FAQs

Dentistry involves diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders and diseases affecting the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw of a patient. Proper dental care is necessary for maintaining optimal oral health and can also have a positive impact on overall well-being.

Dentists are health professionals who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing various oral health conditions and dental problems. To become a dentist, one must undergo extensive medical schooling, as Dr Bodnar has done, where one can obtain either a DDS or DMD degree. Some dentists also specialize in pediatric dentistry, which involves providing dental care to children from infancy through teenage years. Additionally, there are several other specializations within the field of dentistry, such as orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, endodontics (root canals), periodontics (gum disease), and prosthodontics (dental implants), as well as oral and maxillofacial surgery, pathology, and radiology.

At Dr Gabor Bodnar DMD, we understand that our patients lead busy lives. While it may seem like a hassle to fit a dental appointment into your schedule, it is essential for maintaining good oral health. While brushing for two minutes twice a day and regular flossing can help prevent certain oral health issues, they are not foolproof. Therefore, we highly recommend scheduling regular dental cleanings with us to ensure proper oral hygiene and detect any emerging problems before they become more costly and painful.

Regular cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good oral health, which is why it's highly recommended to schedule them with Dr Bodnar. Based on your individual dental needs, Dr Bodnar can recommend how often you should come in for your cleanings. Some dental issues may not have obvious symptoms, making early detection even more critical. Additionally, we offer a variety of treatments to enhance patient aesthetics because we recognize the importance of feeling confident and comfortable with your smile.

When you book an appointment with Dr Bodnar, you can expect a comprehensive dental experience. Our team will conduct a thorough oral examination, including a screening for oral cancer. We also utilize professional X-rays to detect any cavities and our skilled hygienists perform a full cleaning to eliminate tartar, debris, and plaque from your mouth.

Dr Bodnar will work closely with the hygienist to create a personalized treatment plan to address any dental concerns that are discovered during the exam. We also offer a range of both aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to help enhance your smile. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to call our office at (954) 250-7857.

For optimal oral health, Dr Bodnar recommends changing your toothbrush at least every three months. However, if you use an electronic toothbrush, you should refer to the manufacturer's recommendation because the head may not need to be changed as often. If you have gum disease, you may need to change your toothbrush more frequently. After brushing, it's crucial to thoroughly rinse your brush with hot water and store it in an upright position to allow it to dry fully between uses. This is important because it helps to eliminate germs and bacteria that can accumulate on your toothbrush. This will keep it clean and effective.

Thanks to innovative dental techniques, there are now exciting new options available for those looking to enhance their smile. One such option is teeth bleaching or whitening, a process that lightens the color of teeth by minimizing staining caused by age, coffee, tea, tobacco, and other factors. After treatment, the brightening effects can last for up to five years. With a success rate of over 90%, bleaching is highly effective at removing stains while remaining gentle on your teeth. However, it's important to note that bleaching will not lighten fillings or other dental restorative materials. Dr Bodnar may advise against bleaching if you have sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, worn enamel, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Depending on the specific bleaching treatment chosen, the procedure may be completed in Dr Bodnar's office using a bleaching system such as laser bleaching, which can provide instant results. Alternatively, supervised home bleaching may be a more cost-effective option, although it typically takes longer to achieve the desired outcome. In some cases, bleaching systems that work while you sleep can produce results in as little as 10 to 14 days, while others that require tooth exposure of two to four hours a day may take three to six weeks to complete. It's worth noting that different types of stains may respond better to certain types of whitening materials than others. If needed, Dr Bodnar can suggest which approach might be most effective for your needs.

Prior to undergoing teeth bleaching, Dr Bodnar will conduct a thorough examination of both your teeth and gums to determine the most appropriate course of action based on your specific needs. Any existing cavities or gum problems must be addressed prior to beginning the bleaching process. The in-office method usually takes between one and three hours and yields an immediately noticeable change. Alternatively, for the at-home method, custom-fitted flexible trays will be created from special molds of your teeth to ensure comfortable and proper application of the bleaching gel. Upon receiving these trays, you will be provided detailed instructions on proper use, which must be strictly followed for optimal results. After completing the treatment, Dr Bodnar will re-examine your teeth and discuss the achieved results.

In the past five years, research has shown that bleaching is a safe and effective method of tooth whitening. A wide range of tooth whitening products have been awarded the American Dental Association's seal of approval. The only noticeable side effect of the treatment is often sensitivity to hot and cold foods. However, this sensitivity typically subsides within 48 hours.

Cavities are commonly treated with silver fillings, also known as amalgams. While effective at filling the space where decay has been removed, amalgams can corrode and leak over time and cause discoloration of both the filling and the tooth. This is often a source of embarrassment for patients. Fortunately, Dr Bodnar is able to offer an alternative solution in the form of composite fillings. Made from a durable, porcelain-like material, composite fillings bond tightly to the tooth and are color-matched to blend in naturally. They resist staining and are less likely to cause the sensitivity often associated with amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are an ideal choice for smaller cavities and for patients with metal sensitivities.

Tooth bleaching is a process that involves applying a solution to the teeth to reduce staining and discoloration. This solution is held in place over the teeth by a custom-made, see-through tray. Bleaching is a safe, easy, and highly effective means of achieving a whiter smile. Two bleaching methods are offered by Dr Bodnar: power bleaching with a laser, performed at our office, and at-home bleaching, which is designed for home use. The main difference between the two methods is the strength of the whitening agent and the time required to attain desirable results. Power bleaching typically requires between three to six visits, while at-home bleaching may take up to four weeks of regular usage. It is important to note that teeth that are sensitive or have chips, erosion, or cavities should be repaired or protected before undergoing the bleaching process.

For more than a century, dentists have relied on silver-mercury amalgam fillings to repair teeth suffering from decay or damage. Although gold was another option, the high cost made it unaffordable for most people. Nowadays, a more cost-effective and innovative solution exists in the form of tooth-colored resin fillings. Dr Bodnar applies the putty-like material to the tooth and bonds it in place using a high-intensity light, which hardens the material and allows it to be shaped and polished immediately. After completion, the restored tooth appears natural and is actually stronger than it previously was. Resin restorations typically range between $155 to $325 per tooth. 

For more than a century, silver and mercury have been the primary materials used in dental restorations. While effective, these materials have limitations such as cracking teeth due to material expansion and discoloration caused by corrosion of the silver. Dr Bodnar offers an array of tooth-colored restoration services that address these weaknesses. Using adhesives, he can bond tooth-like materials that not only look like natural teeth but also function like them. With these innovative techniques, Dr Bodnar can provide patients with a bright and healthy smile.

With Dr Bodnar's bonding procedure, patients can expect a virtually pain-free experience that produces remarkable results in just one office visit. Essentially, bonding involves concealing any natural flaws in the teeth by placing a thin plastic coating on the front surface. After preparing the tooth surface, Dr Bodnar carefully applies a putty-like bonding material that is sculpted, shaped, and colored to suit your unique needs. The plastic hardens under high-intensity light, and the finished surface is then polished and smoothed. Bonding can lighten stains, close gaps, and even modify crooked or malformed teeth. Dr Bodnar can also use bonding to change the shape or color of a single tooth or to enhance your entire smile as needed.

The appearance of your teeth can have a profound effect on both your attractiveness to others and your own self-esteem and self-image. Numerous studies have demonstrated that your appearance can significantly impact your social and career success by influencing how others perceive you. However, despite its importance in facial beauty, dental aesthetics are often ignored when people seek to improve their appearance. Fortunately, Dr Bodnar offers cosmetic dental procedures that can greatly benefit individuals with low self-esteem related to their facial appearance. These dental makeovers are becoming increasingly common, less invasive, and more effective in correcting cosmetic dental issues and deformities. The results of these procedures can be truly transformative both in terms of appearance and addressing personality deficiencies caused by poor self-image. With dental cosmetic procedures, unsightly teeth are no longer a matter of fate. They can be a matter of choice.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Failure to address this issue in its early stages can lead to gum disease. Certain risk factors like smoking or chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, medication use, and genetics can increase one's susceptibility to gum disease. Severe forms of periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage in the form of tooth and bone loss. To combat gum disease, Dr Bodnar recommends daily brushing and flossing as well as regular dental check-ups. Here are some symptoms:

• Abscessed teeth
• Extreme tooth sensitivity
• Chronic bad breath
• Loose or missing teeth
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Receding gum line

If you notice any of these signs, please don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. You can reach us at (954) 250-7857 or email us. At our practice, your dental health is of utmost concern.

Dr Bodnar often recommends porcelain veneers for the same reasons as bonding: to lighten stains, close gaps, and even correct crooked or misshapen teeth. Compared to bonding, veneers are more durable and resistant to staining. A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that's similar in size to a fingernail, and once it's bonded to a tooth, it becomes incredibly strong. To ensure an unobtrusive appearance, Dr Bodnar expertly blends the veneer in with the surrounding tooth structure. Once in place, a porcelain veneer is indistinguishable from a natural tooth in terms of appearance, feel, and functionality. This makes it an excellent option for enhancing the appearance of a single tooth or transforming an entire smile. For individuals who grind or clench their teeth, porcelain veneers can successfully address teeth that have become worn over time.

For various cosmetic reasons, Dr Bodnar frequently prescribes the application of porcelain veneers in the same way as bonding, which include brightening discolored teeth, reducing gaps, and remedying crooked or deformed teeth. Compared to bonding, veneers have superior durability and stain resistance. Made from thin layers of porcelain material roughly the size of a fingernail, veneers become exceedingly tough once firmly attached to a tooth. To give a natural look, Dr Bodnar blends the color and shape of the veneer with the rest of the tooth. As a result, porcelain veneers are almost impossible to tell apart from their natural counterparts, combining both physical sensation and functionality. People who grind or clench their teeth often experience tooth wear, which is something that porcelain veneers can restore with effective results.

A dental crown serves two purposes. For starters, it helps in bringing back the natural appearance of your teeth and face. Additionally, teeth are vital for supporting the facial muscles, and if a tooth is entirely missing, it can significantly impact your facial appearance. Secondly, dental crowns are designed to match the size and shape of natural teeth. This facilitates the appropriate alignment of your jaw and bite, and this ensures that your other teeth don't shift or take on an uneven workload while biting and chewing. This not only avoids further dental issues but also helps to maintain general oral health.

The most common material used for dental crowns at Dr Gabor Bodnar DMD is porcelain. Porcelain crowns are constructed over a metal base, which securely fits over the natural tooth. Our team carefully selects porcelain that matches the color of your natural teeth to ensure a seamless appearance. Porcelain crowns are often the leading choice due to their cosmetic appeal and the confidence they provide. Thanks to advancements in technology, new materials like all-ceramic crowns are also available. These ceramics share the same beautiful natural appearance as traditional porcelain crowns while boasting several long-term health benefits along with proven success through reputable clinical studies.

After your crown is fitted, it's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush the area thoroughly and floss below the gum line to ensure that bacterial growth and gum disease do not develop around the base of the crown. While the crown effectively shields your remaining tooth from decay, it's still essential to take care of the surrounding area to avoid complications. By maintaining a regular brushing and flossing routine, you can prolong the life of your crown to ensure it remains intact for many years to come.

Although losing a tooth to injury or extraction can feel like a finality, it's important to remember that dental treatments are available to help remedy the situation. When a tooth is missing, the empty space can cause the nearby teeth to move, tilt or drift from their original position. Additionally, teeth above the gap can shift downwards, and this can lead to severe bite problems, jaw pain, and headaches. Filling the gap with replacement teeth is a crucial step in maintaining the normal positioning of the surrounding teeth. At Dr Gabor Bodnar DMD, we provide fixed bridges and dental implants, and these are both effective treatments that deliver high-quality cosmetic and functional results.

A dental implant is a titanium metal post that serves as a substitute for a tooth's root. It's inserted surgically into the jawbone, and as the body recuperates from the operation (which usually takes anywhere between two to six months), a natural process called osseointegration occurs. During this phase, the surrounding bone fuses to the implant, creating a secure foundation. After osseointegration, the implant is utilized to anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures to offer durable and reliable support.

Dr Bodnar's process for dental implants initiates with a thorough assessment of your medical and dental background, along with a comprehensive clinical review of your mouth, including the area where the tooth is missing. X-rays and other requisite diagnostic tests may also be performed during the examination. Following this, a personalized treatment plan will be developed based on your unique needs and requirements. Implants are securely inserted into the jawbone via surgical intervention while under local anesthesia. The duration of healing time typically depends on the bone quality and quantity, and the type of implant utilized. Once the healing phase is completed successfully, the implant will support dental restorations such as crowns, bridgework, or dentures.

Determining the ideal number of dental implants required for your case is a vital aspect of the treatment plan, and this will be assessed thoroughly before the surgery. In general, placing one implant per missing tooth is a prudent guideline to follow. However, several factors such as the quality and quantity of your jawbone can further determine the precise number of implants required. Adequately placed implants are imperative for the long-term success of the tooth restoration process since insufficient implants can lead to implant failure. This can be an expensive issue.

If you are considering dental implants, it's crucial to choose a dental professional or team that possesses comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience in all facets of the treatment. Dr Bodnar is an expert in this regard. It's important to note that the application of dental implants involves two stages: surgical and restorative. The surgical phase is performed by a dental surgeon, such as an oral surgeon or periodontist, while the restorative phase is carried out by a general dentist, prosthodontist, and laboratory technician. Nevertheless, due to advancements in implant dentistry, Dr Bodnar performs both the surgical and restorative components of the procedure for his patients.

Dental implant technology has been in existence for several decades, and there are some patients in the Fort Lauderdale region possessing dental implants for over four decades. Hundreds of thousands of dental implants have been successfully placed, boasting an impressive success rate of over 90%. In fact, modern metal implants like hips and knees owe their existence to the development of dental implant technology.

Dental implants come in a variety of types, with both endosteal and subperiosteal implants being deemed acceptable by the American Dental Association. It's essential to assess if your jawbone is capable of supporting an implant while selecting a type. The most prevalent type of implant used nowadays is the endosteal root form fixture, which functions like an artificial tooth root.

When a person has a single missing tooth, a dental implant can be inserted into the vacant area of their jawbone. The implant serves as a substitute for a tooth root and is attached to an individual crown, creating a single-tooth implant crown. Once installed, the implant crown resembles, feels, and works almost identically to a natural tooth. They are as easily maintained as natural teeth, cleaned and flossed in the same manner, without the need for any specialized instruments to clean around them (unlike bridges). While dental implants are impervious to decay, they require significant oral care to remain in optimal condition.

We accept most insurance and PPO plans. However, we advise you to contact us to verify if your specific plan is eligible. For further details regarding insurance, please feel free to reach out to us at (954) 250-7857. When contacting us, please ensure that you have your insurance details accessible. Also, please note that you may be required to pay the co-payment or deductible amount at the time of service.

For your convenience, we accept various payment methods including cash, checks, and cashier's checks, as well as credit cards such as Visa, Master Card, AmEx, and Discover. For those interested, we offer flexible payment plans through our office, or we have third-party financing options via Care Credit. We also offer discounts for those able to pay in full at the time of service. If you have any questions concerning payment methods, please do not hesitate to contact us at (954) 250-7857. We’re always happy to assist in finding the appropriate plan for you.

Our team provides all metal-free dentistry options with a superior quality that looks nicer and lasts longer. According to Gitnux, approximately 200,000 dentists work in the United States. Finding the right one to provide the services you're looking for is crucial for maintaining oral health. If you're looking for reliable dental options, dental crowns, and veneers in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea FL, contact our team today.

No, the tooth does not need to be completely shaved down. Dr Gabor Bodnar DMD uses conservative methods to keep the teeth healthy and still obtain the beautiful smile that you desire. For quality veneers Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL residents love, call us today to schedule a consultation.

We take the most conservative approach to get optimal results in using dental implants when a single tooth needs to be replaced. Every situation is different, but we provide the right services to help you maintain your beautiful smile. If you're looking to receive implants or dental crowns in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea FL, contact Dr Gabor Bodnar DMD today!