Do you recommend particular types of toothbrushes or toothpastes?
Yes. We like electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes, because we think they do a better job of cleaning your teeth and around your gums. (Of course, you still need to floss every day!)
Any toothpaste is better than not brushing. Our office staff can help select a toothpaste for special needs. We may recommend toothpastes such as Sensodyne or Crest Sensitivity Protection for patients with sensitive teeth, or toothpastes designed especially for infants or toddlers.
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I’m interested in having my teeth look whiter. What can you tell me about bleaching?
 When done under the supervision of a dentist, bleaching or whitening is a very safe and effective way of giving your smile a bright new look. Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products, on the other hand, may not give you the results you’re looking for and may actually cause problems. For example, the trays used by some OTC products may not fit your mouth properly and could allow your gums to be damaged by the bleaching gel.
We provide two types of bleaching service in our office:
The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System is a very fast whitening procedure. In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. If you want immediate results, Zoom! Whitening may be a good choice.
If you’re willing to wait a few weeks for maximum whitening, you may prefer the convenience of take-home whitening trays. Dr. Obholz will custom-fit trays to your mouth and give you a prescription-strength bleaching gel. You’ll then wear these trays at home for a few hours each day.
Dr. Obholz or Dr. Antonelli will be glad to discuss any of your questions or concerns about bleaching and help you decide which option is best for you.
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Do you recommend replacing silver fillings with tooth-colored filings?
There are several reasons we recommend that our patients replace their old silver-colored fillings with newer, natural tooth-colored composite fillings. Silver (mercury amalgam) fillings don’t seal your teeth as well, meaning that there are often areas of decay that grow underneath a filling. Composite fillings, on the other hand, are actually bonded to your teeth, meaning there’s no space for decay to grow.
Teeth restored with silver fillings are more likely to crack. In our experience, a large majority of emergency tooth fracture cases involve broken tooth with a silver filling. Composite fillings, on the other hand, actually make your teeth stronger because of the way they bond.
Finally, there are the aesthetic considerations. What would you rather see when you smile—a mouth full of silver or natural looking, white teeth?
Dr. Obholz or Dr. Antonelli will be happy to give you more information about silver vs. composite fillings.
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 Do you see children?
We’re glad to treat every member of your family—from young children (we recommend a first visit around age 3) to the eldest generation. We take it as a compliment when entire families come to our practice.
Why are implants considered the most advanced restorations?
When you’ve lost a tooth or teeth, implants are the closest thing possible to getting those teeth back. The implant is a post that is surgically placed into your jaw; the bone actually grows around it, giving you a firm anchor for a crown, a bridge or even dentures. People who have had implants can’t believe how natural and strong they feel—they can eat foods they thought they’d never eat again, and they can speak clearly.
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Do you take my insurance?
We take all PPO dental plans, and are participants in Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United Concordia, Delta, MetLife, Humana Dental and Dental Quest. If your plan is not included on this list, you are encouraged to call the office to inquire as to whether we’ve recently signed up with your plan or what options otherwise may be available.
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