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Few dental procedures spark as much unnecessary fear as root canals, largely due to outdated information and persistent myths passed down through generations. The phrase "I'd rather have a root canal" has become synonymous with something unpleasant, yet the reality is far different from this reputation. Modern root canal therapy is a routine procedure designed to save your natural tooth, relieve pain, and prevent more serious health complications, all while keeping you comfortable throughout the process. Understanding what actually happens during a root canal can ease your concerns and help you make informed decisions about your dental care. At DG Dental, we use advanced techniques and technology to perform root canal treatments and other restorative procedures with precision and minimal discomfort. Dr. Dory Green's extensive training in endodontics, combined with her commitment to patient comfort, means you'll receive care in our spa-like environment where anxiety melts away. Debunking Common Root Canal Myths The biggest myth surrounding root canals is that they're extremely painful. In reality, the infection causing your toothache is what hurts, not the procedure itself. Modern anesthetics completely numb the area, and most patients report feeling no more discomfort than they would during a standard filling. Many people actually feel immediate relief once the infected tissue is removed and the pressure inside the tooth is released. Another common misconception claims root canals cause illness or weaken your immune system. This myth originated from research conducted nearly a century ago that has been thoroughly debunked by modern science. Root canal therapy actually removes infection from your body, improving rather than harming your overall health. Some people believe extracting the tooth is a better option, but saving your natural tooth is almost always preferable. Extraction leads to bone loss, shifting teeth, and the need for more expensive replacements like implants or bridges. What Actually Happens During the Procedure A root canal becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside your tooth, called the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, a crack or chip, or trauma to the tooth. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, and when it becomes infected, bacteria multiply inside the tooth, causing pain, swelling, and potentially an abscess. During the procedure, we create a small opening in the top of your tooth to access the infected pulp chamber. Using specialized instruments and digital imaging for precision, we carefully remove the infected tissue, clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, and shape the canals. We then fill the empty space with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and seal the tooth to prevent future infection. The entire process typically takes 1-2 appointments depending on the complexity of your case. Advanced Technology for Better Outcomes We use digital x-rays and advanced imaging to see exactly what we're treating, ensuring we don't miss any infected tissue or hidden canals. Rotary instruments allow us to clean and shape your tooth's interior more efficiently and comfortably than traditional hand files. This technology reduces treatment time and improves success rates. We also offer sedation options for patients who feel anxious, though most people find the procedure much easier than they anticipated once they experience it firsthand. Recovery and Long-Term Results After your root canal, you might experience some mild tenderness for a few days as your body heals. Over-the-counter pain relievers typically manage any discomfort effectively. Most patients return to work or their normal activities the same day or the next day. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until we place your permanent restoration, as the tooth is more fragile without its final crown. Your treated tooth will usually need a crown to protect it and restore full function. We use digital scanning technology (rather than messy impressions) to create your custom crown, which fits precisely and looks completely natural. With proper care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, a tooth that's had a root canal can last a lifetime. Success rates exceed 95%, making root canal therapy one of the most predictable procedures in dentistry. The alternative to a root canal is extraction, which creates additional challenges you should consider: You'll need an implant, bridge, or partial denture to replace the missing tooth Adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space, affecting your bite Bone loss occurs in the jaw where the tooth was removed Replacement options cost significantly more than saving your natural tooth Even with these replacement options available, keeping your natural tooth through root canal therapy offers the best long-term outcome for your oral health and your budget. Experience Comfortable Root Canal Treatment at DG Dental Root canals don't deserve their fearsome reputation. Modern techniques, advanced technology, and effective anesthesia have transformed this procedure into a routine treatment that saves teeth and relieves pain rather than causing it. Understanding the facts helps you approach necessary dental care with confidence rather than anxiety. Dr. Dory Green completed additional training in endodontics during her hospital-based residency, giving her the skills to handle even complex root canal cases. Our ultra-chic, modern practice offers amenities like complimentary refreshments and a relaxing atmosphere that makes dental visits actually enjoyable. We accept most major dental insurance plans and work directly with your provider to maximize your benefits. If you're experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling around a tooth, these symptoms might indicate you need a root canal. Contact us to schedule an evaluation so we can diagnose the problem and discuss your options. Learn more about our comprehensive approach to dental care on our about page.

A gummy smile, where excessive gum tissue shows when you smile, can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. This common cosmetic concern affects many people and can stem from several causes, including genetics, how your teeth developed, or the way your lips move when you smile. The good news is that modern dentistry offers multiple effective solutions to help you achieve a balanced, confident smile where your teeth and gums appear in proper proportion. If you're wondering how to address a gummy smile, you'll be glad to know we offer several treatment options tailored to your unique needs. At DG Dental, we combine advanced techniques with an artist's eye to help you achieve the smile you've always wanted. Whether you need a minor adjustment or a more comprehensive approach, we can guide you toward the solution that works best for you. Understanding What Causes a Gummy Smile Before exploring treatment options, it helps to understand why gummy smiles occur. In some cases, the upper lip lifts too high when you smile, revealing more gum tissue than you'd like. Other times, the gum tissue itself may have grown excessively over the teeth, making them appear shorter than they actually are. Some people have an overgrowth of the upper jawbone, which can create the appearance of excess gum tissue. The anatomy of your mouth, including your tooth eruption pattern and jaw development, plays a significant role. Sometimes baby teeth don't fall out at the right time, causing permanent teeth to emerge in a way that leaves extra gum tissue visible. Your genetics also influence how your smile develops, and if your family members have gummy smiles, you're more likely to have one too. Gum Contouring for a Balanced Smile Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping, is one of the most direct ways to address a gummy smile. During this procedure, we carefully remove excess gum tissue to expose more of your tooth structure, creating a more balanced appearance between your gums and teeth. This treatment works particularly well when your teeth are actually a normal size but appear short because they're covered by too much gum tissue. We perform gum contouring using advanced laser technology, which offers several advantages over traditional methods. The laser provides precision, reduces bleeding, and promotes faster healing with minimal discomfort. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in how their smile looks. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours depending on how much tissue needs reshaping, and recovery is usually quick, with most people returning to normal activities within a few days. Crown Lengthening as a Restorative Solution Crown lengthening goes a step further than gum contouring by removing both gum tissue and, when necessary, a small amount of bone to expose more of the tooth. This procedure is ideal when your teeth are shorter than average or when you need additional cosmetic treatments like veneers or crowns. By reshaping the area around your teeth, we create the foundation for a smile that looks natural and proportionate. The crown lengthening process involves carefully sculpting the gum line and, if needed, the underlying bone to reveal the proper amount of tooth structure. We use digital imaging to plan your procedure precisely, ensuring your results will complement your facial features. Recovery typically takes 2-3 months for the gums to fully heal and settle into their new position. Once healed, you'll have a smile where your teeth and gums appear in beautiful harmony. Orthodontics and Other Treatment Options Sometimes a gummy smile results from how your teeth are positioned in your jaw. If your upper teeth have erupted too far down or if your bite alignment contributes to the appearance of excess gum tissue, orthodontic treatment might be your best option. Clear aligners or traditional braces can reposition your teeth, which in turn affects how much gum tissue shows when you smile. Botox injections offer a non-surgical alternative for certain types of gummy smiles. If your upper lip lifts too high when you smile, small amounts of Botox can relax the muscles responsible for this movement, limiting how much gum tissue becomes visible. The effects last about 3-4 months, and many patients appreciate this option because it requires no downtime. For more complex cases, we might recommend combining multiple treatments. For example, pairing gum contouring with veneers can address both excess gum tissue and tooth shape or color concerns simultaneously. Customizing Your Treatment Plan Every smile is unique, which is why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. During your consultation, we'll examine your teeth, gums, and facial structure to determine what's causing your gummy smile. We'll discuss your goals, your comfort with different procedures, and your timeline for achieving results. Some patients prefer conservative treatments first, while others want comprehensive solutions that deliver dramatic improvements. We use digital smile design technology to show you what your results could look like before you commit to treatment. This preview helps you make informed decisions about your care and ensures we're both working toward the same vision for your smile. We also consider factors like your oral health, any existing dental work, and how different treatments might affect your long-term results. Transform Your Smile at DG Dental A gummy smile doesn't have to hold you back from feeling confident. Whether you need gum contouring, crown lengthening, orthodontics, or a combination of treatments, modern dentistry offers solutions that can transform how you look and feel. The key is working with a dental team that understands both the science and artistry of smile design. Dr. Dory Green, DMD, FAGD, brings extensive training from Temple University School of Dentistry and a unique background combining microbiology, technical theater, and dentistry. Her artistic eye and scientific precision allow her to create results that look natural and enhance your individual features. Our ultra-chic, modern practice transforms dental visits into pampering experiences, with amenities designed to put you at ease. If you've been hiding your smile or feeling self-conscious about showing too much gum tissue, we'd love to show you what's possible. Contact us to schedule your consultation and discover how we can help you achieve the balanced, confident smile you deserve. Learn more about our practice and approach by visiting our about page.

Selecting the ideal shade and shape for your porcelain veneers requires careful consideration of your facial features, skin tone, and personal aesthetic goals to achieve natural-looking results that enhance your unique beauty. The process involves balancing multiple factors, including your existing tooth color, facial proportions, and lifestyle preferences, to create veneers that look like they were always part of your natural smile. Getting these decisions right from the start ensures you'll love your new smile for years to come. At DG Dental, Dr. Dory Green combines her artistic background with advanced dental training to guide you through every aspect of veneer design. Our meticulous approach to shade selection and shape customization ensures your veneers complement your individual features while delivering the confident, radiant smile you envision. Understanding Veneer Shade Selection Your veneer shade should harmonize with your skin tone, eye color, and personal style preferences rather than simply matching your existing teeth. Cooler skin tones typically look best with slightly cooler white shades, while warmer complexions are enhanced by warmer, more cream-based whites. Consider your lifestyle and professional requirements too, as some careers may call for more conservative coloring while others allow for brighter, more dramatic results. Remember that in order to keep the veneers from appearing bulky, they are created from a very thin and sometimes translucent ceramic. Deep staining or discoloration in the natural teeth can have an effect on the aesthetics of the veneers. In some cases, patients may benefit from whitening their natural teeth before finalizing their choice of shade. This also has the added bonus of minimizing the discrepancy between the veneers and the remaining unrestored teeth, which creates the seamless look of a naturally radiant smile.  Natural teeth have subtle variations in color and translucency that quality veneers replicate through careful layering of ceramic materials. Our digital color-matching technology helps us capture these nuances and create veneers that reflect light similarly to your natural enamel. We also consider how your lip color and makeup preferences will interact with your new veneer shade. Age-appropriate coloring also matters significantly in achieving realistic results. Younger patients often prefer brighter whites, while older patients may choose slightly warmer tones that complement mature skin. The goal is to create veneers that enhance your appearance without looking artificial or drawing unwanted attention. Designing the Perfect Veneer Shape The shape of your veneer dramatically influences your overall facial appearance and should complement your natural facial structure. Longer, more rectangular faces benefit from shorter, wider veneers that create horizontal emphasis, while rounder faces look great with slightly longer, more vertical proportions. Your lip shape also guides veneer design, as fuller lips can accommodate bolder shapes while thinner lips may require more conservative proportions. Consider your personality and lifestyle when choosing veneer shapes. Conservative professionals might prefer subtle, naturally rounded edges, while creative individuals may embrace more dramatic, angular designs. The key is finding shapes that feel authentically you while enhancing your best features. We analyze your facial proportions using digital imaging to show you how different shapes will look before beginning treatment. This preview process helps you visualize the final results and make adjustments to achieve your perfect smile design. Factors That Influence Your Choices Your existing tooth structure plays a crucial role in determining suitable veneer options. Teeth with significant wear or damage may require specific shapes to restore proper function while improving aesthetics. Similarly, your natural gum line and tooth proportions influence which designs will look most natural and harmonious. Consider your oral habits when making decisions about veneer durability. If you grind your teeth or participate in contact sports, certain shapes and materials may be more appropriate than others. Our biocompatibility testing ensures your body responds well to the materials we select for your veneers. Your budget and timeline also affect your choices. While we never compromise on quality, understanding your investment parameters helps us recommend the most suitable options for your situation. Our financing options make premium veneer treatments accessible to more patients. The Design and Planning Process Our comprehensive consultation includes detailed photography, digital scans, and facial analysis to create your custom veneer design. We use advanced imaging technology to show you exactly how different shade and shape combinations will look on your face. This eliminates guesswork and ensures you're completely satisfied with your choices before treatment begins. We create temporary veneers that allow you to test-drive your chosen design for several days. This trial period lets you evaluate how the shape feels when speaking and eating while seeing how the shade looks in different lighting conditions. We encourage feedback and make adjustments as needed to perfect your design. The collaboration between our team and laboratory technicians ensures your final veneers match your specifications exactly. Our detailed communication and quality control processes mean your veneers will fit perfectly and look exactly as planned during your consultation. Making Your Final Decisions Take time to consider how your veneer choices will age with you over the coming decades. While trends in smile design may change, classic proportions and natural-looking shades tend to remain timeless and attractive. We guide you toward choices that will continue looking beautiful and appropriate as you age. Review our results gallery to see examples of different shade and shape combinations on various facial types. This helps you envision how similar choices might look on you and provides inspiration for your own design preferences. Remember that veneers are a permanent investment in your smile and confidence. Taking time to make thoughtful decisions now ensures you'll love your results for many years to come. Create Your Dream Smile at DG Dental Dr. Dory Green's unique combination of artistic vision and dental precision, developed through her training at Temple University School of Dentistry and refined through years of cosmetic dentistry practice, ensures your veneers will be perfectly suited to your individual needs. Our luxurious, spa-like environment makes the entire process comfortable and enjoyable, from initial consultation through final placement. Our commitment to using digital scanning technology and advanced planning techniques means you can feel confident in your shade and shape decisions before treatment begins. We take pride in creating veneers that enhance your natural beauty while reflecting your personality and lifestyle. Contact us at (954) 524-2300 or schedule your consultation to begin designing your perfect smile transformation.

Porcelain veneers can address certain types of crooked teeth without requiring traditional braces, offering a faster cosmetic solution for minor to moderate alignment issues. These ultra-thin ceramic shells bond to your front teeth, creating the appearance of straight, perfectly aligned teeth while masking underlying irregularities. However, veneers work best for specific cases of misalignment and may not be suitable for severe orthodontic problems. At DG Dental, our cosmetic dentistry approach combines artful precision with advanced techniques to help you achieve your ideal smile. Dr. Dory Green brings her unique background in microbiology, sculpture, technical theater, and dentistry to evaluate whether veneers can effectively address your specific alignment concerns. When Veneers Can Replace Braces Porcelain veneers excel at correcting minor spacing issues, slightly rotated teeth, and small gaps between front teeth. They can also address teeth that appear uneven in length or have minor overlapping. Unlike braces, which physically move teeth into new positions over months or years, veneers create an instantly straight appearance by reshaping the visible surface of your teeth. The process involves removing a small amount of enamel from your natural teeth to accommodate the thin veneer shells. Our digital scanning technology allows us to design veneers that perfectly complement your facial features while creating the straight smile you desire. Each veneer is custom-crafted to match your specifications for color, shape, and alignment. Veneers work particularly well when you have good overall oral health but want to address cosmetic concerns quickly. According to the American Dental Association, maintaining healthy teeth and gums provides the foundation for any successful cosmetic treatment. Limitations of Veneers for Alignment Issues Severe crowding, significant bite problems, or major orthodontic issues require traditional orthodontic treatment rather than veneers. When teeth are severely crooked or rotated, veneers may not provide adequate coverage or could appear unnaturally thick. Additionally, if your bite alignment causes functional problems, orthodontic treatment addresses the root cause rather than masking symptoms. We also recommend orthodontic treatment when crooked teeth affect your back teeth or overall jaw function. Veneers primarily address front teeth aesthetics and cannot resolve complex bite relationships that may cause jaw pain or difficulty chewing. Budget considerations matter too, as veneers represent a significant investment and require eventual replacement. Unlike orthodontic treatment, which provides permanent tooth movement, veneers are a long-term but not a lifetime solution. Combining Veneers with Orthodontic Options Some patients benefit from combining orthodontic treatment with veneers for optimal results. Our board-certified orthodontist, who is a Platinum Invisalign provider, can first address major alignment issues using clear aligners. Following orthodontic treatment, strategically placed veneers can refine your smile and address any remaining aesthetic concerns. This combined approach often produces superior results compared to veneers alone, particularly when you have moderate alignment issues. Clear aligners can move teeth into better positions first, then veneers can perfect the final appearance while requiring less enamel removal. The biocompatibility testing we emphasize ensures your body responds well to the materials we use, whether you choose orthodontics, veneers, or a combination approach. This testing helps prevent allergic reactions and ensures long-term success with your chosen treatment. Your Best Path Forward The decision between veneers and orthodontic treatment depends on your specific alignment issues, timeline preferences, and long-term goals. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your bite, assess the severity of misalignment, and discuss your aesthetic objectives. Our comprehensive examination includes digital impressions and detailed analysis to determine which approach will deliver your desired results. We'll also discuss maintenance requirements, as veneers require special care to maximize their lifespan. Regular checkups, proper oral hygiene, and avoiding certain habits help protect your investment and maintain your beautiful, straight smile. Remember that veneers are permanent and expensive, requiring careful consideration of all options. We'll provide honest guidance about whether veneers can achieve your goals or if orthodontic treatment would better serve your needs. Trust DG Dental for Your Smile Transformation Dr. Dory Green's extensive training from Temple University School of Dentistry, combined with her residency and fellowship experience and artistic background, provides the ideal blend of technical skill and aesthetic vision for your smile transformation. Our high-end cosmetic dentistry practice focuses on delivering exceptional results in our luxurious, spa-like environment that makes every visit comfortable and relaxing. Whether you need veneers, clear aligners, or a combination approach, we'll create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and lifestyle. Our commitment to using the latest technology, including digital scans and biocompatibility testing, ensures you receive the most advanced care available. Contact us at (954) 524-2300 or schedule your consultation to discover your path to a perfectly straight, beautiful smile.