FAQs

What is an implant?

The number one question that I am asked about by my patients and friends is “what is a dental implant?” An implant is the best technology that we have today to replace a missing tooth. Previously the only options for replacing a missing or failing tooth was by placing a bridge or having the patient wear a removable partial denture. Removable partials or “Flippers” are cumbersome and frustrating to most patients. Bridges are cemented in and are more favorable than partial dentures, but in order to place the bridge the adjacent teeth to the missing tooth must be prepared by the dentist to be used as anchor teeth. Also cleaning under the bridge can be more difficult for the patient and can cause periodontal issues. Implants on the other hand are placed without harming adjacent teeth yielding a tooth that retains more of its natural form, feel, and look.

Does bleaching hurt my teeth?

Many of my patients and friends ask me about bleach because everyone is interested in having a bright youthful smile. As your dentist, I recommend treating with gel bleaches used in conjunction with a custom fitted tray. For most patients bleach is a safe effective way of removing coffee, tea, and soda stains, transforming your smile back to a bright one quickly. The side effects are few and are all reversible. They range from chemical burns from gel bleaching (if a high-concentration oxidizing agent contacts unprotected tissues, which may bleach or discolor mucous membranes), sensitive teeth, over bleaching (known in the profession as “bleached effect”, particularly with the intensive treatments (products that provide a large change in tooth color over a very short treatment period, e.g., 1 hour). Pain if you have “sensitive teeth” caused by open dentinal tubules. Risk of increased hot/cold sensitivity.

What is a Veneer?

The demand for cosmetic dentistry in El Dorado HIlls is high. For adults that want to have a perfect youthful smile without 2 years of braces, we can often do it in the matter of a couple of weeks. Sometimes this can be done with simple bleaching and bondings to whiten and brighten the smile. 
Another option is porcelain veneers. Veneers are ceramic facings that we use to mimic enamel in aesthetics and strength. We can instantly correct mild crowding, discoloration, spacing, and enamel irregularities such as fluorosis and deep stains caused by antibiotic use like tetracycline. The process is simple, we have you come into to our dental office in Town Center for a consultation. You will receive a dental examine and a few photographs of your teeth. Then we can look at the pictures together and design the optimal smile. With the use of dental software I can show you a preview of your new smile. 
Dr. Clark is passionate about Smile Designs and have spent years accumulating knowledge and experience.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a plastic coating painted on the grooved, hard-to-reach surfaces of the back teeth. Pits and fissures on these surfaces are particularly susceptible to tooth decay. Dental sealants can be used to seal out cavity-causing bacteria from damaging the teeth. At Clark Dental we use sealants on children and adults to protect teeth that have a high susceptibility to dental decay.

Do you offer tooth-colored fillings? Can they replace my metal fillings?

The placement of tooth-colored composite and porcelain fillings is one of the most commonly performed general dentistry procedures by Dr Clark. In addition to filling new cavities, these beautiful restorations can replace old metal fillings that have blackened, fractured, popped out, or that simply take away from the beauty of your smile.

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Nearly anyone who is missing one or more teeth, and desires a superior, long-lasting aesthetic result is a good candidate for dental implants. However, patients must have enough bone to support and stabilize the implant. Some individuals who have suffered bone loss as a result of gum disease or another condition may need bone grafting before a dental implant can be placed successfully. Dr Clark, your El Dorado Hills Dentist in the Town Center is skilled in the bone grafting and dental implant procedures and will be glad to work with you to eliminate the gaps in your smile. Contact our cosmetic dentistry practice in Astoria today to get started.

What is sedation dentistry? How can it help me?

Sedation (sleep) dentistry involves the use of sedative drugs so that patients who fear dental work can avoid the discomfort and anxiety associated with dental visits. With sedation dentistry, patients take a pill about an hour before their dental appointment. They arrive at our office relaxed and able to undergo treatment without feeling any pain or having any memory of the procedure. At Clark Dental we care a great deal about your comfort and will do just about anything to help you feel at home and have a pain-free experience.

If you have avoided getting dental care because of anxiety or fear of discomfort, sedation dentistry may be the ideal solution to allow you to get essential treatment.

How can I finance my general or cosmetic dentistry treatments?

We understand that times are tough and the current economy and recession have made it difficult for all of us and so for this reason we do everything that we can to take the sting out of the treatment that you need. We offer an array of financing options that allow patients to spread the cost of their general or cosmetic dentistry over time. We also accept payment by a variety of methods, including payment through dental insurance and several dental health care financing companies such as Care Credit. As an El Dorado HIlls Dentist Dr. Clark is committed to bringing you the best care that is available in the most affordable way.

What Causes Periodontal Diseases?

Plaque, a thin, colorless, sticky film containing bacteria, which constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria use carbohydrates—sugars and starches—to produce an acid that attacks the enamel covering the teeth. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel can be broken down and a cavity begins. Continued acid attacks eventually dissolve the enamel and penetrate the softer, inner layer of the tooth, where decay can spread rapidly throughout the tooth’s structure. Acid attacks begin immediately after every meal or snack and last about 20 to 30 minutes. We care about periodontal disease and are committed to its prevention so that our patients can enjoy there smiles forever.

Can Periodontal Diseases Be Prevented?

Teeth can be protected from acid attacks by removing plaque, reducing the number of times and the amount of sugar and starches eaten, using fluorides, having plastic sealants applied to teeth, and by regular professional cleaning of teeth by a dental hygienist.

How do I get rid of bad breath?

That depends on what is causing it. Often, bad breath results from less-than-optimal oral health, and sometimes people are not aware that they are not performing oral hygiene as effectively as they could be. A dental hygienist or dentist will be able to evaluate your oral health procedures and make recommendations for improvement; also, these professionals will be able to recognize any associated problems that might be contributing to an unpleasant mouth odor. In addition to evaluating and suggesting alterations to your brushing, flossing, and tongue deplaquing regimen, your dental hygienist may recommend products such as a mouthrinse that contains zinc. If it turns out that the problem isn’t in the mouth, a physician appointment is advisable. Sinus problems, stomach problems, certain foods and medications, and other factors can contribute to bad breath. Dr. Clark cares about his patients and is willing to sit down with you to discover the answers to problems like these and give you solutions that will improve your life.