Frequently Asked Questions

We can recommend a specially prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually breakdown the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. We may also suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, in which case we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.

A: Research shows that fluoride reduces cavities in both children and in adults by halting tooth decay. It also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before it becomes visible. Fluoride is a safe chemical component when used correctly. 

A: You are not alone. Your smile is the first thing people notice about you, and most people want their smile to be beautiful. You may only need a few minor adjustments, or you may have concerns that need more attention. Either way, there are treatments that can give you the engaging smile you have always wanted. Your smile can be enhanced with simple whitening or bonding treatments, or if you need more extensive treatment, options such as porcelain veneers, crowns, or bridges, gum contouring, periodontal therapy, or a combination of these techniques are available to you. Based on your goals, areas of concern and the overall condition of your oral health, Dr. Morrison will suggest a plan just for you. 

A: Dr. Morrison has a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. In more pronounced cases, it may be necessary to refer you to an orthodontist. Ask Dr. Morrison and his team which option best suits your individual situation.

A: Losing a back tooth will darken your overall smile, making it look smaller and narrower. Your smile will appear to stop short, and the look will be exaggerated if your missing tooth has teeth on both sides of it. Function during chewing will be reduced, and function of many teeth can be affected by losing just one tooth. When you are missing a tooth, you compensate by chewing differently, putting pressure on different parts of your mouth. This can cause your other teeth to shift, creating gaps and spaces, and may even cause fractures that result in additional tooth loss or in the need for restorations.

A: By replacing missing teeth, either with a bridge or with an implant, you will alleviate the problems associated with missing a tooth and will restore your smile to its beautiful, full appearance. A bridge is one solution for replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, Dr. Morrison places a porcelain restoration into the vacant space, restoring the functionality and look of your smile. A dental implant is also an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has bonded to the bone, it can act as a new, solid support for a natural looking, porcelain restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth or an entire set of teeth, offering more function and permanence than traditional dentures.

If you are interested in replacing one tooth or several teeth, talk to Dr. Morrison about implant-supported dentistry at your next appointment.

A: Once you are scheduled for an appointment in our practice, you will be guided through the completion of all the necessary medical, dental, and personal information. At your appointment, we will have the opportunity to get to know each other. We will listen to your goals for your mouth, teeth, and smile. All of the necessary information will be gathered in order to diagnose your current oral health. Comprehensive, digital radiographs (X-ray images) and charting will give Dr. Morrison the information he needs to fully explain your conditions and to determine your best course of treatment. Our goal is to take care of you in a comfortable and comprehensive fashion, answering all of your questions along the way

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A: Yes, we do accept referrals from other dental offices, as well as recommendations by our patients to their families and friends. We love welcoming new patients into our dental practice! 

A: Yes, we offer monthly payment plans through our financial partner, Care Credit. ™ We provide a variety of ways for you to pay for your treatment so that it fits comfortably into your personal or family financial goals. Dr. Morrison and his team work with you to create the solution that best accommodates you so that you can have the beautiful, healthy smile you have always desired.

A: Dental insurance is designed to assist you in paying for your dentistry. Most procedures are not fully covered by your insurance. Cosmetic dentistry, in particular, is not covered by most dental insurance plans. To help you afford your smile, we offer a variety of payment options, in addition to a monthly payment plan provided by our financial partner, Care Credit. ™ We also pay special attention to maximizing the benefits that your insurance provides. Ask us how you can comfortably afford your dentistry and maximize your dental insurance benefits.

A: We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. In addition, our office has partnered with CareCredit™ to offer our patients a variety of affordable flexible payment options. Several payment plans are available including interest free (if paid within the promotional period), no initial down payment, and extended payment plans up to 48 months, with prepayment allowed anytime. For more information, please call our office, or visit www.carecredit.com.

A: Yes. Bleeding gums during and following brushing is not healthy. However, the condition may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough ‘scrubbing’ instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; hard and soft deposit build-up above and below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to periodontal disease. If this problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods or occurs every time you brush, contact our office to schedule an evaluation appointment with Dr. Morrison and his team.

A: Periodontal disease (also called periodontitis or gingivitis) refers to the infection of the supportive tissues of the mouth due to toxic bacteria found in plaque. 50% of adults suffer from some degree of gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss, break down of the soft tissue in the mouth and jaw, and other significant health problems. Dr. Morrison and his team assess and diagnose your periodontal health, and if needed, recommend the appropriate therapy to control the active infection in the gums and supportive tissues. Our specially trained hygienists will then administer advanced periodontal therapy. Maintaining optimal periodontal health will take a strong focus on your care and a team approach between you, Dr. Morrison, and his team.

A: A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars). This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids and guarding against disease-causing bacteria. Thorough brushing and flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of your teeth. However, toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to efficiently extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and food.

A: Most dental pain brought on by chewing is caused by a fracture, or crack, in the tooth. The pain can be corrected by placing a porcelain crown, or with more advanced treatment. You want to correct the pain as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage to the tooth. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

A: Dr. Morrison offers ZOOM! Teeth whitening system. This revolutionary, in-office teeth whitening system enables you to dramatically whiten teeth in just one hour. This simple and painless procedure begins with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums. Then, the gel is applied to your teeth and activated with a specially designed light. Lastly, a fluoride treatment is applied to your teeth. The result is teeth that are at least six to ten shades whiter. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a brighter smile!

The ZOOM! DayWhite and NiteWhite take-home systems are also available. Patients are provided with a custom tray and the whitening system that delivers a gentle experience and whiter results in just seven days.