Dr. Dennis Lichorwic Answers Questions About Porcelain Veneers, Laser Teeth Whitening, and More - Destin Dental

What kind of results can I expect from laser teeth whitening?

We offer the most effective laser teeth whitening system available at our office in Destin, the Zoom!® one-hour system. Patients can expect teeth to dramatically lighten up to eight shades with the chair side treatment. If you prefer the take-home teeth whitening trays we prepare at our Destin facility, you can expect an initial improvement of approximately six shades. With the take-home trays, the longer a patient uses the trays, the more dramatic results he or she can expect.

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How long do laser teeth whitening results last?

With proper maintenance and dental care, the laser teeth whitening results our Destin-based cosmetic dentistry practice provides will last for years. However, teeth eventually become dull and discolored again, stained with food and the inevitable assaults of time. A reapplication will be needed.

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What are the differences between porcelain veneers and crowns?

We offer porcelain veneers at our office in Destin as an ideal alternative to crowns when a tooth only needs minor structural repair or cosmetic restoration. Crowns are caps that are permanently placed over the entire tooth, whereas porcelain veneers are only bonded to the front side of the tooth. Porcelain veneers therefore provide less structural reinforcement than crowns, but still produce dramatic cosmetic enhancement results. Porcelain veneers are preferable to crowns in some situations because they are made of a wafer-thin porcelain shell, making them much thinner than porcelain crowns. This means the damaged tooth requires less preparation and more of the original structure remains intact.

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How long will my porcelain veneers last?

The porcelain veneers we create at our Destin-based practice can last more than ten years if properly maintained. Porcelain veneers, just like a natural tooth, should be brushed and flossed daily. Routine dental exams and cleanings are also essential to the preservation of porcelain veneers.

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Will I feel any pain during the root canal procedure?

Root canals are performed under local anesthetic that is used to numb the dental pulp and surrounding gum tissue. Once the targeted area is numb, the patient experiences no pain and remains comfortable and relaxed for the duration of the procedure. If the dental pulp is dead, the tooth can no longer register pain or discomfort. However, local anesthetic is still used as a precaution. After the root canal procedure, the patient may experience mild discomfort for a few days. Dr. Lichorwic recommends an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen or Advil® to soothe the patient’s post-operative discomfort.

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Why does Dr. Lichorwic use oral sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry has calmed the apprehensive feeling of thousands of dental patients over the years. There are many different types of sedation dentistry, but the most commonly utilized dental sedation techniques are oral, inhalation, and intravenous sedation. Dr. Lichorwic only uses oral sedation dentistry, which involves administering a drug orally approximately one hour prior to the appointment. With oral sedation, the patient experiences a very deep state of relaxation, possibly even falling asleep, and retains very little to no memory of the procedure. The patient remains able to breath on his own, move his or her body, and respond to questions. Oral sedation dentistry is advantageous compared to its counterparts because it is easily administered, safe and easy to monitor, and extremely effective for most people.

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