FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

Does Dr. Boerger place tooth-colored fillings?

Absolutely. Your smile should be healthy and beautiful. If you have a cavity, or if you’d like metal fillings replaced, Dr. Boerger will use custom-tinted composite resin for inconspicuous fillings that look like natural tooth enamel.

Why would I need a crown?

A crown restores shape, strength, and health to a structurally compromised tooth. When a tooth has extensive decay, a fracture, or a chip, a filling may not provide the best, most durable solution. Dr. Boerger will recommend a crown that will protect your tooth from further damage. Depending on your specific circumstances, he will suggest an all-porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or precious metal crown. Dr. Boerger's expertise will help him to match the shade of the crown to look very natural.
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Why would I need root planing?

A deep cleaning, which involves scaling and root planing, is a procedure we recommend for patients who have moderate gum disease. With scaling, the hygienist removes hardened plaque from below the gum line. Root planing involves smoothing rough surface on teeth roots. These areas are prime locations for bacterial buildup. By removing the rough spots, plaque has less chance to collect and thrive.
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Why would I need a root canal?

A deep cavity or fracture can cause the pulp (nerve) within a tooth to become sensitive. Dr. Boerger recommends root canal therapy as a conservative alternative to extracting and replacing an infected tooth. If the injured or diseased pulp is not removed, the tissue surrounding the root of the tooth can become infected and an abscess (infection) can form, resulting in pressure building and causing pain and swelling. In a root canal, the pulp is removed from the tooth’s canals, and a natural rubber material is put in its place. The tooth is then crowned. A root canal allows a person to retain a natural tooth.
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Why, even after I brush, does my breath not seem fresh?

Bad breath is often caused by the odorous sulfur phosphates created by oral bacteria. By reducing the amount of bad bacteria in your mouth, you will improve the smell of your breath. Dr. Boerger recommends these tips for combating bad breath:

1. Regular cleanings

2. Complete your restorative dentistry plan

3. Daily brushing (twice) and flossing (once)

4. Use a tongue scraper

5. Rinsing the mouth after eating sugary and starchy foods and beverages

6. Use a dentist-prescribed breath treatment system
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Can I schedule just a cleaning?

Depending on your situation, our front office personnel will let you know if you can schedule a cleaning independently from a new patient exam with Dr. Boerger. In most cases, our office will try to accommodate scheduling "just a cleaning." However, there are some circumstances that may require a separate, new patient exam.
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Do I really need X-rays?

Yes. Forty percent of tooth surface is located between teeth, where we can’t see it. Furthermore, a tooth’s root, canals, and the jawbone have much to do with total oral health and wellness. Would you want the doctor to have an X-ray of your broken arm before he prescribed treatment? Of course you would! Likewise, Dr. Boerger’s diagnoses and treatment planning can be more accurate when he has recent X-rays.
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How can I get my teeth whiter?

A bright smile can make you feel good about your appearance, and it can also make you look younger and make you feel more attractive. Dr. Boerger offers professional-grade home whitening kits, as well as in-office whitening for patients with particularly harsh tooth stains. In most cases, home whitening will reduce or eliminate common enamel stains over a two-week treatment session. The kits can be used for touch-up as necessary. If your teeth do not respond to our whitening systems, consider porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding. These solutions are stain resistant and can be created to the exact color that you prefer.
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