Frequently asked Questions

Yes!

Dr. Kantarovich has whitened thousands of smiles and the most predictable method has been to use custom fitted trays made in the dental office. Whitening teeth successfully has always depended on the concentration of the material and the length of time the peroxide gel makes contact with the tooth. The patients who have always achieved that dazzling white smile were consistent with the use of the whitening products. For those patients wondering if the "in office procedures" with lights or the one appointment blast at the mall is equally good......its not.

• Ask the staff if your teeth are too sensitive, we have a solution.
• Ask the staff want concentration of peroxide gel is best.
• Ask the staff how long you should bleach your teeth.

A toothache is caused due to several reasons. You could have a cracked tooth, a cavity, gum disease or erupting or impacted molars (wisdom teeth). The pain is usually aggravated by drinking and/or eating something hot or cold, or biting and chewing.

Make an appointment with Dr. Kantarovich if more than 1-2 days goes by and you experience either fever, earache, pain in the teeth, gums or jaw bone or pain when opening your mouth wide.

Dr. Kantarovich will examine the area and possibly take an x-ray.

Treatment may include:

• filling a crack or cavity
• root canal treatment
• wisdom teeth extraction
• antibiotics for infection

There are many excellent options for replacing a missing tooth. All of them will restore you to full functionality and excellent appearance.

After a detailed consultation to go over your options Dr. Kantarovich may recommend one of the following:

• Porcelain Veneers - This is made up of a highly durable porcelain glass material and it is custom fitted and bonded to sit on top of your natural tooth. The result will change your tooth to the shape and appearance you desire.
• Crowns or "Caps" - This highly durable and natural looking choice fits over your entire tooth. It will restore your tooth to high function, allowing you to eat freely and enjoy its beautiful appearance for many years.
• Bridges - A bridge will fill in the gap where there is a missing tooth. A bridge will anchor itself to the two existing teeth on either side of the gap. It will therefore fill the gap and improving chewing, speaking, and appearance.
• Dentures - In cases where all the teeth are missing, dentures may be the solution. Dentures are a custom row of teeth designed to restore proper eating, speaking and smiling. Dental implants can also be incorporated to a set of dentures to provide maximum strength, rigidity, retention and comfort.
• Implants - This procedure will replace missing teeth by surgically placing a titanium screw or dental implant in the jawbone. After several months the implant will be fully integrated to the bone. This creates a very sturdy basis for which an implant crown can then be custom fabricated. The result is a strong and natural looking solution.

These options vary depending on your individual needs, but all of them can bring about the goal of restoring or creating function and beauty to your smile.

If your teeth are crooked and not functioning properly, you could be a candidate for braces or Invisalign. Adults make up 30% of the orthodontic patients.

Indications you may need braces or Invisalign:

• difficulty chewing or biting food
• crowded teeth
• speech difficulty
• teeth that protrude outward
• jaws that shift, protrude or are retruded
• teeth that do not align properly

A consultation with Dr. Kantarovich may result in a referral to a highly qualified orthodontist who will work closely with Dr. Kantarovich to achieve the best results.

SUGAR. Foods containing sugar combine with bacteria in your mouth to make acid, which will erode the enamel of your teeth. Acid typically is produced within 20 minutes of eating or drinking sugary foods. Baby teeth are especially vulnerable.

What to do to Prevent Tooth Decay:

• Drink plenty of water
• Brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
• Floss in between teeth
• Limit sugary foods
• Visit Dr. Kantarovich and his hygienist regularly for check up and cleanings

With a little effort and good habits, you can keep your teeth healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.

Smoking is very harmful on the teeth, gums and mouth the damages include:

• Gum Disease
• Tooth decay and sensitivity
• Increased risk of throat and mouth cancer
• Compromised healing after oral surgery
• Diminished taste and smell
• Stained teeth and tongue
• Bad Breath

Teeth become sensitive and susceptible to tooth decay as enamel wears away.

The most common causes for worn enamel include:

• Age-natural wear and tear from years of normal use
• Teeth grinding
• Brushing your teeth too hard
• Erosion from sugary foods, drinks and certain medications
• Bulimia, an eating disorder in which stomach acid erodes then teeth

For proper treatment of worn teeth, make an appointment with Dr. Kantarovich for an exam and consultation of treatment options which may include bonding , veneers, or crowns.

There are several causes that lead to stained teeth:

• Tobacco use
• Dark fruits like cherries or blueberries
• Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark fruit juice
• Medications such as tetracycline and minocycline
• Tooth trauma
• Wear and tear of the enamel
• Poor dental care

It may be possible to limit the amount of staining by:

• Drinking water after eating to clean your mouth
• Use a straw
• Limit stain causing agents such as coffee and tea etc...
• daily brushing and flossing
• regular check-ups and cleanings
• Whitening (bleaching) your teeth

As an Orange County Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Kantarovich can offer you many excellent choices to change the color and overall appearance of your smile. A whiter and brighter smile free from stains will allow you to speak and smile with added confidence.

Your wisdom teeth are the large molars in the very back of your mouth. Most people experience problems with their wisdom teeth in their late teens to their early twenties. Removing your wisdom teeth depends on the location and negative impact they are having in your mouth and to your other teeth or possibly to your bite.

It is best to remove wisdom teeth if:

• Your teeth are impacted due to the size of your jaw
• The wisdom teeth have only part way broke through the gum, leaving an area for food to get caught and bacteria to develop leading to infection or gum disease
• The wisdom teeth are angled putting pressure on other teeth causing pain

An examination and consultation with Dr. Kantarovich, he will determine if extracting your wisdom tooth/teeth is recommended. Once that determination is made the extraction will begin with ananesthetic to the area and you will be completely pain free during the procedure.