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Frequently Asked Questions 

We know that you may have questions about your dental concerns, which is why we’re happy to offer a wide variety of answers below. Please click on each question below to view the information you need. If you don’t see your specific concern addressed, no problem – just give Dolan Dental a call today and ask someone directly! Our dedicated team members are always happy to help.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes! You can reach our office by calling 860-529-2000, email drdolan@dolandental.com, or utilizing our online reservation system.

What can I do to prevent gum disease and cavities?

Maintaining excellent oral health starts at your very own home! Make sure to brush and floss on a daily basis, and maintain a consistent routine. This will greatly decrease your risk of contracting gingivitis or tooth decay over time.

What exactly is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is considered the earliest stage of gum disease, and it typically begins when harmful bacteria is able to surround your natural teeth and gain access to the vulnerable gum tissue. As a result, the gum tissue can bleed and become noticeably red/inflamed. In order to avoid the development of gingivitis, our Dolan Dental team asks that you attend hygiene appointments every six months or twice a year. During these appointments, we can teach you how to properly care for your teeth and gums through diligent at-home oral hygiene.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease (also commonly known as periodontal disease) is one of the most common health problems in the world. It often begins very quietly, with little to noticeable symptoms. However, if the condition is left untreated for too long, patients can experience bone deterioration and permanent tooth loss as consequences. Tell-tale signs you and your family should look out for at home include the following:

  • Recession of the gums (your teeth appear longer)
  • Gum sensitivity to foods that are especially acidic in nature
  • Constant tooth pain
  • Severe bad breath
  • Overly red or swollen gum tissue

How do you treat gum disease?

Gum disease is a chronic condition, and immediate intervention is necessary in order to lessen the effects and restore health to the patient’s mouth. We offer in-depth cleanings and scaling and root planing here in Wethersfield, CT. Periodontal surgery from a trusted specialist may be necessary, but only in very severe cases.

Why are my teeth very sensitive?

Dental sensitivity usually occurs when a patient’s gums have receded. This allows water, food, and other outside sources easier access to the tender nerves of the teeth. In order to treat the problem, our doctors are likely to recommend certain toothpastes and other oral hygiene products. Please let us know if you’re experiencing this problem!

What’s so different between a white filling and silver one?

Silver fillings (also commonly referred to as amalgam fillings) have been used to treat cavities for many years now. The metal materials were designed to expand and contract when exposed to noticeably hot or cold temperatures, which prevented bacteria from entering the tooth and causing more infection.

Alternatively, white fillings (also known as tooth-colored fillings) are made from composite resin. Their cosmetic appearance allows us to preserve the patient’s beautifully natural smile, and the conservative nature of the material means we can preserve more of the natural tooth.

How can I improve the way my smile looks?

A wide variety of cosmetic services are available today that can boost your smile’s appearance and self-confidence, including the following:

  • Cosmetic Bonding
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Crown Lengthening

If you’d like to pursue your very own cosmetic consultation, please let our team know!

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening is a fast and effective way to improve your smile’s color by several shades. Our team will only recommend and provide teeth whitening services after a comprehensive checkup and cleaning. Patients can expect their results from both in-office whitening and take-home whitening to last for several years. However, it’s important to remember that regularly drinking staining beverages like wine, tea, and coffee can lessen the improvements.

What is cosmetic bonding?

Cosmetic bonding is a simple and cost-effective service that is used to treat relatively minor dental imperfections, such as small cracks, stubborn stains, or gaps between teeth. Within just an hour or two, patients can look forward to finally achieving a flaw-free smile they can show off proudly!

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are custom-made restorations that are designed to be very, very thin. This allows them to be placed over the front of certain teeth, hiding several cosmetic issues at once. In fact, patients can even use them to alter the size, shape, and length of teeth to their satisfaction. Many patients request veneers when they want to give their smile an all-over makeover!

What is a dental crown?

Dental crowns are versatile restorations that can be used to create both cosmetic and restorative improvements regarding a singular tooth. This service is typically completed over two to three visits at our Wethersfield, CT location.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are crafted from high-quality titanium, and these screw-like objects are designed to be inserted below the gum line in order to mimic a missing tooth’s natural “root.” After the implant has fused with the natural tissue and healed in this position, it will serve as an excellent anchor for a restoration that looks and feels seamlessly lifelike.

Why are dental implants a good choice for tooth replacement?

There are several reasons, including:

  • Implants are considered essentially permanent.
  • They can be easily maintained with personal oral hygiene and regular cleanings at Dolan Dental.
  • They greatly decrease the possibility that you will experience jawbone deterioration or periodontal disease over time.
  • Dental implants only focus on the tooth and/or teeth that are currently missing. They won’t require any nearby, healthy teeth to be negatively altered like dental bridges.

Who is the right candidate for a new dental implant?

Most people can be candidates for this transformative procedure! However, the presence of chronic illness, serious osteoporosis, or heart disease may eliminate the possibility for some patients. 

How Does The Process Work For Getting A New Dental Implant?

Patients can expect this procedure to span at least three to four separate visits here in Wethersfield. First, our doctors will need to X-ray your mouth and create a surgical guide for the initial implantation. Dr. Brendan Dolan will handle this part of your care himself, creating a minor incision in the gum line and inserting the implant into your jawbone. Over time, your natural bone will gradually form around the implant in order to create a healthy and reliable foundation for the replacement tooth/teeth.

Once the patient has healed, they will return to our office multiple times so that we can design and create a custom-made restoration to cover the implant.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Every dental implant case is unique! That’s why you need to schedule an initial consultation here at Dolan Dental before we can give you any concrete estimates.

How Long Can I Expect My Dental Implant to Last?

As long as you properly maintain the implant with at-home oral hygiene and professional checkups, it can last anywhere from 30 years to the rest of your natural lifetime.

What kinds of financial options are available at our practice?

We’re in-network providers for multiple insurance plans, and affordable payment plans are available through CareCredit as well! To learn more, visit our new patients page or give us a call.