Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing and Aesthetic Dentist

Do I need a specialist to do my aesthetic dental work?

Most dentists do aesthetic dental work, but many patients feel more comfortable with a dentist that has had advanced training in the art of aesthetics and function of oral health, such as a Prosthodontist.

Is it important to find a dentist that keeps up to date on the latest dental innovations?

Ask the dentist to show you certificates and degrees of their advanced training. Dentist who are up to date on the latest dental advancements are much more likely to be able to give you the absolute best smile while maintaining your overall dental health.

Can I see examples of the dentist's work? I want to make sure they are capable of creating natural looking teeth.

YES, most dentists that are proud and confident in their work will always be happy to show you before and after photos of their patients. This is a very important step in finding the right dentist for you. View our success stories here.

Should I consider the dentist's staff when choosing a dentist?

Certainly, the dentist's staff or team members are an extension of the dentist. You will be involved with most of the staff during your visits and they should be warm, helpful and make you feel like a guest at all times.

Should a dentist be willing to spend as much time as I need to discuss my concerns?

YES, especially when discussing your aesthetic dental treatments. Your smile is very personalized and the dentist must be willing to spend as much time as necessary to hear exactly what you want to achieve in your new look.

Porcelain Veneers

My original teeth are in good shape, but are very discolored and teeth whitening did not get them white enough?

Whitening is a very good option when you need to get your teeth whiter, but there are cases where teeth are so badly discolored that teeth whitening does not work. Luckily, veneers can be used to create a whiter tooth while maintaining the natural tooth structure.

Before Veneers

After Veneers

Are getting porcelain veneers painful?

Most procedures are very comfortable with the exception of some soreness for a day or two. Over the past several years recent advances in patient comfort have virtually eliminated "painful" dental visits. The benefits of a beautiful and confident smile far out weighs any discomfort involved.

I don't want my teeth to look like Chiclets! How can I ensure I get a natural looking, beautiful smile?

The ONLY way to really know if your dentist is capable of lifelike and natural dental restorations is to see it with your own eyes. Insist on seeing detailed before and after photos of previous patients and have the doctor explain each case in detail.

What is the process of porcelain veneers and is it permanent?

The process of a smile design utilizing porcelain veneers begins with the artistic planning to ensure that you receive the smile of your dreams. This is done on models with wax outside of your mouth, before any treatment begins. Porcelain veneers fabricated specifically for your mouth are permanently bonded to the face of your teeth after they have been prepared by removing the outer layer of tooth structure to make room for the veneers. This is a two step process. The first step involves the preparation appointment. You will leave that day with provisional restorations that will be a prototype of your new veneers. The second appointment involves permanently bonding your new lifelike restorations to your teeth. Porcelain veneers are matrix of porcelain, glass and resins the mimic nature's perfect enamel. The glass properties reflect light and give vibrancy and vitality to that is unmatched, when the right dentist is chosen.

How long does it take to get porcelain veneers?

This highly depends on the experience of the dentist and the overall health of your teeth and gums. In many cases, smile designs can be completed in as few as two visits three weeks apart!

Are Lumineers™ the same as porcelain veneers?

No. Lumineers™ are a product that are made to fit over ones natural teeth. While they can be effective, Dr. Ritsco has found only about 3% of his patients seeking this treatment are good candidates and will achieve predictable results. This is an acceptable choice for the right patient and still an irreversible procedure.

Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small titanium cylinders that are inserted into the bone of the jaw, where they become fused to the bone. Once they are secured in place, individual artificial teeth are anchored to the implant. Implants can also be used with a bridge or dentures. You can think of an implant as an artificial root replacement system that has many advantages over the traditional method of simply pulling a tooth and allowing it to grow over.

Why do people choose dental implants?

Popularity of dental implants are on the rise as more and more peope realize the benefits of implants over traditional crown and bridges and removable denture restorations. An implant can be used as an alternative to a traditional bridge by avoiding the need to damage two additional teeth on each side of the replacement tooth. Another advantage of an implant is that the implant acts as an artificial tooth root which eliminates many of the traditional problems associated with missing teeth such as: bone loss, drifting of teeth, teeth alignment problems, decreased chewing abilities or inability to chew, periodontal problems and undesirable esthetics. Implants are usually a much stronger alternative since it is fused to the bone much as the original tooth root was. Implants can also be used in conjunction with dentures to provide a much tighter fit. Dentures can also be complimented by implants to avoid the problems that arise when a tooth root is missing.

How are implants placed?

Placing dental implants is usually accomplished in two phases. For the surgical placement of the implants, small incisions are made in your gums, and channels are made in the jawbone to receive the implants. After the implants are snugly in place, the gums are closed back over the implants temporarily. During this phase the implant will be fused to the bone and will become a permanent part of the jawbone. This fusing process will vary but in general will take from 4 to 6 months. The second phase begins by surgically re-exposing the implants. Small extensions are then inserted into the implants to bring the implants above the gum line. At this point your new teeth will be created. Impressions are made of your mouth to allow the new teeth to fit very securely into the implant. After the impressions are made the resulting models of your teeth will be used in the dental laboratory to precisely fit your new teeth, denture or bridge. Once the implants and restoration are in place your original functionality will also be restored. You will be able to eat the foods you want, have confidence in your smile, and floss just like normal teeth! At this point you will need to keep regular dental checkups and cleanings to protect your investment in your health.

Why choose a Prosthodontist for your implant treatment?

A Prosthdontist is a specialist that has had an addition 3 years of training beyond what a general dentist has had. Dr. Ron Ritsco is a Prosthodontist that has focused mainly on full mouth restorations, crowns, veneers, dentures and dental implant restorations. The most important part for the patient is total understanding of what will be done in your mouth. Deciding on whether a crown, bridge, veneer, denture or implant is best for you is not a simple choice... it is a major investment in your health and future. Consider making an appointment with Dr. Ritsco to see what options are for you.

Are dental implant always successful?

With over 3 decades of clinical success and over a million patients treated, crowns, and bridges supported my dental implants are very highly successful. Statistics show that nearly 95% for individual implants and even higher for the bridges they support are successful. Dental implants placed in patients more than 35 years ago are still functioning today!

Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure that I use with my natural teeth?

Yes, studies have shown that chewing efficiency improves significantly after treatment with dental implants. After a brief adaptation period, chewing efficiency is comparable to that of the natural teeth.

Will I ever need a root canal on my dental implant?

No, since the implant completely replaces the tooth and root structure, you will never have to worry about cavities or root canals.

If I wear dentures now could I benefit from dental implants?

Yes, denture wearing individuals are excellent candidate for dental implants. By acting as an “artificial root”, a dental implant will preserve remaining bone eliminating the typical "puckered lip look" that is so common among denture wearers. In addition, by stabilizing the denture with implants, it gives the patient freedom from messy adhesives and improves chewing function and confidence.

I have a single missing tooth, can a dental implant prevent my natural teeth from shifting?

Yes, by filling in the void caused by the missing tooth, a dental implant can prevent your existing teeth from shifting out of their original locations causing unsightly mal-alignment.

When is it best to choose an implant over a bridge?

In most cases, an implant is always a better choice than traditional bridge work, in terms of longevity and function. While traditional bridgework remains an option, oftentimes adjacent teeth to the missing tooth locations must remove healthy tooth structure in order support the “fake” tooth of the bridge.

Crowns and Bridges

I have a crown that has a black or metal edge along the top edge. Can that be fixed?

Yes, this edge is caused by using a metal base in the crown. Newer more natural looking crowns are available that can completely hide the unsightly dark edges of your old crown. Be sure and view before and after photos of your dentists work to ensure that they are capable of creating completely natural-looking crown before starting treatment.

Can I eat regular foods without having to worry about breaking my new crowns, veneers or bridgework?

In most cases the answer is yes. The latest crown/bridge technology has proven to be very strong and durable; however common sense must be used in determining how to treat them. They do not provide additional strength over your natural teeth. The type of material used must be of very high quality to ensure that you maximize the lifetime of your new restorations.

How long do crowns and bridges last?

With the proper care and maintenance program in place there is no reason why your new dental work cannot be maintained for a lifetime. In large part it depends on the quality of materials, the technique in placement as well as a patient's oral health. Crown and bridgework placed by Dr. Ritsco, includes a warranty for their longevity. It is very important to maintain the health of your new dental work by regular brushing, flossing and bi-annual cleanings.

Tooth Colored Fillings, Porcelain Inlays & Onlays

Why can't all my cavities be fixed with fillings?

Whether a tooth can be adequately restored with a filling relies in large part of the size of the cavity or remaining tooth structure after all decay and disease is removed. There must be enough remaining tooth structure to support a filling. A tooth colored filling is a composite of resins and plastic, that is not as strong as your natural tooth and is made for smaller holes. Porcelain inlays or onlays are recommended when the tooth remaining is just not enough to support filling material.

My insurance only pays for amalgam fillings, how come?

Amalgam is a material that has been used in dentistry for over 80 years. While there is much controversy over the effects of mercury in the fillings, the truth is composite resin and porcelain onlays are a better choice for longevity, health and the destructive forces caused by the expansion and contraction of amalgam that is often time the culprit of cracked tooth syndrome. Tooth colored fillings, porcelain inlays and onlays are more expensive because of the materials, time and technique required to create functional restoration. Onlays are bonded in place with adhesive that is actually stronger than the bond of enamel to your dentin! The doctor you choose should offer you the best, not simply what your insurance will cover.

Is an onlay an alternative to a filling?

Usually an onlay is an alternative to a crown, not a filling. If a cavity cannot be restored with a filling, then traditionally the choice has been to reinforce the tooth with a crown. Crown treatment does require removing some of the healthy tooth structure to do this. An onlay preparation allows the healthy tooth structure to remain, and very strong custom molded onlay be bonded to the exact dimensions of the remaining tooth, strengthening the existing tooth from the inside out.

How long do these restorations last?

A tooth colored filling will usually last 5 to10 years depending on the care that is taken. Dr. Ritsco will guarantee the longevity of porcelain onlays and inlays and studies show these restorations lasting more than 20 years.

Stable Dentures

My dentures are uncomfortable and unsightly. It's hard to eat and sometimes even painful. How are Stable Dentures different and what is involved?

When lower teeth are lost, the bone in the jaw continually recedes. Even worse, there are nerves passing through these holes in the jaw that can end up on the surface of the bone. If this happens, there is a great deal of pain when you bite down.

Fortunately, it's usually possible to place implants into the lower jaw. Dental implants are small titanium cylinders that are surgically inserted into the bone of the jaw to replace the roots of missing teeth.

One way of stabilizing the denture is to use implants on the lower jaw is to connect the implants with a bar and then put clips into a new lower denture. These clips snap onto the bar and keep the denture from rocking and shifting. A denture, like this one, can still be removed for easy access and at-home cleaning of the implants and bar. Another option is a lower bridge. It may be cemented in, or held in place by screws which is permanent and can only be removed by your dentist.

Using dental implants to support either a lower denture or a bridge will keep the pressure off the bone and nerves. The implants also help stop the bone loss in the jaw that continues once teeth have been removed. Securing your teeth with dental implants can make a world of difference. You can eat, talk, laugh and smile with confidence.

Occasionally, a patient just isn't able to comfortably wear an upper denture. He may complain of constant pain or a persistent "gaggy" feeling. Or he might say his upper dentures just don't stay in place.

Simply put, for these people, the transition from their own teeth to an upper denture just never worked out.

In such cases, implants may be the answer. Dental implants are small titanium cylinders that are surgically inserted into the bone of the jaw to replace the roots of missing teeth. Bone in the upper jaw is continually lost once teeth have been removed. Implants help to stabilize the bone.

There are several ways to use implants on the upper jaw to replace a denture. One way is with a modified denture that's open on the palate. It clips to a bar that connects the implants. You can remove this device for cleaning by yourself at home. Another option is a bridge. It may be cemented in or held in place by screws.

How long does stable dentures with implants take and what is the procedure?

Restoring your jaw with dental implants is accomplished in two phases. The first phase is the surgical placement of the implants. They're left under the gums for several months while the bone attaches to them. After healing, the second phase begins. The implants are re-exposed and the new teeth are made.

For the surgical placement of the implant, you'll be given nitrous oxide or intravenous sedation to relax you. Most people report that this procedure is not much different than having a crown done. An incision is made in the gums and a hole is made in the bone to receive the implant. After the implant is snugly in place, the gums are closed over the implant with a stitch or two. Over the course of the next few months, the implant attaches securely to the bone.

The second phase starts with surgical exposure of the implant. Another incision is made in your gums, and a small extension is placed to raise it above the gum line.

Your dentist will then start a series of appointments to create your new teeth. Though some of the steps might be different in your case, they usually include making impressions of your mouth. From these impressions, your dentist makes precise working models of your mouth, which are carefully mounted for proper alignment. The last step is the placement of the teeth.

The ultimate success of implants depends on the care you provide at home, and the support they receive through regular checkups and cleaning.