Q: Why does my crown have a black or dark line along my gum?

A: Often, this is due to the shadow created by the metal at the margin of a porcelain crown. The metal is often used for strength and reinforcement for the overlying porcelain. There is a way around this problem. Your dentist can instruct the lab to fabricate either an all-porcelain crown or a metal and porcelain crown with an ALL porcelain edge (margin) to create a more natural cosmetic appearance. At our office, it is very rare for us to make crowns with metal margins.

Q: What is IV Sedation and why is it preferred by many patients to other methods of sedation?

A: IV Sedation, also known as Deep Conscious Sedation is used by Oral Surgeons and dentists with specialized training and special certification. Dr. Stan is fully trained and certified in IV Sedation. Since medications are administered directly into the blood stream, the advantage is that if someone is not sedated enough, the doctor can administer more medication and the effects are instantaneous. Further, there is less "downtime" after the procedure, since the patient doesn't have to wait as long as they would with an oral sedative for the effects to wear off. The drugs used for IV Sedation are more effective then the same drugs taken orally

Q: My back teeth have a lot of silver and gold. Is there a less obvious way to fill cavities?

A: New advances in tooth-colored porcelain and composite materials not only allow fillings to go unnoticed, but are stronger and more wear-resistant than silver and gold.