Oral Health FAQs

What is so special about mercury-safe dentistry?

"Silver" fillings, also known as amalgams or mercury fillings contain mercury. Scientific research has confirmed that mercury is a toxic substance that can have long lasting effects on health. Though an amalgam filling is solidified into a tooth, mercury seeps out in vapor form every time filling material becomes heated, which it does from chewing or from consuming warm foods and beverages. See what we're talking about by watching the smoking tooth video.

A mercury-safe dental practice like Advanced Dental Practices offers patients alternatives to unhealthy amalgams. In addition to mercury-free repair, Dr. Rawat also performs safe removal of existing mercury fillings in a manner consistent with biological dentistry and the principles of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.

How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup with Dr. Rawat?

Patients who are in good oral health are encouraged to visit us every six months. If we notice a condition that may need more attention, we will let you know. It is important to maintain regular dental care because many dental problems begin without any symptoms. Though you may not feel the pain of a cavity yet, we may see signs of decay on x-rays or during our examination. Before a cavity comes demineralization. Before advanced periodontal disease comes gingivitis. Oral cancer, as well, may be detected only through a dental exam. Checkups are also the time when our hygienist will clean plaque and tartar from teeth and polish them for a bright, brilliant shine.

What are CEREC one-visit crowns?

CEREC technology allows us to design and fabricate beautiful, well-fitting restorations in just one visit. The all-ceramic inlays, onlays, and crowns milled right here in our office are ready for placement in about an hour, saving you from having to wear a temporary and having to return to our office for replacement. CEREC is simplicity at its best.

Do you use laser technology?

Dr. Rawat believes in using the latest technologies, as they will benefit his patients. We are proud to use the DIAGNOdent laser cavity finder in diagnostic examinations. Standard examination uses a small dental hook to feel each individual tooth for softness, indicating decay. With DIAGNOdent, we move a small instrument over teeth with no poking, no discomfort. Our device will alert us to areas in which decay exists and even those areas that may be prone to decay in the near future.

What options do I have to replace missing teeth?

Dr. Rawat provides the full-spectrum of tooth replacement, including bridgework, partial and full dentures, dental implants, and implant-supported dentures. Every person is different. We plan care based on consultation and diagnostic imaging, and discuss treatment options in depth so that you can determine the treatment best suited to you.

How can I brighten my smile?

Professional teeth whitening is the fastest, most effective, and safest way to remove stains that dull your smile. At Advanced Dental Practices, patients enjoy the convenience and efficiency of home whitening with a proven tray system. Home whitening produces dramatic results over a period of several days. One of the benefits of whitening at home with a custom-fit tray and professional grade whitening gel is that you have control over how white you make your smile. Call our office for your teeth whitening consultation.

What can be done to improve the appearance of my smile?

Cosmetic dentistry can accomplish a lot! We begin with a full examination and discussion of your concerns and your expectations. If needed, we may provide restorative care for cavities, gum disease, or other dental concerns that may affect the results of cosmetic treatment. Smile enhancement may be achieved with teeth whitening, tooth replacement, the replacement of silver amalgam fillings with tooth-colored fillings, porcelain veneers or other attractive restorations. With our experienced dental team, you can achieve an appearance that promotes confidence.

How can root canal therapy help my toothache?

What starts as a small cavity can turn into severe decay and infection at the center of a tooth. When this occurs, there is a risk that surrounding tissues may become diseased and that the natural tooth will be lost. Root canal therapy, also called endodontic therapy, is a procedure that we perform to remove infected tooth material to preserve the oral structure as nature intended.

Many people think that getting a root canal is painful. On the contrary, this procedure is what will help you get rid of a persistent toothache. In our Wrentham dental office, root canals are performed with modern analgesics, rotary technology, thermal sealing, and sedatives, all of which work together to create the most efficient, most comfortable process of repair.

At Advanced Dental Practices, we serve the general, cosmetic, and mercury-safe dental needs of patients from Franklin, Attleboro, Mansfield, Bellingham, and Walpole. Schedule your appointment today!