Find Answers for Your Dental FAQ in Highland, MI

Our patients often have questions about dental treatment, so we thought we would answer some of the most frequently asked Highland dental questions here. If you have a different question or need to schedule an appointment, just call us at 248-329-3552. We’re glad to help!

Do you treat dental emergencies?

We do everything we can to treat existing patients who are in pain or are suffering from an urgent dental need as soon as we possibly can. Room for emergency appointments each day is limited, so it’s best to give us a call at 248-329-3552 to schedule the earliest available visit!

What kind of dentures do you offer?

We’re proud to provide our patients a number of dentures options, including conventional full dentures, partial dentures, implant-retained dentures, implant-supported dentures, and temporary dentures. We’ll be happy to discuss all these choices in detail so you can decide which one will work best for your situation.

How are dental implants different?

While other dental restorations replace the visible portion of a missing tooth, securing one to a dental implant offers superior bite strength and lasting results. That’s because the implant behaves like an artificial new root that fuses to the jawbone and stabilizes your restoration.

Call us today at 248-329-3552 to find out more about our dental implant options.

Is it safe to visit the dentist during coronavirus?

We can definitely understand your hesitation to visit the dentist if you have concerns about coronavirus, especially if you fall into a high-risk category. We take precautions with every patient, always, because the spread of germs is something that we simply do not take lightly. You can see our Covid-19 specific precautions or give us a call to learn more about the steps we take every day to keep our patients and staff safe from infection.

Can you help with my TMJ pain?

Yes, we certainly can! We may first recommend avoiding certain foods and practicing muscle relaxation. However, we can also fit you with a custom appliance if needed. It will move your lower jaw slightly forward to alleviate tension on your TMJ (jaw joints). This action will help your jaw feel better and will also help prevent teeth grinding, which can damage your tooth enamel.

Is there an alternative to a tooth extraction for a hurting tooth?

Yes, there is. If you have a diseased tooth that is causing you pain, we can most likely perform a root canal procedure on it. This treatment will stop your pain and save your tooth. We’ll clean out the diseased inner portion of the tooth, then seal it with a rubber-like material to prevent reinfection. Capping the tooth with a crown is usually the best way to finish this type of therapy.

Is teeth whitening safe?

When teeth whitening is supervised by a dentist, yes, it can be perfectly safe. We advise you to speak with Dr. LoCascio before beginning any type of over-the-counter whitening regimen. Some of the store-bought kits are fine, but you will get much more bang for your buck by using professional-strength whitening solution here in our office. Call today to get started!

Can adults get something other than metal braces?

Braces are common among teens, so the two are linked in many people’s minds. Yet many adults need orthodontics as well. At our Highland office, we can help with ClearCorrect. This short-term orthodontic system uses a series of clear plastic aligners that you wear over your teeth. Often called “invisible braces,” ClearCorrect is very hard to notice when worn. But they still move your teeth like traditional braces, so you can get the same results without the embarrassing metal and wires.

Can you improve my smile?

We certainly can. Dr. James LoCascio offers a wide variety of cosmetic dentistry options that can give you the smile of your dreams! From teeth whitening to dental veneers to short-term orthodontic treatment to gum reshaping, you’ll have a beautiful smile that you’ll love to show off.

Whether you have a full set of teeth or are missing one tooth or several, the smile you’ve always wanted can be yours. Restorative dentistry techniques such as dental implants will replace those missing teeth for a flawless and functional smile.

I’m scared of dental appointments. Can you help?

The answer is absolutely yes. Our staff are experts in relieving dental anxiety so that our patients can relax and get the dental care they need. We have a number of comfort options that you can choose from to make your experience even better! And for those who need a little more help, we offer sedation dentistry. We invite you to experience a truly relaxed dental appointment.

What are All-on-4® implants?

When you need a full arch of teeth replaced, dentures are certainly an option. But All-on-4® dental implants offer the same replacement for all those teeth with greater support and comfort. Four titanium implants are placed in your jawbone, and the replacement teeth are connected to them. You get a complete arch of new, non-removable teeth, while the biting pressure is transferred to the bone, not your sensitive gums.

What is periodontal disease?

“Periodontal” just means gums, so periodontal disease is a disease in your gums. It’s caused by the same bacteria that lead to cavities. When they get into your gums, they cause irritation, bleeding, chronic bad breath, and, if left untreated, can make your gums pull away from your teeth.

We offer several treatments, such as root planing and scaling, to get rid of the bacteria and the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique to correct gum recession with far less discomfort than traditional gum surgery.

Why do I grind my teeth?

Some people suffer from bruxism, or the unconscious grinding of your teeth. This can happen at any time of the day, but it happens frequently at night while you’re sleeping. Causes of teeth grinding include stress, issues with your jaw joint (TMJ), and even sleep apnea.

While there is no cure, we can provide a mouthguard that you wear during your sleep. Not only does this protect your teeth, but it also can help your gums stay healthy by taking some of the pressure off them. If sleep apnea is contributing to your teeth grinding, we can fit you with a custom oral appliance to help eliminate sleep apnea symptoms and teeth grinding, as well as noisy snoring.

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