Dr. John Hackbarth, DDS

The treatment options for a cavity depend largely on two factors. 1. How deep or large is the cavity? 2. What knowledge, education and experience does your dentist have in cosmetic and alternative dental treatments? In this day and time, there is enough evidence that the old silver colored fillings are not a healthy alternative long term. If a cavity is caught early in a primary tooth there are alternative treatments that can avoid shots and drilling by doctors who have had training in Ozone dental therapies. The same may be possible in an adult tooth depending on its location. And the depth, size and position should determine the options available in materials, as some my be more durable and others more cosmetic. For more details you will need to call me at home, as I am currently retired and have sold my old practice, The Dental Cosmetic Center Bay Area, to a large dental chain.

Yes, gingivitis can be corrected. See your dentist and professional dental hygienist to work together on a treatment plan. This may include a combination of procedures in the dental office, prescribed medication to apply to the area, possible nutritional suggestions, and a guided at home regiment. You will also need to return to follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process. Consistent and efficient bushing and flossing, along with good overall health, can be the best method of preventing gingivitis from reoccurring.

Improper brushing with too stiff a brush can cause gum recession. But not brushing can also cause gum recession. It is important to see your dentist and professional hygienist routinely so they can check your gums as well as your teeth and make recommendations for changes in your daily brushing as needed. A dental professional will be able to see issues you cannot see in your own mouth, and should know what signs to look for before irreversible damage occurs.

That can depend on the quality of work and who you go to to have it made. Not all crowns are equal. Not all dental labs are equal. Not all dentists are equal.

There are many options for cleaning dentures. I will be glad to go over many of them with you over the phone or when I see you next. The important thing is that you continue to clean your dentures and mouth regularly, as well as continuing regular checkups for your oral health.

This is not a "one size fits all" answer. The answer depends on your individual situation and how extensive your surgery may be. Please ask your dentist this question both before you have your procedure, and after. Your dentist may require you to come in for a post op appointment before giving you the ok.to do certain things. As always, if you don't remember what your dentist told you at your appointment you should call your dental office and ask.

Invisalign can fix a cross bite only in some cases. Be sure you have a dentist who has had many years of experience using the invisalign product

It is normal to feel a slight discomfort or even an ache in teeth for a couple of days after getting braces on, and again each time they tighten or adjust your braces. Usually this can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. It helps to understand the mechanics of tooth movement to straighten teeth. The process requires applying consistent pressure on the teeth to move them in small increments as they gradually reposition their roots in the jaw bone. An experienced dentist or orthodontist will apply laws of nature in how fast bone grows in planning out stages to get your teeth from their original positions to their optimal position. The amount movement needed and difficulty of movement involved will determine how long they anticipate it will take. A good dentist will also advise you that once your teeth have been straightened to their optimal position you will need some type of retainer to keep them from shifting back to their original position. This could be a fixed retainer, or a tray you put in for a few hours each day. The retainer should never give you discomfort, unless you take it out and don't wear it several days. If left out for weeks at a time you could have to start over with braces to get your teeth straight again. These same principles apply with plastic aligners like Invisalign. The difference is the clear plastic aligners can be taken out while eating, and if not worn the number of required hours will not move the teeth as planned. (John K. Hackbarth, DDS is not currently practicing and is not affiliated with the Dental Cosmetic Center Bay Area nor it's doctors. For a referral to an experienced dentist or orthodontist you may contact Dr. Hackbarth directly.)

This question becomes specific to the extent of the surgery you are having. After selecting an experienced and well qualified dentist or oral surgeon to perform your surgery, ask him/her about what to expect during surgery and after surgery. This will give you a general idea of what to expect. Then on the day of surgery when surgery is completed be sure you or the person who comes with you receives a printed update of post-op instructions. (This is necessary because should anything unexpected come up during surgery, it will be covered. It is also necessary to be printed because you may not remember all of the details hours later.) I hope this was helpful. While I am not currently practicing, I am happy to provide any educational information possible.

No. However there is a technique called "Pinhole Surgery" that can repair gum recession, but only after stopping the main cause of the recession. Be sure you research and find a dentist that is certified in the Pinhole Surgery technique after getting the recession and any evidence of periodontal disease under control. Pinhole surgery is a very specific and complicated procedure, so allowing a dentist not properly trained in this post graduate course could result in serious complications.

If you are having jaw pain your denture may not be fitting correctly and need adjusting, or may be inadequate. The dentist, or dental office, that made the dentures for you should be able to help you. A dentist that has experience and training using neuromuscular tecmiques may be best in determining where your denture or bite needs to be adjusted to get rid of your jaw pain. You should not have jaw pain from a good fitting denture.

Please be more specific. Which "tooth straightening procedure" are you referring to? I am no longer associated with the Dental Cosmetic Center Bay Area, but gladly will talk to patients, friends, and neighbors that are wanting advice on dental needs.

Only if they have food stains on them, and then only maybe. But be aware you may also whiten the gum area too. I recommend Dr.B denture products, which can be ordered on the internet, for all routine cleaning. I also highly advise an annual checkup, where the dentist should check your gums and mouth, check the overall fit of your denture to see if there is need for an adjustment, and then they should professionally clean your denture for you. FYI... I am no longer associated with the Dental Cosmetic Center-Bay Area, nor recommended that location for dental work. Stay tuned for updates on my new contact information.

There are many choices in crown materials these days. Each has it's strengths and drawbacks. Deciding on the best depends on many factors.

It is important to ask your doctor or dentist all questions you may have, as well as letting him/her know your concerns before scheduling treatment. Dr. Hackbarth is always available to answer questions for his patients during consultation appointments as well as by phone.

At the time of implant surgery, or any dental surgical procedure, you should receive post-op instructions on how to treat post procedure problems. If you have a problem or complication not discussed with you at your appointment, or if the directions given are unclear or not working for relief, you should call the dentist immediately.

This is an important question to ask your dentist during your denture evaluation and consultation. The answer will vary by patient based on the condition and stability of the remaining teeth. It is important to see a dentist with experience and success in placing dentures.

As with any surgical procedure, it is important to follow your doctor's instruction exactly. If you did not receive written instructions or don't remember what was said, call the office and ask the doctor to call back and speak with you. Dr. Hackbarth has specific instructions for all implant and surgical procedures, and often calls each patient after they go home to check on their progress and any unanswered questions that may have come up. If you would like to schedule an implant consultation with Dr Hackbarth and ask preliminary questions, please call our office at 409-935-2111.

Dentistry is not a "one size fits all" commodity. Every person's teeth, mouth, jaw and health situations are uniquely their own. To determine which procedures are best and safest for your teeth and mouth you should always have an exam and consultation from an experienced dentist. Dr. Hackbarth has 40+ years of experience and success in working with all types of tooth straighten methods, as well as other cosmetic dental procedures, and always with his patient's optimal long range dental health in mind. He will be glad to answer all of your questions as they pertain to your unique situation, wants, and needs. Call 409-935-2111 to schedule an appointment.

If you are having pain you need to call your dental office right away. We gladly work in any patient with pain. Getting patients out of pain and making them healthy and happy is our goal. Please call 409-935-2111 to make an appointment, or stop in and speak to our front desk staff to be seen by our doctor.