Cosmetic Dentistry Blog of Dr Sussman & Pogal

Now is a good time to start thinking about your dental care in 2018, especially if you know you need certain dental work. The holidays can be very busy, and if you can't fit in an appointment before the end of the year, we encourage you to call us to schedule one in the beginning of next year. Doing so will help you get on track early on, and prevention of dental problems is really the key to great oral health. To arrange an appointment, please call our friendly team in the Rochester and Greece area at 585-227-4390.

Identifying Your Goals

What would you like to accomplish? Is it some aspect of your smile, teeth health or gum health? Perhaps it's a combination. It helps to talk through your concerns with our experienced dentists in Rochester. During a consultation, they'll help you decide what your priorities are, which may include:

• Replacing missing teeth
• Root canal therapy
• Filling cavities
• Replacing worn or damaged restorations
• Removing stains and discoloration
• Restoring broken, worn or chipped teeth
• Getting back on track with routine dental appointments

Oftentimes aesthetics and function go hand-in-hand in dentistry. Perhaps you want to restore teeth that you feel don't look their best. But by restoring these teeth, you will also enjoy improved chewing and speaking. Undamaged teeth are also easier to brush and floss.

Using Your Dental Plan and/or FSA Account

Many dental health insurance policies and flexible spending accounts expire at the end of a calendar year, renewing on January 1. To make sure you are getting the full benefit of your policy, you should use as much of the available coverage as possible. Don't put off needed dental work if you have unused benefits. In this way, you can make sure those premiums you are paying for are put to work for you.

By visiting our dentists early in 2018, you can plan out your needed treatments within that same year, so that your dental benefits do not go unused. Our staff will help you determine what your policy covers and does not cover. If you have a Flexible Spending Account, we'll help you determine which dentistry services can be paid for with that account.

There's a chance you can still take advantage of this year's benefits, assuming unused benefits remain. If you are due for a routine cleaning or other dental care, call our office. We'll see if we can arrange an appointment for you before December 31. It will depend on our current availability and the nature of your visit.

Free Consultation in Rochester, NY

Ready to schedule your next appointment? Please call us at 585-227-4390. Our practice was founded by experienced dentists Dr. Meredith Pogal and Dr. Paul Sussman. For years we have been providing friendly, gentle dental care to families and individuals from across the area, including Greece, Webster and Fairport.

We believe in developing treatment plans tailored to the individual. You have your own unique dental goals and needs. Dentistry is not a one-size-fits all formula, but a skilled, planned approach to individual needs. 

Implant dentistry is a great way to replace missing teeth. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last many years. Many people have their dental implants for a lifetime without needing replacement. These restorations also provide a tooth replacement that is highly similar to the real thing – they replace the missing root beneath the gums as well as the visible crown above.

Dental Implant Realities

Many dentists and specialists can place dental implants. There are implant specialists, called oral surgeons; however, any dentist can complete additional training and education in order to become a skilled implant dentist.

Dental implants require the same care as your other teeth. Brushing and flossing are essential, even when it concerns an implanted tooth. Although the implant itself cannot decay like your natural teeth, all of the surrounding gum tissue and natural teeth can become decayed or infected.

Great oral hygiene improves the success rate. Caring for your teeth and gums will promote a healthy oral environment. Strong, healthy gums free from disease and recession will do a better job of supporting the implant.

Mini implants may be a good option for certain candidates. If you are not a good candidate for conventional dental implants for certain reasons, then smaller, less invasive implants may be an option. These are often called mini implants or one-day dental implants.

Dental Implant Fictions

There is a great deal of misinformation available regarding implant dentistry. It's important to seek information from a reliable source. At our dental practice, we will make sure you are armed with accurate information as you decide whether dental implants are right for you.

Anyone is a good candidate for dental implants.  Implant dentistry is right for the right candidates, not for everyone. Our experienced dentists will cover all aspects with you. Generally speaking, your mouth must be healthy enough to support a dental implant. You should be in generally good overall health and a non-smoker. We'll discuss your health history and whether any existing health conditions may be problematic to the success of a dental implant.

The dental implant procedure is too painful. Although the placement of the dental implants is surgical, you will be appropriately numbed for the procedure. You won't feel anything during the placement, and we'll make sure you know what over-the-counter painkillers to take afterward to alleviate discomfort. It is normal to have some swelling and discomfort after surgery.

Dental implants are financially impractical. Many people who decide to forgo dental implants make that choice based on price. But over the long-term, dental implants might be the most financially sensible option. While dental bridges may have to be replaced every 10 years or so, there is a very good chance that your dental implants will last for decades. Talk to our office about costs and financing options.

Older people are not good candidates for dental implants. Not true! People of all ages can be good candidates for dental implants. It all has to do with your health history, oral health status and your expectations. Age alone is not a disqualifier.

What Should I Do Next?

To learn more about dental implants, and to find out if you are a good candidate in Rochester, NY, please call the dental practice of Dr. Paul Sussman and Dr. Meredith Pogal, at 585-227-4390. We proudly care for patients from across New York, including the areas of Webster, Greece and Fairport.

Many people experience fear, anxiety and nervousness about going to the dentist. It may be due to a bad dental experience in your past, or the simple fact that you feel uncomfortable at the dental office. Whatever the cause, our experienced dentists offer safe, effective oral sedation so that you can relax and get the dental care you need. To learn more, please call our Rochester office at 585-227-4390.

Would you love to have whiter, brighter teeth but are waiting for a special discount? Now is your chance! In Rochester, the experienced dentists at our office are promoting a $180 rebate for Zoom teeth whitening. Ask our office how to take advantage. This special offer is valid for the month of August, 2017, with the potential to extend into future months. Call our office for more details.

When you choose our practice not only can you take advantage of this rebate, you'll also receive whitening gel you can take home with you. Using this gel, you can touch up your results at home, extending the longevity of your results.

The Zoom whitening system is really the right way to go. It allows you to have your teeth whitened to the shade of your choice (up to 8 shades whiter) in a single 1-hour appointment. You'll walk out of our office with a bright, gorgeous smile. These immediate results can be deeply gratifying and provide a definite lift in self-confidence.

With Zoom in-office whitening, not only is the treatment fast, but it's also safe, effective and painless. You'll wear a rubber mouthpiece to protect your lips and gums. Then the LED device is aimed at your teeth, just like when the dental hygienist aims the x-ray machine at your teeth for your routine bite wings.

To take advantage of this special teeth whitening price, please call our experienced staff at 585-227-4390 to arrange your appointment. We are located in Rochester, New York, and our patients visit us from all over, including from Webster, Greece and Fairport.