Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dental bonding is a versatile, cost-effective cosmetic dental procedure that can dramatically improve your smile in just one office visit. This treatment uses a tooth-colored composite resin material applied to your teeth and hardened with a special light, effectively "bonding" the material to the tooth.

When Do We Recommend Dental Bonding?

Dr. May recommends dental bonding for various cosmetic and restorative purposes at May Dentistry. It's an excellent solution for repairing chipped or cracked teeth, closing small gaps between teeth, improving the appearance of discolored teeth, protecting exposed tooth roots due to gum recession, or even changing the shape of teeth.

The procedure is relatively quick and comfortable. Unlike other cosmetic procedures like veneers, bonding usually requires minimal or no removal of tooth enamel. Dr. May carefully selects the resin color to match your natural teeth, applies the putty-like material, shapes it precisely, and then hardens it using a special ultraviolet light.

While dental bonding isn't as durable as crowns or veneers and may need replacement over time, the results can last 3 to 10 years with proper care. Bonded teeth require the same excellent oral hygiene as natural teeth—regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.

Contact May Dentistry

If you're considering dental bonding to enhance your smile, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. May at our North Palm Beach dental office by calling (561) 844-8653 to determine if this procedure is right for you. 

Most dental insurance plans focus primarily on providing partial coverage for necessary treatments that maintain your oral health, rather than procedures designed solely to improve appearance. Typically, cosmetic dentistry procedures are considered elective and may not be covered by standard dental insurance.

We Can Help You Navigate Dental Insurance

At May Dentistry, we understand that navigating insurance coverage can be confusing. Generally, insurance companies distinguish between restorative procedures (which are often covered) and cosmetic ones (which frequently are not). For example, if you need a crown to protect a damaged tooth, insurance may cover it, but if you want veneers purely for aesthetic reasons, you may need to pay out-of-pocket.

However, some procedures fall into a gray area. Dental bonding might be covered if it repairs structural damage, but not if it only addresses minor discoloration. Similarly, tooth-colored fillings might be partially covered, with insurance paying the equivalent of a silver filling while you cover the difference.

We Offer Convenient Payment Solutions

Dr. May and our experienced team are happy to help you understand your specific insurance benefits. For patients without insurance or those whose desired treatments aren't covered, we offer flexible payment options and a wellness membership plan to help make your smile goals achievable.

During your consultation at our North Palm Beach dental office, we'll discuss the clinical aspects of your treatment and the financial considerations to ensure you can make a fully informed decision.

Dental crowns in North Palm Beach are durable restorations designed to last many years, but their exact lifespan depends on several factors. On average, a well-made dental crown can last between 5 and 15 years, though many patients enjoy their crowns for 15 to 20 years with proper care and routine dental checkups. 

Reliable Restorations for Your Smile

Dr. May uses high-quality materials and precise techniques to ensure your crown provides maximum longevity. The material of your crown significantly affects its durability—porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns typically last 5-15 years, while all-porcelain or all-ceramic crowns offer excellent aesthetics and can last 10-15 years. Gold crowns are exceptionally durable, sometimes lasting 20+ years.

Protecting Your Smile Investment

Your oral hygiene habits play a crucial role in the lifespan of your crown. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleanings at our North Palm Beach dental office help prevent decay in the underlying tooth and maintain gum health around the crown.

Lifestyle factors also impact crown longevity. Habits such as teeth grinding, nail-biting, or using teeth as tools can significantly reduce your crown's lifespan. If you grind your teeth, Dr. May might recommend a nightguard to protect your natural teeth and dental work.

During your regular checkups, Dr. May will evaluate the condition of your crowns and address any issues before they become serious problems. With excellent care and regular dental visits, you can enjoy dental crowns for decades, making them a valuable investment in your oral health and smile.

Contact May Dentistry at (561) 844-8653 if it's time to schedule your next dental visit. 

Dental implants are an excellent long-term solution for replacing missing teeth, but their longevity depends significantly on proper maintenance. With appropriate care, your dental implant can last a lifetime, functioning just like your natural teeth.

Protecting Your Smile Investment

Dr. May recommends a consistent oral hygiene routine for implant care. Brush at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying special attention to the area around your implant. Use implant-specific floss or floss threaders to clean effectively around the implant and under the crown daily.

Consider adding antimicrobial mouth rinses and interdental brushes to your routine for thorough cleaning between teeth and around the implant. These tools help remove bacteria from areas that regular brushing might miss.

Regular professional cleanings and check-ups at our dental office in North Palm Beach are essential for implant maintenance. Dr. May will monitor your implant's condition and the health of surrounding tissues with routine exams and x-rays to address any concerns before they develop into serious problems.

Avoid habits that can damage your implant, such as chewing hard foods (ice, hard candy), smoking, or using your teeth as tools. If you grind your teeth, Dr. May might recommend a custom nightguard to protect your natural teeth and implants.

Remember that while the implant itself can't develop cavities, the surrounding gum tissue can still become infected without proper care. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene helps prevent peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition that can lead to implant failure if left untreated.

Is It Time for Your Next Dental Appointment?

By following these care instructions, your dental implant can provide decades of comfortable, functional use. Contact May Dentistry at (561) 844-8653 for more information about dental implants in North Palm Beach.

Implant-supported dentures in North Palm Beach combine the comprehensive tooth replacement of a traditional denture with the functionality and stability of dental implants, offering a secure and comfortable solution for patients missing multiple teeth.

What Are Implant Dentures?

At May Dentistry, we offer implant-supported dentures that work by attaching a custom-made denture to dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone. Unlike conventional dentures that rest on your gums, this appliance connects to implants via specialized attachments, creating a secure foundation that prevents slipping or movement.

The process typically begins with a comprehensive evaluation, during which Dr. May assesses your oral health and jawbone density. Generally, 2-6 implants are strategically placed in the jaw by a local specialist during surgery. After 3-6 months of healing, the implants fuse with your jawbone (osseointegration), attachments are added to the implants, and your custom denture is secured to these connections.

This innovative solution offers numerous advantages over traditional dentures, including improved stability when eating and speaking, prevention of bone loss, elimination of messy adhesives, and a more natural look and feel. Many patients report increased confidence and quality of life after receiving implant-supported dentures.

Book Routine Dental Cleanings to Care for Implant Dentures

Caring for implant dentures in North Palm Beach involves regular cleaning of the denture and the implant attachments, along with routine checkups at May Dentistry. With proper maintenance, implant-supported dentures can provide reliable, comfortable tooth replacement for many years and sometimes a lifetime.

Contact May Dentistry at (561) 844-8653 for more information on implant-supported dentures. 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) advises parents to schedule their child's first dental visit within six months after their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. Dr. May strongly supports this "Age One Dental Visit" guideline at May Dentistry to establish early dental care habits.

What to Expect at Your Child's First Dental Visit

This initial visit serves several essential purposes beyond just checking teeth. Dr. May will gently examine your child's existing teeth for signs of early decay, evaluate their bite and jaw development, and check for any potential concerns with oral tissues.

She'll also provide valuable guidance on proper cleaning techniques, discuss healthy eating habits that promote good oral health, address habits like pacifier use or thumb-sucking, and answer any questions about your child's dental development.

These early appointments are designed to be brief, positive experiences that help your child become comfortable in the dental office. Dr. May's warm, friendly approach helps establish the dental office as a familiar, non-threatening environment, setting the foundation for a lifetime of positive dental experiences.

Why Start Dental Care Early?

Starting dental visits at age one also allows your North Palm Beach children's dentist to identify and address any issues early, potentially preventing more serious problems. Preventive care is always preferable to treating established issues for your child's comfort and peace of mind. 

At our North Palm Beach dental practice, we're committed to making your child's first dental experience pleasant while establishing the foundation for excellent oral health that will benefit them throughout their life.

Contact our team at (561) 844-8653 to book your child's first dental appointment at May Dentistry. 

At May Dentistry, we want to ensure you get the best results from your clear aligner treatment. Proper care extends the life of your aligners and contributes to more effective treatment and better oral health.

5 Easy Steps to Care for Clear Aligners with Invisalign

Daily Cleaning Routine

Clean your aligners every morning and night using lukewarm (never hot) water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid using toothpaste as it can be abrasive and scratch the plastic, creating hiding places for bacteria. Instead, use a small amount of clear, unscented antibacterial soap, rinsing thoroughly afterward.

When Eating and Drinking

Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. After meals, brush, rinse, and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. This prevents food particles and bacteria from getting trapped.

Storage During Meals

Keep your aligner case with you at all times. When you remove your aligners, store them in their case—never wrap them in a napkin or tissue, as they can be accidentally thrown away or damaged.

Avoid Aligner Damage

Keep aligners away from heat sources, which can warp the plastic. Never soak them in mouthwash or cleaning solutions containing alcohol, as these can damage the material and discolor your aligners.

Regular Maintenance

Weekly soaks in a denture cleaner or specialized aligner cleaning solution can help remove stubborn buildup and keep your aligners fresh.

Dr. May and our team are always available to answer your questions at (561) 844-8653 about caring for your clear aligners. With proper care, your journey to a beautiful smile will be comfortable, hygienic, and successful!

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common infection affecting the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It begins when plaque, a sticky film filled with bacteria, builds up along and under the gum line. If you don't remove it through regular brushing and flossing, this plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. 

Understanding Gingivitis

The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by swollen, red, irritated gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. At this stage, the condition is reversible with proper dental care.

If untreated, gingivitis can progress to advanced gum disease, or periodontitis. Periodontitis damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes, certain medications, and genetic predisposition. Common symptoms include persistent bad breath, tender or bleeding gums, painful chewing, sensitive teeth, and receding gums.

We Can Help You Manage Gum Disease

Dr. May and our team at May Dentistry are committed to helping you prevent and treat gum disease in North Palm Beach. To maintain optimal gum health, we recommend regular dental check-ups every six months, daily brushing and flossing, and a balanced diet. 

If you're experiencing symptoms of gum disease, don't wait until your next scheduled appointment. Contact our North Palm Beach dental office promptly at (561) 844-8653, as early intervention is key to successful treatment and preventing more serious dental problems.

Your smile's health is our priority, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Professional teeth whitening performed at May Dentistry typically provides results that last anywhere from six months to two years, though this timeframe varies considerably from person to person. Several factors influence the longevity of your whitening treatment.

Factors That Can Contribute to Tooth Staining or Discoloration

Your dietary habits play a significant role in maintaining your brighter smile. Consuming staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and tomato-based sauces can gradually diminish whitening effects. Tobacco use is particularly damaging, often causing stains to return more quickly.

Your oral hygiene routine is equally important. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups help preserve your whitening results by preventing plaque buildup and surface stains from accumulating.

Age is another factor, as teeth naturally yellow over time due to enamel thinning and expansion of the underlying dentin layer. Additionally, some people have more porous enamel that may absorb stains more readily despite good care.

Protect Your Smile Investment

To extend the life of your professional whitening treatment, Dr. May recommends using a straw when drinking potentially staining beverages, rinsing your mouth with water after consuming staining foods, brushing with a whitening toothpaste, and scheduling periodic touch-up treatments.

At May Dentistry, we offer customized maintenance plans tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. During your consultation, Dr. May will discuss realistic expectations and provide personalized advice to help you enjoy your brighter smile for as long as possible.

We're committed to helping you maintain that confident, radiant smile you deserve! To learn more about professional teeth whitening in North Palm Beach, contact May Dentistry at (561) 844-8653.

Whether your wisdom teeth (third molars) need to be extracted depends on several factors. Dr. May will carefully evaluate these during your examination at May Dentistry. Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but many patients benefit from extraction for various reasons. 

Why We Might Recommend Extracting Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth often emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, and because they're the last teeth to develop, there frequently isn't enough space in the jaw to accommodate them adequately. When wisdom teeth can't fully emerge or grow at awkward angles, they become "impacted." Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or, in more severe cases, cysts and tumors.

Even fully emerged wisdom teeth may be problematic if they're difficult to clean. Their location at the back of the mouth often makes proper brushing and flossing challenging, making them susceptible to decay and contributing to gum disease.

Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Right for You?

During your consultation, Dr. May will thoroughly examine your mouth and take x-rays to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and determine if extraction would benefit your oral health. We consider factors such as your age, current symptoms, potential future complications, and overall dental condition.

Many patients choose preventive wisdom teeth extraction before problems develop, especially young adults whose healing capacity is optimal. However, if your wisdom teeth have emerged properly, aren't causing pain, and don't threaten your oral health, extraction may not be necessary.

Rest assured that Dr. May will provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation and discuss all options to ensure the best outcome for your dental health.

You can book an evaluation with Dr. May to learn more about tooth extraction in North Palm Beach by calling our team at (561) 844-8653.