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Q: I knocked my front tooth a couple of months ago. It hurt a week then stopped. But now it turned dark. What should I do? A: Teeth often discolor when they die. A dentist needs to test the tooth. It probably needs a root canal. Dr. Maksim has . . . Read more
Q:When should I get my silver fillings replaced? A:Silver fillings start to corrode after 20 years. This can cause cracks in teeth and or leakage around the filling allowing decay. Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area for over 20 years. www.michaelmaksimdds.com View Larger . . . Read more
Q:Should I replace my silver fillings even though I am pregnant. A:No optional dental work should be done while you are pregnant, other than cleanings. Usually you should only receive invasive treatment when you are in pain or have an infection. Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the . . . Read more
Q:Why is a crown better than a filling? A:A crown is not better than a filling. If there is enough strong tooth structure remaining then a filling is the best restoration. If not, a crown may be necessary to hold the tooth together to prevent fracturing. Dr. Maksim has . . . Read more
Q:Are silver fillings toxic? A:Silver fillings contain mercury which is a toxic substance. The amount of mercury that is released is debatable. Luckily, now there are filling materials that are better than silver fillings. Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area for over 20 years. . . . Read more
Q:Does decay always hurt? A:Actually in most cases decay progresses slow enough that there is no discomfort. Usually it is only when deep decay starts to kill the nerve that pain may occur. I usually use an intraoral camera or X-rays to show patients their decay. Dr. Maksim has . . . Read more
Q:Can your teeth become sensitive after fillings are placed? Even if they weren’t sensitive before fillings. A:Unfortunately, yes because drilling is traumatic. However, several things can be done to minimize post operative pain. And the alternative of letting your tooth continue to decay is not very sensible. Dr. Maksim . . . Read more
Q:When should a patient get bone grafting? A:You should consider bone grafting whenever you have an extraction. The bone graft will help maintain the bone of the adjacent teeth and provide bone for a future dental implant. Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area for . . . Read more
Q:Why are there different types of crowns. A:Crowns can be all metal for full strength. All ceramic for best beauty. Full zirconia for good strength and beauty. Porcelin fused to metal for moderately decent strength and beauty. Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area for . . . Read more
Q:How often do I really need to get my teeth cleaned? A:For patients with healthy gums, six month cleanings are recommended. For patients who have infected gums and bone loss,four month recall cleanings with laser treatment, are necessary. Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area . . . Read more