Answering Common Questions on Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry

These 12 questions are those our patients and web visitors ask most often. However, if you have questions that we haven’t addressed here, please feel free to contact Dr. Pearsall directly at apearsall@arthurpearsalldds.com.

Why should I spend money on my teeth at my age?

None of us knows how long we will live, but we all want the highest quality of life. That's why Dr. Pearsall encourages patients of all ages to keep their teeth in good repair while their overall health is still good. For example, statistics show that many of us will spend an average of 3–5 years in a long-term care facility, where dental care is nearly nonexistent. Having healthy teeth can buy you three to five years of feeling good even in those conditions, whereas poor teeth will rapidly become major sources of pain and discomfort.

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Why do I need to see a specialist? Can’t Dr. Pearsall fix my problem?

Technological advances in dentistry occur so rapidly, that it's nearly impossible to be an expert in every aspect of the field. For this reason, Dr. Pearsall has chosen to limit his procedures to those he does best: adult cosmetic and restorative dentistry. This includes white fillings, crowns, bridges, tooth whitening, precision (nonwire-clasp) partial dentures, and nonsurgical gum treatment. However, since we're fortunate enough to have access to all of the dental specialties right here in Western North Carolina, Dr. Pearsall can confidently work with oral surgeons (for extractions), endodontists (root canal specialists), and periodontists (gum specialists) as needed.

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How does the doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?

Dr. Pearsall subscribes to the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental industry. He invites experts in the field to come and provide personal instruction to his staff, devotes 100 hours a year to continuing education studies, and belongs to the Carolina Mountains Study Club, which provides peer consultation and reviews of difficult cases. Dr. Pearsall’s staff also pursues ongoing studies in his areas of expertise, so that as a team they’re familiar with the latest techniques and materials available.

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Do you accept referrals?

We’re happy to accept referrals from other dental offices as well as from recommendations by our patients to their family and friends. Our greatest source of new patients comes from referrals by our existing patients.

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What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?

In case of a true dental emergency, call our office at 828-692-5190 and leave a message as to the nature of your condition. We’ll return the call as soon as possible, providing as much helpful information as possible over the phone and arranging to see you in person as needed. Our calls are monitored during the weekend and vacations.

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I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes off or breaks?

If your temporary crown comes off, immediately stabilize it with temporary cement or tooth cement…something we typically will have provided for you during placement.  If the crown has broken into several pieces, carefully wrap up the pieces in a protective container. Either way, please contact our office at your first opportunity to schedule a time for Dr. Pearsall to reapply the crown.

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How can I have whiter teeth?

A number of available procedures can help you whiten your smile. To begin with, Dr. Pearsall can help evaluate your potential for whitening your teeth, based on their current color and the causes of any discoloration. Then, you’ll probably spend anywhere from two to four weeks undergoing a series of simple whitening treatments, resulting in teeth approximately two shades brighter on the dental shade chart.

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Is it bad if my gums bleed after I brush my teeth?

Bleeding gums are definitely something to be concerned about. They can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough, “scrubbing” instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar buildup below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. Most of the time, we find chronic gum disease to be the culprit. Your best and safest solution is to contact our office for an evaluation appointment.

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Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, partials … where can I learn more about what you’re talking about?

With today’s technology, materials and advanced techniques, we have many options for restoring weak, broken, chipped, discolored and/or crooked teeth, bringing them back to their original shape and function. For example, we can apply an all-porcelain crown, somewhat like a cap, that covers the entire outside of the problem tooth. Crowns are also helpful to cover large areas of decay after they’ve been filled. Or, for large decayed or damaged surface-chewing areas that require restoration, we can apply a protective covering/filling, or onlay, made of either precious metal or composite resin material to add strength and prevent decay. If you need fillings, we can use porcelain inlays instead of silver amalgam, actually strengthening the tooth and protecting it against further fracture. Similarly, we can restore cracked, discolored, crooked or otherwise unattractive front teeth to pretty, natural shapes and shades by applying paper-thin porcelain veneers to the fronts. If you’re interested in finding out more about these procedures, visit the “Patient Education” section of our website.

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My breath stinks, and I brush every day. Is it just me or is there something you can do to help?

Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily toothbrushing. Here’s a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem: twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and tongue cleaning; regular professional cleanings and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances. If your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, we can offer several solutions. First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue and significantly alleviates odor. Or, we can recommend a specially-prepared breath treatment system designed to actually break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, we may also suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, in which case we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.

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I want my front teeth to look better, but I don’t want to wear braces. What can you do to help?

Dr. Pearsall has a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. We’d be happy to consult with you about the appearance of your front teeth and create a treatment plan to accomplish your objectives.

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I’m a new patient, and I know I will probably have to fill out something before I see the doctor. May I get copies of any forms in advance?

Simply click on the “New Patient” link on the side of this page, and we’ll be happy to provide you with the forms that you’ll need as well as a map and directions to our office.

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