FAQs

How safe is your office equipment and what is your sterilization process? We deeply care for our patients’ safety and that is why we employ the highest-level sterilization standards in our field. We have the most advanced sterilization technology to date, and we submit our equipment to random weekly testing to ensure the highest level of sterilization. Is there a correlation between a healthy mouth and overall health? Yes! When you take care of your mouth, you take care of your overall health! Recent studies have shown meaningful correlations between periodontal disease and other illnesses. Bacteria that cause gum disease and periodontal bone loss are secondary factors for other illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, adult diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. Is amalgam healthy? While questions have arisen about the safety of dental amalgam relating to its mercury content, the major U.S. and international scientific and health bodies, including the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization, among others have been satisfied that dental amalgam is a safe, reliable and effective restorative material. To ensure the highest level of patient safety and until more definitve studies are conducted, our office does not use amalgam. How long does it take to attain the beautiful smile I am looking for? Dr. Klele’s experience in cosmetic surgery is only underscored by his dedication to bringing his patients the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques to improve their smiles. And the results are dramatic. And depending on your individual case, cosmetic dental treatment can take anywhere from one visit up to multiple visits. If you’re considering cosmetic dental treatment, ask Dr. Klele about your options. What Causes Bad Breath? In most cases bad breath (halitosis) is caused by the presence of oral bacteria. There can be, however, other factors that influence the odor of one’s breath and, in fact, the quality of a person’s breath will ultimately depend on a number of different variables.  The single most frequent cause of their breath odor problem is associated with bacteria that live in their mouth.  Plaque accumulation (the whitish film that forms on teeth both above and below the gum line and also on the tongue) is ideal areas for the odor causing bacteria to live.  A thorough brushing and flossing technique is needed in order to remove this plaque and also remove any food debris that is left in the person’s mouth after eating that could be used as a food supply by these bacteria.  Even in a relatively healthy mouth, bacteria can and do find anaerobic (oxygen deprived) environments underneath the gum line, both around and in between teeth, in which to live. These anaerobic environments, however, are even more numerous and available in the mouths of people who have experienced periodontal disease (“gum disease”). If your bad breath problem persists, even after a period of daily routine dental hygiene, you should schedule an examination and cleaning appointment with your dentist so you can discuss your problems. During this visit the following can be accomplished: • Learn effective brushing and flossing techniques. After examining you, your dentist can provide you with instructions, tips, and pointers that will be helpful for your specific situation. • Tartar (dental calculus) accumulation can interfere with effective brushing and flossing. Your dental cleaning will remove this debris from your teeth. • A periodontal evaluation.  Periodontal disease (“gum disease”) can cause significant damage to your gums and the bone that lies underneath them. This damage can result in the creation of deep spaces between your teeth and gums called “periodontal pockets.” These pockets are often impossible for you to clean effectively and therefore make an ideal environment for the bacteria that cause bad breath to live. If a periodontal problem is found your dentist can outline the treatment that will be needed to get this condition under control. • During your examination your dentist will check to see if there are any untreated dental conditions that could be causing or aggravating your breath problems. Your dentist can help to determine if it is unlikely that oral conditions are the cause of your bad breath and that a referral to a doctor for a medical evaluation is indicate. Should you have more questions about your dental health, please call our office today, we would be delighted to answer any of your questions.