Why does Dr. Scherb perform a comprehensive exam?
Dr. Scherb performs a thorough dental exam to gather information about your oral health.  Checking for dental decay is only a small part of the complete oral exam.  After review of your medical and dental history, Dr. Scherb evaluates the muscles of the head and neck, examines and listens to the TMJ, performs an oral cancer screening, and records existing problems associated with the teeth and gums.  The evaluation of the bite is critical and done at this time.  A complete digital photographic series is taken of the mouth for historical and diagnostic purposes.  Any other needed x-rays, as well as molds of the teeth are taken with your approval.

Oral health is integrally connected with your general health.  Check-ups are important because some diseases or medical conditions exhibit signs that can appear in the mouth.  Diabetes, nutritional and vitamin deficiencies and hormonal irregularities are some examples.

The extent of the exam you will receive depends upon a number of factors.  If you are a new patient, for example, you will receive a much more thorough exam than if you have recently been to the dentist and are returning to have a special dental condition checked.

What is sedation dentistry?
At Dr. Scherb’s office, we offer a unique approach to dental care, and offer Sedation Dentistry as an option.  Utilizing anesthesia and sedation techniques developed specifically for dentistry, our team of professionals can expertly and efficiently treat all your needs without the pain, discomfort or sounds that are normally associated with dental work. We can correct years of embarrassing problems in one appointment.  If you prefer relaxing, peaceful sedation techniques, we take every measure to ensure that your visit is pleasant and comfortable.  As an added benefit, these highly specialized procedures are remarkably efficient, enabling Dr. Scherb to combine many sessions into one.

If you have had bad dental experiences, can’t get numb, have advanced dental problems, have very sensitive teeth, hate needles, or have a bad gag reflex, we can successfully treat you.

Are veneers as strong as natural teeth?
Porcelain is the most suitable material for the esthetic replacement of tooth enamel.  Because porcelain is a “glass-like” substance, it can break.  However, the strength of dental porcelain is similar to dental enamel, and the force necessary to fracture dental porcelain would usually fracture natural tooth enamel.  Small porcelain fractures can be repaired; larger fractures often require a new restoration.

We are always asked how long will they last?-How long veneers last depends on how they are taken care of and your habits. I have some that look as good as the day I placed them 15 years ago. A clinical study done by one of my mentors indicated that he had done over 3500 veneers and had only a 7% failure rate. He subsequently had to replace these veneers. Time varied for the different failures, which included fracturing, leakage, and debonding. My experiences have been similar.

Who fabricates my final restorations?
Because we strive to provide the ultimate in care and service for our patients, we have chosen a certified dental laboratory to fabricate our dental restorations.  The dental laboratory that serves this office has met the highest standards of national certification. The restorations that are provided for our patients are skillfully created by these Certified Dental Technicians.  Our commitment to excellence in patient care demands no less.

More information regarding fabrication of restorations can be found at www.smilesbyparagondental.com. We invite you to visit their state-of-the-art dental lab right here in Jupiter, FL.

What products do you recommend for fresh breath?
Many of our patients are concerned with the state of their breath.  Some people at one point in their life may have a challenge with this.  Usually people/patients will purchase some sort of mouthwash over-the-counter that promises to leave their “breath smelling fresh and clean.” Unfortunately many of these rinses contain as much as 20% alcohol, which tends to dry the tissue, and also contain dyes to give them “pretty” colors.  In an age when everyone is striving for his or her whitest white teeth, this can be a contradiction.

Our office is proud to offer a system that we feel is above and beyond the rest.  The Oxyfresh System incorporates products which are clear non-staining and alcohol-free.

For more information, please ask us about these products or feel free to log on to www.oxyfresh.com.

How much radiation exposure do I actually receive from x-rays?
While under the care of Dr. Scherb and our team, your health, safety and peace of mind are our primary concerns. We do our best to minimize your exposure to x-rays, and require them only when they are completely necessary. Our new state of the art, Dexis digital x-ray system allows for immediate diagnosis, and eliminates up to 90% of the radiation that conventional x-ray machines release.  The image also appears instantly on the computer screen eliminating the need for processing the film in environmentally unsafe chemicals.  This enables us to check your x-rays immediately while you’re still in the dental chair.

How can I make my teeth whiter?
Whitening provides a conservative method of lightening teeth. There is no way to predict to what extent teeth will lighten. The results vary from individual to individual. In very few instances, teeth may be resistant to the whitening process, which is why we offer various ways to whiten your teeth. The Zoom! System, as seen on Extreme Makeover is a chair-side whitening system designed to meet the needs of patients and takes just over an hour.  This is a perfect alternative for patients that are time-pressed and want immediate results.  The Zoom! System does not replace our take home whitening system.  It is simply another option targeted specifically at patients seeking fast results and/or preferring Zoom!  Infrequently side effects such as tooth hypersensitivity and gum tissue irritation may be experienced. If these symptoms occur, technique modifications or products can usually alleviate the discomfort.  For more information check out www.discusdental.com.

What is TMJ?
TMJ is a chronic illness that affects many people.  TMJ is shortened term for Temporo-Mandibular Joint. There two joints that are located in front of your ear. They are related to your lower jaw and head.  The symptoms of TMJ are many and varied.  Some common symptoms among our patients include headaches, dizziness, numbness in fingers and/or arms and difficulty swallowing.  Many people experience locking of the jaw, jaw movement limitations and clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joints.  TMJ may cause neck, shoulder or back pain, facial pain, and pain behind the eyes or unexplained loosening of the teeth.  Earaches, ear stuffiness or ringing, and pain or soreness in and around the jaw joints can indicate TMJ.  If you have any symptoms, Dr. Scherb will listen to your joint by using a Doppler device, similar to an ultrasound used during pregnancy to listen to a baby’s heartbeat. The activity of the key muscles that control the jaw while it is functioning and at rest can be evaluated. Rather than assuming your present jaw position (bite) is the best for you, Dr. Scherb can use this objective information to determine your optimal jaw position.  After all of the diagnostic information is gathered, we can determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

What are your sterilization procedures?
Nothing is more important to us than your safety.  That’s why we practice rigorous sterilization procedures. When you visit our office you will notice our facemasks and gloves, and the protective covers on equipment and instruments. We also sterilize all instruments in an autoclave and thoroughly disinfect all counters, and chair surfaces.  We use disposable, protective covers on light handles, control buttons, and anything else we may touch-all this and more, so everything’s fresh, clean, and ready for your visit.  Our staff is fully trained according to OSHA guidelines.  Rest assured we are taking careful precautions for your health and peace of mind.

Do you recommend Fluoride?
Fluorides are, of course, beneficial for children, but many adults also suffer from problems for which fluoride may also be the answer.  A recent National Institute of Dental Research survey reported that adults had an average of 23 decayed and filled tooth surfaces.  Recurrent or secondary decay around fillings represents a major dental problem. Surveys find that 40-50% of total adult fillings are done to replace existing fillings.  As we grow older, many of us suffer from gum recession.  This means root surfaces become exposed.  The incidence of root decay in the adult population is steadily increasing.  Fluoride treatments can be the answer for you.  Research shows that properly applied fluoride blocks cavities by forming a more acid-resistant surface layer.  It can even reverse(remineralize) early forming cavities (white spots). Dr. Scherb is a strong believer in prevention and believes fluoride has been proven to be an effective and safe way to prevent tooth decay. He highly recommends it for the majority of his patients.