expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Bruce R. Altschuler, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Bruce Altschuler is a Dentist practicing in Farmington, MI. Dr. Altschuler specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Dr. Bruce Altschuler, DDS
  • Farmington, MI
  • Brooklyn College
  • Accepting new patients

Does professional teeth cleaning prevent cavities?

No. It is a help. You must do your part by brushing every day. DENTIST

Are dental bridges safe for teeth?

Yes, if properly measured and placed by a licensed dentist. Do NOT use the TV advertised do-it-yourself cheap solution. Replacing a missing tooth requires a.lot of need to consider READ MORE
Yes, if properly measured and placed by a licensed dentist. Do NOT use the TV advertised do-it-yourself cheap solution. Replacing a missing tooth requires a.lot of need to consider the overall health of adjacent teeth and opposing teeth in the jaw to maintain health. An ill fitting replacement will harm adjacent and opposing teeth, interfere with your bite, and could cause significant irritation to your gums. Also, there may be a choice of replacements, some being much better and more permanent. Dental health plans may give you the opportunity for a better replacement that can be paid for over time. Make an appointment with your friendly dentist and discuss your options. You will be much happier in the long run. DENTIST

How should I clean my dentures?

A mild solution of sodium bicarbonate in water should be sufficient. Avoid toothpastes or abrasive denture pastes. Just soak the dentures overnight in the solution of sodium bicarbonate READ MORE
A mild solution of sodium bicarbonate in water should be sufficient. Avoid toothpastes or abrasive denture pastes. Just soak the dentures overnight in the solution of sodium bicarbonate then wash them off in running water before placing them back in your mouth in the morning. Avoid smoking or excessive drinking, but rinse your mouth (and your dentures you are wearing) with water after taking alcohol. There are some commercial products that claim to provide cleaning and you may use them as long as they do not contain any abrasives. DENTIST

Do I need to have a CT scan before a dental implant?

A CT scan is usually a whole body scan which is unnecessary. What your dentist probably told you is that you might take a 3-D cone beam imagery set so that the dentist can precisely READ MORE
A CT scan is usually a whole body scan which is unnecessary. What your dentist probably told you is that you might take a 3-D cone beam imagery set so that the dentist can precisely assess and then place the implant in exactly the most optimum position. These new techniques in radiology greatly assist the dentist to make the placement of the implant a success. DENTIST

Can medications fix gingivitis?

In some cases with early gingivitis, after a thorough cleaning by a dental hygienist or your dentist, and then the application of toothbrush, dental floss, perhaps a water pik, READ MORE
In some cases with early gingivitis, after a thorough cleaning by a dental hygienist or your dentist, and then the application of toothbrush, dental floss, perhaps a water pik, and the right toothpaste, your gingivitis can be arrested and will not progress. Everyone has a slight degree of gingivitis, which is chronic, but the need is to prevent the gingivitis to progress to the retraction of critical gum tissue, or to periodontitis. The addition of a slight change in diet will be helpful, eating fruits containing Vit. C such as strawberries, oranges or orange juice, or pineapple juice or grapes, raisins, or grapejuice every day (the human body stores vitamins A, D, E, K for longer periods but you need Vit. C every day). Avoid alcohol as much as possible. Eat a balanced diet. Brush your teeth immediately after every meal. See your dentist every 6 months for a checkup and a scheduled cleaning. There are no actual pill medications that will prevent or cure gingivitis. DENTIST

How long is a deep dental cleaning?

A deep dental cleaning can take under an hour. It depends on your overall gingival (gum) health and how long it has been since you have had a cleaning and how well you have cleaned READ MORE
A deep dental cleaning can take under an hour. It depends on your overall gingival (gum) health and how long it has been since you have had a cleaning and how well you have cleaned your teeth at home. It is assumed you are not referring to a deep periodontal scaling which could take longer, or might be divided up into sections of the teeth and thus require more than one appointment to complete. If you see your dentist regularly, say every 6 months, and your teeth are otherwise healthy, then you will have little problem with a deep dental cleaning. DENTIST

Is a dental implant stronger than real teeth?

There is no substitute for real teeth. An implant takes the place of a tooth but is an artificial prostheses. If you can keep existing teeth--do so--and maintain healthy teeth READ MORE
There is no substitute for real teeth. An implant takes the place of a tooth but is an artificial prostheses. If you can keep existing teeth--do so--and maintain healthy teeth by seeing your dentist every six months and getting your teeth cleaned. The implant is a good substitute when teeth are extracted. DENTIST

Can I use a water flosser with implant-fixed dentures?

Yes. Use the lowest setting possible and use per the manufacturer's directions. I assume the implant is at least six months old and there are no complications with it. Do not hover READ MORE
Yes. Use the lowest setting possible and use per the manufacturer's directions. I assume the implant is at least six months old and there are no complications with it. Do not hover over the implant with the nozzle but use as with all other teeth. Stop using if any pain, discomfort, or redness arises. DENTIST

How long do molar teeth bridges last?

Your bridge is guaranteed to last from time of insertion to when you depart the dentist's office. Many bridges may require minor occlusal (bite) adjustment so do not hesitate to READ MORE
Your bridge is guaranteed to last from time of insertion to when you depart the dentist's office. Many bridges may require minor occlusal (bite) adjustment so do not hesitate to visit your dentist for such minor adjustments after just getting the bridge. There are too many variables to estimate how long the bridge will last, which is largely due to diet, smoking, drinking alcohol, the care of your teeth, and your general health. Many patients have had bridges last ten years or more, some going as long as 20 or even 30 years. The accepted answer to your question is to visit your dentist's office at least once a year for a cleaning and diagnostic checkup. DENTIST

Is zirconium good for dental bridges?

Yes. Bridges are usually made from alloys of materials that provide non-corrosion, strength, and some slight give. It is suggested you let your dentist choose the material for READ MORE
Yes. Bridges are usually made from alloys of materials that provide non-corrosion, strength, and some slight give. It is suggested you let your dentist choose the material for your bridge as your dentist has had experience with hundreds of bridges. DENTIST

Can gum surgery fix gum recession?

Some forms of gum surgery can provide restoration of some gum recession. Success largely depends on the patient health care, diet, and general state of health, and the amount of READ MORE
Some forms of gum surgery can provide restoration of some gum recession. Success largely depends on the patient health care, diet, and general state of health, and the amount of recession that needs to be restored and the extent of the recession. DENTIST

Can I straighten my front teeth with braces?

Yes. Your dentist and orthodontist can explain what will need to be done and will perform diagnostic procedures to determine exactly what will be necessary. DENTIST

Is the zirconia crown strong?

Yes. The Zirconia crown is now considered a standard in dentistry. You can review the various crown material options with your dentist but the "Zirconia" crown is a good choice. READ MORE
Yes. The Zirconia crown is now considered a standard in dentistry. You can review the various crown material options with your dentist but the "Zirconia" crown is a good choice. DENTIST

Anxiety with health

Dropping a toothbrush on the floor means you need to thoroughly wash the toothbrush with hot soapy water, then rinse and dry it before using. You can also put the brush into a READ MORE
Dropping a toothbrush on the floor means you need to thoroughly wash the toothbrush with hot soapy water, then rinse and dry it before using. You can also put the brush into a glass filled with mouthwash for a half hour, then rinse it thoroughly. You can also opt to get a new toothbrush for your mouth. You probably will not get any disease from it hitting the floor if you are still healthy. DENTIST.

What type of braces is the most comfortable?

Comfort is out the window when wearing braces or removable appliances. Any of these involve the movement of teeth, which causes discomfort for a few days while your tooth movement READ MORE
Comfort is out the window when wearing braces or removable appliances. Any of these involve the movement of teeth, which causes discomfort for a few days while your tooth movement is most effective and the associated discomfort is often accompanied by some pain from irritation of gums and lips by braces. Also, depending on your age and the condition of your teeth and bite, the dentist/orthodontist may prescribe certain treatment modalities that may be more discomforting than others for temporary periods to accomplish tooth movements that are needed to bring your occlusion (bite) into proper alignments. Instead of worrying about temporary discomfort why not look to the future when your teeth will look and function beautifully over an entire lifetime?? DENTIST

What is the best material for a dental crown?

The best material for a dental crown is whatever your dentist recommends. How long a crown lasts is depending on a lot of factors involving your oral health and the condition of READ MORE
The best material for a dental crown is whatever your dentist recommends. How long a crown lasts is depending on a lot of factors involving your oral health and the condition of your bite, whether you smoke or drink alcohol, hot coffee, or acidic drinks, for example. So in today's modern dentistry, the best crown material is really dependent on your oral health. Your dentist can provide some options dependent on your health insurance druthers and your economic status. DENTIST

Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?

The answer is that a dentist or orthodontist must evaluate your bite. If the dentist thinks invisalign will work for you use this treatment modality. However, if the dentist feels READ MORE
The answer is that a dentist or orthodontist must evaluate your bite. If the dentist thinks invisalign will work for you use this treatment modality. However, if the dentist feels braces are needed for part or all of your treatment, then go with the experience of the dentist. You want your teeth to be healthy and attractive for the rest of your life. Look at any costs over a decades long timeline. DENTIST

Which flosser is best for crowns?

Any hand held floss is good for crowns. The waxed kind may be easier to use for some people but the unwaxed thin kind may work best to get between tight spaces. There are also READ MORE
Any hand held floss is good for crowns. The waxed kind may be easier to use for some people but the unwaxed thin kind may work best to get between tight spaces. There are also plastic devices that will hold a piece of floss for single use. Basically the technique is to use the floss once a day to four times a week depending on your dentition and your dentist's recommendations. Once you are past the tight spot between the teeth, go very gently with a little rocking motion down a bit. Do not tear into the gums at all. If you get any blood you are either working the floss too far down (or up for the top teeth), or your dentist may have to check your teeth again or prescribe a toothpaste like Paradontics. DENTIST

Can gingivitis heal on its own?

Gingivitis can heal if you take certain very positive steps. First, limit the uptake of alcoholic beverages. Second, limit or eliminate smoking products, especially chaw tobacco. READ MORE
Gingivitis can heal if you take certain very positive steps. First, limit the uptake of alcoholic beverages. Second, limit or eliminate smoking products, especially chaw tobacco. Third, increase your consumption of Vitamin C foods, such as oranges or juice, pineapples or juice, grapes or juice, limes, raisins, strawberries, cherries among other foods. Vit. C pills are unfortunately not very good. Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and use any one of a number of gingivitis toothpastes, including Crest or Peridontax type toothpastes. Brush at least 2x a day, but preferably after meals. Floss as needed 1x a day or 4x a week. An electric toothbrush might be very useful. See your dentist at least every 6 months or more often if the dentist needs to monitor your progress. DENTIST

Are zirconia crowns durable?

Dentists guarantee their crowns until you leave the office. Otherwise you are on your own. A zirconium crown should last for ten to fifteen years at least, and possibly more, providing READ MORE
Dentists guarantee their crowns until you leave the office. Otherwise you are on your own. A zirconium crown should last for ten to fifteen years at least, and possibly more, providing you take care of your teeth and occlusion, and other factors do not interfere-- such as lack of proper diet, using chaw tobacco, excessive alcohol, high sugar drinks, etc. that may hurt the teeth or the gums or the bone holding the tooth. DENTIST