expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Scott A Terry, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Scott Terry is a Dentist practicing in North Vernon, IN. Dr. Terry 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.
32 years Experience
Dr. Scott A. Terry, DDS
  • North Vernon, IN
  • Indiana University School Of Dentistry
  • Accepting new patients

Can receding gums be restored?

That's a great question. If the recession is a small amount and whatever factors caused it is changed, usually, I don't recommend any treatment to the gums. They don't grow back. READ MORE
That's a great question. If the recession is a small amount and whatever factors caused it is changed, usually, I don't recommend any treatment to the gums. They don't grow back. If the amount is larger, the root surface can be covered with a skin graft is a surgical procedure.

What are the disadvantages of Invisalign?

That is a good question. First of all, Invisalign is a name brand of a type of clear orthodontic aligners. There are many other named products. When used under the supervision READ MORE
That is a good question. First of all, Invisalign is a name brand of a type of clear orthodontic aligners. There are many other named products. When used under the supervision of an orthodontist or dentist these aligners can be very helpful to straighten teeth. I would strongly caution you to not use a mail-order product that can be used without the supervision and guidance of a dentist. The aligners can do a pretty nice job with closing spaces and minor tooth movements. Sometimes the movements can only be achieved with some minor removal of enamel. The cost may be higher than traditional braces. More involved cases of tooth movements may require braces. Ask your dentist or orthodontist if you are a candidate.

Is a root canal necessary before the dental bridge?

Not always. It depends on the tooth that is part of the bridge. Is it unhealthy? Would making the bridge cause it to be unhealthy? Not all teeth that need crowns or bridges need READ MORE
Not always. It depends on the tooth that is part of the bridge. Is it unhealthy? Would making the bridge cause it to be unhealthy? Not all teeth that need crowns or bridges need root canals, but lots of root canal-treated teeth tend to need crowns for strength.

Should I get a crown after Invisalign?

I need some more information to answer this. What do you need the crown for? If you haven't started, you can get the crown first, under my circumstances. That would be good if READ MORE
I need some more information to answer this. What do you need the crown for? If you haven't started, you can get the crown first, under my circumstances. That would be good if there was a broken tooth that needs strengthening. Doing the crown after Invisalign works great to fine-tune the appearance after the orthodontics.

Can I use whitening toothpaste with braces?

Yes, you can use a whitening toothpaste with your orthodontics in place. The more important thing is to make sure the toothpaste has fluoride. Fighting plaque and preventing cavities READ MORE
Yes, you can use a whitening toothpaste with your orthodontics in place. The more important thing is to make sure the toothpaste has fluoride. Fighting plaque and preventing cavities is a lot more important to your health than whitening. Most types of toothpaste will do both jobs.

Why does Invisalign hurt my teeth?

That depends. Clear aligners can make your teeth sore while they are moving. It is similar to other types of orthodontic treatments. It should not actually damage them if you are READ MORE
That depends. Clear aligners can make your teeth sore while they are moving. It is similar to other types of orthodontic treatments. It should not actually damage them if you are following your dentist's advice and wear schedule.

When I tap on my root canal tooth it hurts. Is it normal?

Root canal-treated teeth can be sore for some time after treatment. Generally, you should give it 3-4 weeks. Your dentist will be able to make sure that the problem is normal post-treatment READ MORE
Root canal-treated teeth can be sore for some time after treatment. Generally, you should give it 3-4 weeks. Your dentist will be able to make sure that the problem is normal post-treatment tenderness or something more serious.

Should you brush teeth before or after coffee?

Brush your teeth after you drink your coffee.

Are crowns as strong as real teeth?

Crowns are considered to be stronger than the tooth that they strengthen.

How soon can you eat after a bridge?

It is always best to ask your dentist for their advice. Different types of cement have different setting times.

What is the best toothpaste for porcelain veneers?

Most kinds of toothpaste that are commercially available, should be fine. I usually recommend that you look for the ADA seal. That seal does not imply that the toothpaste is better. READ MORE
Most kinds of toothpaste that are commercially available, should be fine. I usually recommend that you look for the ADA seal. That seal does not imply that the toothpaste is better. It just signifies that the toothpaste follows the standards that most dentists think are important.

Can I drive after dental implant procedure?

The answer is "usually". It's hard to predict how you will feel after the surgery. Most dental patients do great after implant placement when local anesthetics are used.

How can I remove tooth decay myself?

Maybe. Why would you risk leaving the roots in your gums or the pain that is controlled by anesthetics? I realize extractions can be costly, but so can a bad and painful home extraction. READ MORE
Maybe. Why would you risk leaving the roots in your gums or the pain that is controlled by anesthetics? I realize extractions can be costly, but so can a bad and painful home extraction.

Can I wait a week to fill a cavity?

It's hard to answer that question without an exam. Try to get things taken care of as soon as possible.

Can you reverse small cavities?

I do not know of a way to actually reverse a cavity without dental care. There are times that early decalcifications can be reversed with fluoride and minerals. When there is an READ MORE
I do not know of a way to actually reverse a cavity without dental care. There are times that early decalcifications can be reversed with fluoride and minerals. When there is an actual cavity, this is not possible.

How long does it take to put a crown on an implant?

Each type of implant has a specific amount of time needed to actually lock into the bone. This is also dependent upon where in the mouth that the implant is actually placed (upper READ MORE
Each type of implant has a specific amount of time needed to actually lock into the bone. This is also dependent upon where in the mouth that the implant is actually placed (upper vs lower jaw, etc). It may seem like a long time, but it is made in order that healing would be complete and the new implant will feel sturdy and be healthy. It will be worth it.

How long until a cavity becomes a root canal?

Thanks for asking. There is no accurate answer to that question. The rate that decay grows is different for each person. Also, each tooth is different. Things like whether the READ MORE
Thanks for asking. There is no accurate answer to that question. The rate that decay grows is different for each person. Also, each tooth is different. Things like whether the tooth has had treatment in the past, diet, medications and drugs, and home care all can contribute to the rate at which a cavity progresses.

Can wisdom teeth cause ear pain?

Yes, that is a common complaint.

Do dental crowns look natural?

My office works with the dental laboratory to make our patient's crown appear naturally in color, shape, and size.

How do you know when a cavity is really bad?

Waiting too long for a cavity is never a good idea. Pain and infection are possible when decay worsens. Do yourself a favor and get an exam. Your dentist can help find a problem READ MORE
Waiting too long for a cavity is never a good idea. Pain and infection are possible when decay worsens. Do yourself a favor and get an exam. Your dentist can help find a problem and suggest treatment early. It can save a lot of time and expenses.