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General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Eric J Steinbrecher DDS

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Questions 1-10 of 15:


  1. I have a sore on the inside of my upper lip, i cant tell if its a cold sore or a kankar sore, I also have braces that irritate it. How can i help it to not hurt? - Anonymous from Auburn, California
    You can placed ambesol which is an over the counter medication. I would also placed wax on the bracket that is near the sore. Thanks Dr. Eric Steinb  [more]
    You can placed ambesol which is an over the counter medication. I would also placed wax on the bracket that is near the sore. Thanks Dr. Eric Steinbrecher  [less]
  2. I have 9 cavities..What happens when they fill in those cavities with silver fill? Does it hurt? - Yana from Citrus Heights
    As long as proper anesthetic is used you should not have pain. You may have sensativity for a few days afterwards but it should get better with time.  [more]
    As long as proper anesthetic is used you should not have pain. You may have sensativity for a few days afterwards but it should get better with time. Silver fillings are not bonded to the dentin and enamel. They corrode at the edge of the filling and this is how they seal. I hope this answers your question. If you have anymore please feel free to ask. Thanks Dr. Eric Steinbrecher  [less]
  3. Is there a "best" time to schedule removal of wisdom teeth? Should they be removed before or after a teen has braces? - Anonymous from Sacramento, CA
    I would take the teeth out before ortho. But it depends how old the pt is and how far along the wisdom teeth are developed. I would also talk to you  [more]
    I would take the teeth out before ortho. But it depends how old the pt is and how far along the wisdom teeth are developed. I would also talk to your orthodontist to see what he or she recommends. If you have anymore questions please let me know. Thanks Dr. Eric Steinbrecher DDS  [less]
  4. If you have healthy teeth will frequent whitening start to wear the enamel off after a while? - Jim from Sacramento, CA
    No, You may have sensativity because you are opening what is called the dentin tubules. These tubes will usually close by themselves with time. But  [more]
    No, You may have sensativity because you are opening what is called the dentin tubules. These tubes will usually close by themselves with time. But the enamel itself will not desolve or wear away. I hope this answers your questions. If you have anymore questions please feel free to ask. Thanks Dr. Eric Steinbreher DDS  [less]
  5. Is there a difference between going to a specialist vs. a general dentist in regards to wisdom teeth removal? What would you recommend? Thanks!! - Emily from Sacramento, CA
    This is a great question. I would have to say that the specialists have much more training in the area of wisdom tooth removal. The specialist is th  [more]
    This is a great question. I would have to say that the specialists have much more training in the area of wisdom tooth removal. The specialist is there to take the cases from the general dentist, that are difficult. There are many general dentist that do wisdom tooth extractions and are as good as the specialist. It really depends on your dentist and if he or she feels comfortable taking the teeth out. If your dentist tells you he or she can remove the teeth then you should trust them. We as dentist are all trained to know are limitations and most dentist will simply refer you to a specialist when the case is to difficult. I hope this answers your question. Please feel free to ask if you have anymore questions. Thanks Dr. Eric Steinbrecher DDS  [less]
  6. What is the best way to get my teeth whiter? - YLE from Sacramento, CA
    Most people have teeth that are naturally darker than "pure" white. If you want them whiter, the best thing you can do is talk to your professional or  [more]
    Most people have teeth that are naturally darker than "pure" white. If you want them whiter, the best thing you can do is talk to your professional oral health care provider about your options. Different people respond differently to different procedures used to whiten teeth, and it will take an in-person consultation with a professional to determine what is best for you. Sometimes all it takes is professional prophylaxis to remove stain and then abstinence from behaviors that stain teeth, such as drinking coffee or tea, or smoking tobacco. Some people respond well to the use of whitening toothpastes while some do not. Other options available include bleaching, at home or in the office, with chemicals or with lasers, as prescribed by a dentist. Sometimes a combination of options is used.   [less]
  7. What kind of toothpaste should I use? - YLE from Sacramento, CA
    There are a lot of products to choose from, and much of the decision depends on individual preference. A fluoride toothpaste is essential for optimal   [more]
    There are a lot of products to choose from, and much of the decision depends on individual preference. A fluoride toothpaste is essential for optimal oral health. Beyond that, your dental hygienist and dentist can alert you to any other features that make one product more suitable than another for you as an individual.   [less]
  8. Which is better: a manual toothbrush or an electric one? - YLE from Sacramento, CA
    Comparisons have been made between power-assisted (electric) toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes to look at the ability of each to remove plaque and   [more]
    Comparisons have been made between power-assisted (electric) toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes to look at the ability of each to remove plaque and prevent or reduce calculus (tartar) buildup, thus reducing gingivitis (gum disease). These research studies have shown both powered and manual toothbrushes to be equally effective when used correctly. So probably, in practical terms, which brush you use is not the critical factor, but how you use it. The ADHA Web site (http://www.adha.org)includes instructions for proper toothbrushing technique with a manual brush, and product packaging shows the best way to use powered brushes.   [less]
  9. How Do You Stop Plaque Attacks? - YLE from Sacramento, CA
    Two key factors in preventing dental caries are fluoride and dental sealants. Fluoride compounds are found naturally in soil, water, and in many foods  [more]
    Two key factors in preventing dental caries are fluoride and dental sealants. Fluoride compounds are found naturally in soil, water, and in many foods.. Plaque attacks can’t be stopped, but you can help to prevent plaque build-up by following a good oral care program of brushing, flossing, rinsing, and regular visits to your oral health care professional.  [less]
  10. How Does Plaque Attack the Gums? - YLE from Sacramento, CA
    Plaque can also produce harmful byproducts that irritate the gums, causing gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal diseases. If plaque isn’t remove  [more]
    Plaque can also produce harmful byproducts that irritate the gums, causing gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal diseases. If plaque isn’t removed daily, it will build up into a hard deposit called calculus. If plaque continues to form on top of the calculus, it can irritate the gums, and a pocket may develop between the teeth and gums. Plaque build up can eventually destroy the gums and bone that support the teeth.  [less]
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