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Important Facts
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Our staff is trained to provide patients with the knowledge they need to prevent dental diseases such as Periodontal (gum) disease, decay of teeth and the effects of clenching and grinding of the dentition. Re-care appointments every 6 months is suggested.
Our dental hygienist is professionally trained to give our patients a thorough cleaning to prevent and cease the occurrence of gum disease. When our patients present themselves to our office with existing gum disease and or bone loss, the hygienist will perform a specialized cleaning in those diseased areas so our patients may retain their teeth for a longer period of time. The patient is also instructed on proper home care.
RESTORATIVE & AESTHETIC DENTISTRY
This is the dental specialty that involves repairing decayed or fractured teeth. These procedures are usually done through restorations (fillings), inlays, onlays, various porcelain crowns, porcelain inlays, and even porcelain veneers. If a portion of the tooth is decayed or missing, it will be replaced with a tooth colored restoration, i.e. no amalgam or silver fillings will be used. This is known as composite or bonding and is also used to correct and beautify your teeth for a more attractive appearance.
ROOT CANALS
This type of treatment is about saving teeth, rather than removing them. Historically, the main way to treat painful teeth was by extracting them, but thanks to modern dental techniques, we are able to save teeth more often.
Root canals involve the removal of the nerve and blood supply within the tooth itself. The tooth is then refilled with a biocompatible material so that the tooth may function properly again. This procedure is usually completed one or two one hour appointments and is painless.
CROWNS
A crown, also known as a "cap" and which completely covers the existing tooth. A tooth may need a crown when it is fractured or severely chipped, has had a root canal performed on it, and even to improve your smile or chewing ability. In general, crowns take two appointments; yet usually last longer than any other form of restoration. Crowns may be fabricated in all ceramic or porcelain, porcelain over metal, or all metal depending on the dentist's recommendation along with the patient's preference.
TOOTH WHITENING
One of the easiest procedures to improve one's smile is through tooth whitening. The most effective and safest methods for whitening teeth is with a dentist supervised whitening treatment. In the office the patient will have a custom bleaching tray fabricated specifically for that individual. The patient will receive a kit of material and the home treatment usually lasts one to two weeks. Results will vary but the patient will see initial results in one to two days.
There are many whitening tooth pastes and products sold over-the-counter patients use. These toothpastes are best used to maintain a bright smile after professional bleaching through the dentist's system.
Under the supervision of your dentist, tooth whitening can be very safe and effective. The length of effectiveness will vary depending on personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee, tea, red wine and colas.
In general, a patient's results should last one to five years along with brushing three times a day and regular dental checkups. An annual bleaching booster is also available and recommended. You may have your entire dentition bleached at no charge with the completion of a treatment plan that has a minimum of $500.
REPLACING MISSING TEETH
When a patient has had teeth extracted, there are a few options to restore that area back to normal chewing functions. Implants, bridges, removable dentures, and complete dentures are all effective treatment methods for the replacement of a single or multiple missing teeth. A collapsed bite, over erupting of the teeth, poor chewing function and a withdrawn older appearance are some of the consequences of missing teeth.
BRIDGES
This type of treatment involves connecting crowns together to span across an area in which there are no teeth. Similar to the tooth crowning procedure, these replacement teeth bridge the gap between your teeth and are permanently fixated in the mouth with cement.
REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURES
When a patient presents with areas of missing teeth, a removable partial denture is another treatment option. The partial is designed with areas of false teeth to replace the patient's missing teeth. Unlike bridges, these partials are designed to be taken in and out of the mouth daily. The partial is retained in the mouth with clasps that wrap around existing teeth.
COMPLETE DENTURES
The complete denture is the treatment option for the patient who has lost all of his or her teeth or will be having the remaining teeth extracted. The complete denture will give the patient a natural appearance as well as function for chewing food.
Straight teeth not only make for a beautiful smile, but they also promote good health. Teeth that are properly aligned and straight can help reduce the incidence gastrointestinal disease, heart disease and other health related conditions. Remember, straight teeth can allow a person to chew more effectively, aiding in proper digestion. There are options for treatment of mal-aligned teeth, either with traditional wire braces or a more state-of-the-art technique using clear wireless appliances such as a device called Invisalign. Dr. Sharow is certified Invisalign provider.
These aligners are gentle plastic wireless removable appliances in which most people will not even know you are wearing. These appliances are removed to eat, brush your teeth or floss only. In most patient cases the cost is comparable to that of metal braces. The dentist will have to evaluate each patient case by case to decide which treatment is more suitable for the patient.
DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN
At Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of Nashville, we offer a wide variety of treatment options for your child. We always take the time to explain to both the child and the parent the treatment that is needed and how it will be done. Generally, when a child reaches the age of three, a parent should arrange for the child's first dental visit and checkup.
If a child is having a tooth problem prior to the age of three, the dentist should see him or her immediately. Many parents ask if they should accompany their child in the treatment room. Parents are always allowed in the treatment room upon their request but as the child reaches about 4 years and older, it is strongly recommended that the children go by themselves. A parent allowing the child to be treated by themselves is a statement of confidence in the doctors and staff and allows the child to form a relationship with the doctor. It is important for the parent not to instill any type of dental fear into the child. The doctor will walk your child through each procedure with a "tell, show and do" philosophy so the child experiences no surprises and will build trust with the doctor on his or her own.
Dr. Sharow feels strongly about children's preventive dental care. The use of fluorides and tooth sealants both on primary and permanent teeth along with 6 month re-care appointments, will help bring your son or daughter into adulthood cavity free.
DENTAL SEALANTS
A sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of healthy, cavity-free back teeth including primary and permanent molars and pre-molars where decay occurs most often. The coatings act as a barrier, protecting the decay-prone areas from plaque and acid attacks. Pits and fissures are depressions and grooves in the chewing surfaces on the back teeth. These chewing surfaces have the highest risk of tooth decay. Sealants are effective as long as the sealants remain intact. They are easy and painless to apply. Stop in to pick up any information you may desire on children's dentistry.
EMERGENCIES AND WALK-IN PATIENTS
A dental emergency can happen at any moment, therefore, it is Dr. Ralph Sharow's policy that when a patient is having an unforeseen tooth problem, we will make every attempt to see the patient within 24 hours or less, often the same day in many cases.
We are accepting new patients and will be glad to see a walk-in patient, time permitting.
After the patient has been examined, the dentist will give the patient his or her diagnosis along with the treatment options to eliminate the dental problem. And many times can correct that problem at the time of this visit.
FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS
We accept many insurance plans and will be glad to fill out the forms for you of the plans we do not accept. Your portion of treatment may be paid by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, personal check, debit card or cash. Patients may also apply for dental credit via Care Credit and Capital One. It is possible to obtain 12 months credit with no interest (with approved credit).