Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can we help you?
Don’t let your oral health questions go unanswered. Many of our most common questions are listed here. If you want to learn more about your benefits or the services we provide, or if you want to make a dental appointment at our Carlton, OR dental office, give us a call.
You will be greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable team member who is happy to help.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Am I candidate for invisalign?
While Invisalign may be ideal for most patients, it can't eliminate specific bite problems. The best way to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for your unique situation is to contact your cosmetic dentist in Yamhill County to schedule a complimentary consultation.
During this meeting, Dr. Gambee will take x-rays, photos, and models of your teeth. Gathering this information helps them determine if Invisalign will achieve the results you want, and also allows them to create your plan if you do move forward with treatment. Dr. Gambee will also be able to give you a projection of how long your treatment might take, which is typically around 10 to 18 months.
Invisalign then uses this treatment plan to create the clear aligners that will move your teeth into alignment, according to Dr. Gambee's exact specifications.
If you've been living with crooked teeth and you're not satisfied with the appearance of your smile, invisible braces may be the solution that will restore both your smile and your confidence. You will appreciate the fact that your aligners are clear and not noticeable, so no one will know that you're straightening your teeth!
Contact Carlton Dental today at (503) 852-7147 to schedule your dental exam with Dr. Gambee.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?
Not necessarily. We offer all types of cosmetic dentistry procedures in our Carlton, OR dental office. Some are simple and made for any budget, while others are complex and require a greater investment. The point to keep in mind is that your smile is part of your identity, and while quality care incurs costs, finding and experienced cosmetic dentist, like Dr. Leif Gambee will result in the most excellent value.
Cosmetic Dentistry Options
If you are exploring cosmetic dentistry to improve your smile, we have options. Teeth whitening and dental bonding are simple and affordable. Teeth whitening can take years off of your smile, and dental bonding fills chips and gaps that negatively impact the teeth.
For patients who want dental implants, dental crowns, and teeth veneers, we can help you fit your cosmetic dentistry into your budget by phasing out treatment or choosing a financing option that allows you to complete your dentistry all at once but pay it off over time. Many options offer interest-free payment terms.
Learn More
Don’t let concerns over the cost of cosmetic dentistry stop you from having a consultation to discuss your options. You might be surprised to learn how affordable it is to have a smile you feel proud of. A gorgeous smile can be with you for the rest of your life. Contact our Carlton Oregon dental office to discuss cosmetic dentistry options best for you.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Do I really need a dental crown?
If your dentist has recommended a dental crown and you’re not sure why, you are welcome to come in for an evaluation and second opinion. If Dr. Leif Gambee recommended a dental crown and you want to know if other options are available, give us a call.
Situations Where We Might Recommend a Dental Crown
- Deep decay
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Root canal-treated teeth
- Cosmetic purposes
- Worn or short teeth
- To replace large fillings
Dental crowns provide protection that goes beyond what a filling can provide. Fillings seal teeth after Dr. Gambee fills a cavity, while dental crowns completely encase teeth and absorb the force caused by chewing.
If we are replacing an old metal filling, Dr. Gambee might recommend a crown because amalgam fillings can make teeth unstable, causing cracks and secondary decay over the years.
When other options exist, Dr. Gambee will explain all of your options. Your dentistry is your choice to make, and we will respect that you get to choose.
When you do opt for a dental crown, you can count on a restoration that looks and feels natural. Porcelain comes in many colors and shades to complement your smile.
Dental Implants
How long does it take to get a dental implant?
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. We proudly provide dental implants in our Carlton dental office as the gold standard of missing teeth.
Choosing a dental implant is almost like having your tooth back again because, with the proper home and professional dental care, your dental implant can potentially last a lifetime.
As far as a timeline, you can count on about 3-6 months to complete the entire process. If you smoke, need bone grafting, or have underlying dental conditions, it might take longer to complete.
We promise that your dental implant will be worth the wait. Our patients rave about their results because of their many benefits.
Eat your favorite foods
– You don’t have to avoid steak, vegetables, or fruits when you have a dental implant. It works just like your natural tooth. It is still a good idea to avoid chewing ice, which can break dental implants and natural teeth alike.
Your dental implant will not move
– Because dental implants fuse with your natural bone, they will not fall or shift like dentures. They can be used to secure dentures in place.
They look like your teeth
– When you smile, no one will notice you have a dental implant. Dr. Gambee will precisely match your implant to the shade of nearby teeth.
For more dental implant information, contact Carlton Dental today.
What is the best way to replace a missing tooth?
Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth, but dental implants are not right for every one. While we provide many dental implants to patients in the Carlton, OR area, you might want another option.
Not every patient is an ideal candidate for dental implants. If you have significant bone loss or take certain medications, such as bisphosphonates, we can offer another alternative to meet your unique needs.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges do not require surgery and can replace one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges do require us to alter adjacent healthy teeth, which is something you should consider.
Partial Dentures
If you have multiple missing teeth, a partial denture might be a better alternative. Partial dentures will blend in with your smile and are removable. You will need regular dental check-ups to make sure that your partial fits well and none of the clasps become bent.
Full Dentures
A full denture will replace all of the teeth on the upper or lower arch. If you are picturing the old boxy dentures of the past, we are here to update that idea. Today’s dentures take into account the patient’s gender, facial structure, and skin tone for a natural result.
Contact our Carlton dental office to learn more about how to replace missing teeth.
General Dentistry
Why do I need dental exams and cleanings if my teeth don't hurt?
If you have had regular dental care thus far, you can probably thank your lack of pain and dental emergencies to preventive dentistry. Routine dental exams and cleanings give your dentist and hygienist an opportunity to point out any developing conditions, such as gingivitis, that you can address with minimal investment.
Your Carlton dentist or hygienist will also take regular dental x-rays used to diagnose dental decay and bone loss before they cause significant oral conditions. When we detect problems early, they are less costly and take less time overall.
Changes in Oral Health
We realize that the families we serve have busy lives. Your routine dental appointments should take no more than a few hours per year, but can pay off over the course of your lifetime. Even if you have enjoyed few dental problems in the past, changes to your medical health, or even regular changes like pregnancy, can mean that you are more susceptible to oral conditions.
We customize our preventive exam and cleaning appointments at Carlton Dental and hope that with good home hygiene and quality dentistry, you will need few dental procedures in your lifetime.
To book your next dental exam or teeth cleaning, contact our Carlton, OR dental office. We look forward to seeing your smile.
Invisalign Clear Braces
How do clear braces move teeth?
For a discreet alternative to traditional brackets and wires, we offer Invisalign in our Carlton, OR dental office. Invisalign, often called clear braces or clear aligners, use constant pressure to move teeth over time. A series of clear aligner trays nudge teeth into alignment. You will wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before moving onto the next set.
In some cases, we may also place small buttons on the teeth, called attachments. They are tooth-colored and barely noticeable. These attachments provide a gripping mechanism for aligners to move teeth more quickly and accurately. Once treatment is complete, Dr. Leif Gambee will remove the attachments from the teeth and smooth the surface.
Who is a Candidate for Invisalign?
For your clear aligner orthodontics to be successful, compliance is essential. You must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat and clean your teeth. It is for this reason that we recommend Invisalign for our older teen and adult patients.
To learn more about Invisalign and its benefits, contact our Carlton, OR dental office to book a consultation with Dr. Gambee. Invisalign clear braces changes lives by giving you a healthy, straight smile you love.
Teeth Extractions
How will you keep me comfortable during my tooth extraction?
A tooth extraction in McMinnville can feel like an overwhelming procedure. We understand that you might have concerns, and we're here to let you know that at Carlton Dental, our goal is to make your tooth extraction procedure as comfortable possible. Dr. Gambee is gentle and highly skilled and he uses the best dental anesthetics available to ensure that you don't feel any discomfort, so you can rest assured that your procedure will go smoothly.
We also offer nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, for complex procedures like a tooth extraction to help our patients feel more relaxed during their treatment. Nitrous can be safely delivered through an inhalation mask that is comfortable for you to wear during your procedure. It helps you to feel calm and at ease almost immediately, but it also leaves your body as soon as the mask is removed after your procedure, so there are no lingering side effects.
We encourage you to talk with Dr. Gambee about any concerns you may have about your tooth extraction procedure so we can help you feel completely at ease before your treatment. Contact your Carlton dental office today at (503) 852-7147 for more information about comfortable teeth extractions.