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Whitening
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Dental Filling and Crown
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Veneers
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Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)
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Surgery
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Implants
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Braces (Orthodontics)
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Dentistry for children (Pediatric Dentistry)
Whitening

Teeth whitening is a simple and safe procedure that makes teeth brighter by using bleaches. The bleaching agents remove stains deeply from the surface of the teeth, without any harm if used properly. The 3 whitening technics: 1- Laser Whitening: 5 minutes’ procedure only 2- LED Whitening: 20-40 minutes’ procedure 3- Professional Whitening Tray or “gouttière”: a customized tray done by the dentist, used at home daily for 2- 3 weeks At Cedars Dental Centre, we recommend a combined technic: Laser Whitening session followed by Whitening Tray for 3- 4 days only (for more details check our FAQ)
FAQ

1- What is the best whitening technic?
All the whitening technics give the same result; however, white Laser technique, the patient will get the result with only 5 minutes (which means a faster result with less discomfort).
2- Is Laser/ LED whitening enough?
The Laser whitening by itself is not enough, the patient needs to use the tray directly after the Laser session to stabilize the brighter color accomplished. In this case the patient needs only to wear the tray 30 minutes daily for 3-4 days only.
3- How much whiter can my teeth get?
Whitening procedures work by using bleaches that break apart the chemical bonds between stains, thus removing all the stubborn stains attached. Which means: “bleaching will lighten your teeth till they reach their natural bright shade”.
4- Are there any side effects for teeth whitening?
Some people may experience tooth sensitivity during the whitening treatment. In most cases, the sensitivity is temporary. At Cedars Dental Centre, we apply fluoride to reduce this sensitivity. But any misuse of whitening protocol can lead to a nerve damage.
5- Does whitening work on all teeth?
No, whitening does not work on teeth with intrinsic discoloration caused by trauma or medication (antibiotics...). It only removes extrinsic stains caused by tobacco, food and drinks (like tea, coffee, red wine, tomato sauce...). Usually the whitening is more successful for yellow teeth than brown or gray teeth.
6- Do you recommend any toothpaste to whiten my teeth?
Whitening toothpastes remove the stains on the surface only by using mild abrasives. So they do not change the color of the teeth like bleaches used in whitening technics
7- How often can I whiten my teeth?
Teeth whitening lasts at least a year, sometimes for 2-4 years depending on the consuming of coloring food, drinks and tobacco. For this reason, we recommend to follow our maintenance protocol for a long lasting result.
Dental Filling and Crown

Tooth decay is the decomposition of tooth structures due to acidity produced by bacteria; tooth filling consists of removing the decay, cleaning the remaining tooth structure and then restoring the tooth with filling material, which is usually a white composite material. Whenever there is a big dental structure loss due to a trauma, big decay or after root canal treatment, we have to restore the tooth with a crown to protect it from a fracture and eventually from extraction.
FAQ

1- How can I know if I have a decay?
Only a dentist can detect the decay by a clinical examination associated with X-rays because sometimes tooth decay cannot be seen with the eyes, especially if it is located between the teeth (X-ray).
2- How to prevent tooth decay?
1) Consume with moderated quantities foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates.
2) Brush 2-3 times a day for 2 minutes at least
3) Floss regularly to remove the remaining food between teeth.
3- Is decay related to toothache?
Not necessary, usually a decay causes pain if it is close to the nerve. But in all other cases the decay can occur and grow without any symptoms
4- How many types of crowns are there?
- The metal-ceramic crown: a white ceramic covers a metallic structure.
- The All- ceramic crown: The entire thickness of the crown is 100% ceramic. These crowns are more esthetic and biocompatible than the metalceramic crown.
Veneers

Veneers are customized shells of ceramic or composite designed to cover the front surface of anterior teeth. Veneers are used to fix broken, misaligned (either crowding, spaces or malposition) or discolored teeth. Tip: the veneer will fail whenever someone tells you that the veneers are nice. Take advantage of the experience and the knowledge of Prof. André ASSAF (professor, Founder and ex-President of Lebanese Society of Prosthodontists) and ask him about your smile.
FAQ

1- What is the best type of veneers?
We prefer the porcelain over the composite veneers for many reasons:
- Porcelain is more resistant to fracture than composite.
- Porcelain is more resistant to discoloration than composite.
- Porcelain is more esthetic than composite.
2- How long do dental veneer last?
Veneers generally last between 7-15 years, less for composite and more for porcelain.
3- Do dental veneers require special care?
No for porcelain veneers and yes for composite veneers. Biting hard food is prohibited with only composite veneers. However, the patient should continue to follow a good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing.
Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)

The pulp (knows as nerve) is the soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. It extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root. When the pulp is infected or injured, bacteria will develop inside the tooth. If not treated this infection will cause pain and abscess.
FAQ

1- Is root canal treatment painful?
Root canal treatment does not cause pain, it relieves it. At Cedars Dental Centre we guarantee a painless root canal treatment, especially that our Endodontist uses the latest technology for the preparation and canal filling which is even safer than the old technology.
2- I did root canal treatment for this tooth, why do I have to redo it?
If the pulp was removed and not well cleaned or not well filled, the bacteria will remain inside and will cause abscess or pain with time.
Surgery

Are you afraid to remove an impacted or a damaged wisdom tooth? Usually people are afraid to go through a surgery of the wisdom teeth because of the pain during and after the surgery, time needed to finish and the risks. Surgery Specialists are well trained with enough knowledge to finish the surgery with less pain, less time and less risks.
FAQ

1- I removed one wisdom after 2 hours’ surgery with too much pain after. I still have three to remove but I am afraid to go through this hard experience again. what can you say about this?
A specialist doesn’t need that time to finish a surgery. So better to see a Specialist than General Practitioner for complicated cases
2- Is it possible to remove all the 4 wisdom teeth in one session and how much time it takes?
Yes, it is possible. The time needed depends on how complicated is the position of the tooth. Usually it takes around 30 minutes to finish four surgery of wisdom teeth.
Implants

Losing a tooth is no longer an issue due to the dental implant technology which consists of adding an artificial tooth. A temporary crown can be placed directly after extracting the tooth for esthetic reason.
FAQ

1- I had to remove one tooth and I have the options to do one implant or a bridge to fill the space. What do I choose?
Better to go for the implant option because with the bridge option the dentist has to file two natural teeth to put a bridge
2- My teeth are horrible with spaces and mobility and gum bleeding and gum recession... my dentist advised me to remove all my teeth and replaced them with implants and crowns. Do I have to consider this option?
Yes, you have to consider this option as a permanent solution. With severe gum disease and bone loss, it is a way to stop the bone loss by removing the teeth and placing implants.
3- Is implant surgery a big surgery?
No, it is a simple 5-10 minutes surgery with no side effects
4- When I remove a tooth can I put immediately an implant and a crown or I have to wait?
Sometimes it is possible to remove a tooth and put immediately an implant and a crown. Otherwise, specially when there is an infection, we have to extract and wait 2-3 months. Then we put an implant and we wait 2-3 months and then we put a crown for better result.
Braces

Who wants old technology if new technologies are available like:
1- Self-ligating braces: “less-pain & less-time” braces
2- Invisible Braces: • Braces fixed from inside • Invisalign (plastic transparent removable device)
3- Stylish braces for teenagers in shape of hearts, stars or colorful braces
FAQ

1- I have crowded teeth. is it a must to remove teeth?
It depends on how much teeth are crowded and the age of the patient. Whenever it is possible we can do expansion of the arch to gain more spaces or we can file between teeth to reduce the size of the teeth to fit the size of the arches. But the option to extract teeth is still a valid option when it is indicated
2- It is known that braces treatment takes 1 year to 2 years and it is painful. Is this a rule for braces?
No. With Self-Ligating Braces we have experience less pain and less time, sometimes it can be half of the usual time. Also, by using soft wires and using light and continuous forces we make the treatment more comfortable
3- What is the best age to start braces? Do I have to wait till my kid has all his permanent teeth?
It is recommended to start seeing the orthodontist around age 9 to do prevention if needed. Usually braces are placed after the eruption of the permanent teeth. But when the front teeth are protruded and we have to work on the jaw, it is a must to start during the growth period before the peak.
4- Till what age we still can do braces?
There is no time limit.
Dentistry For Children (Pediatric Dentistry)

Pediatric Dentistry (also known as Pedodontics) is the branch of dentistry dealing with children from birth through adolescence. Pediatric dentists promote the dental health of children as well as serve as educational resources for parents.
FAQ

1- When should I take my child to the pediatric dentist for the first time?
The American academy of pediatric dentistry recommend that a first dental visit should occur within 6 months after the presence of the first tooth or by a child’s first birthday.
2- Why is it important to take my child to the pediatric dentist at such an early age?
This is because early oral examination helps in the detection of the early stages of tooth decay thus resulting in a simple and noninvasive treatment. Additionally, parents are given a program of preventive home care (brushing, fluorides), information on thumb and pacifier habits, diet counseling and information on growth and development.
3- Why is it important to treat baby teeth since they are going to fall anyway?
This is because baby teeth help children chew properly, speak correctly and smile with confidence. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth while growing inside the gum.
4- What will happen if I don’t treat my child’s milk teeth?
Neglecting the treatment of decayed baby teeth could result in pain, infections possibly leading to a premature loss of the tooth compromising the space for the permanent ones. Although, sometimes, the infection will be more harmful and can cause edema and severe complications.