Q. I am afraid of the dentist, and I have neglected my teeth for several years. What can you do for someone like me?

A. A visit to the dentist does not have to be painful or scary. New dental methods are comfortable and careful. Local anesthesia is used to numb the mouth for most procedures. Many of my patients are those who had once neglected dental visits for years and now have no more fear.

Q. My back teeth have a lot of silver-colored fillings. Is there a more attractive way to fill cavities?

A. Yes. New advances in tooth-colored composite materials and porcelain make it possible for your fillings to go completely unnoticed, plus they will be stronger and more wear resistant than silver or gold. Removing your old fillings and replacing with composite is easily done in one visit.

Q. Why do my crowns have a black line around my gums?

A. Sometimes this is due to a shadow created by the metal at the margin of a porcelain crown. The metal is necessary for strength as a foundation for the overlying porcelain. There is a solution to this problem. For my patients, I work closely with the lab to fabricate either an all-porcelain crown or a metal-and-porcelain crown with an all-porcelain margin to create a natural cosmetic appearance.

Q. I have become aware of my teeth. I know they need work but am not sure I can afford it.

A. The cost of restorative and cosmetic dental work is determined by how much work is required. A treatment plan can be made which can allow work to be performed in phases. When you invest in cosmetic dentistry, you are making an investment in your self esteem and overall confidence. Many of my satisfied patients say that this was the best investment they have ever made - that they only wish they had come to see me sooner. An improved dental appearance can not only change how you feel about yourself, but how others feel about you, as well. I do not charge for your intitial consultation and this is the first step in determining the cost of a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. My office also offers financing through Chase Health Advance, Care Credit, and Capital One Healthcare Finance. You can click on either company's name to find out more about their rates and terms, as well as estimated payment calculators.

Q. I began noticing some of my friends' teeth at work whose teeth are whiter than mine. Have they had their teeth whitened, and what is involved if I want to have this done?

A. The whiteness of your smile can change due to age, certain medications, and specific foods and beverages that can stain your teeth.

• Cola drinks
• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Tobacco products
• Curry
• Soy
• Minerals in well water

Many stains can be removed or diminished by a thorough professional cleaning in our office. And for a truly stunning white smile, I recommend either 1-hour laser whitening or our at-home professional whitening kit. Either way, your friends will notice.

Q. I have been wearing dentures for several years, but they have started to slip. Are dental implants a solution for me?

A. Few advances in dentistry have been as great as dental implants. Briefly stated, dental implants are used to replace single missing teeth or anchor multiple teeth together like a bridge or a denture. Implants can be used as a permanent solution for those wearing upper and/or lower dentures. An Implant is a titanium root substitute that is placed in the jaw by a Periodontist or Oral Surgeon. The procedure is not painful. Titanium is a porous metal and is accepted by the bone. The bone actually grows into and bonds with each titanium post. Scientists have named this process Osseo-integration. After the implant heals, I will secure a single crown, a bridge or denture over the implant(s). Whether you are a candidate for implants is decided on an individual basis, and I will explain all tooth replacement options with you if you are missing teeth.

Q. I grew up on a farm in West Texas and my teeth have permanent dark discolorations and rough texture. I am a CPA and have become very self conscious about my teeth. What can be done?

A. First of all, this is a very common problem that I treat quite often. It is caused by the fluoride in the water you grew up drinking. Concentrations of fluoride can cause severe pitting and/or permanent brown to brownish gray stains on teeth. The solution is a cosmetic treatment called veneers. Veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of your teeth. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia, and can be the ideal choice for improving the shape of individual teeth and the overall appearance of your smile. I use this cosmetic treatment to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth, and to create a stunning smile. It is highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking. The wafer-thin veneer can achieve a tenacious bond to the tooth, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing naturalness that is unsurpassed by other restorative options. In most cases I can enhance your smile in as little as two appointments.