorative treatment --- depending upon the exact nature of the problem.

How do I know if I have TMJ problems?

Dr. Wooten will perform a variety of diagnostic tests before making a definitive diagnosis. If you experience a combination of any of the signs listed below, contact our experienced TMJ dentist for a personalized appointment.

Some of the common signs of a TMJ dysfunction include:

• Facial pain
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Jaw joint pain or soreness
• Headache
• Neckache
• Clicking of the jaw
• Jaw muscle tenderness or tiredness
• Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
• Jaws that get "stuck," "lock" or "go out"
• Pain from yawning, chewing or opening the mouth widely
• Eye and/or ear pressure
• Dizziness
• Ear symptoms such as stuffiness, hearing loss or ringing in the ears

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Read more about TMJ symptoms

For more information on our smile brightening services, call Dr. David R. Wooten today in Baytown. We'll find the perfect smile solution for your individual needs.