Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you name every type of tooth in your mouth? Do you know how many of each tooth you have or what your teeth do?

Generally, every mouth has four types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Children typically have twenty primary teeth while adults usually have thirty-two. As you probably know, each type of tooth serves different functions. For instance, incisors are used for cutting food. Cuspids, which are also known as canines, are used for tearing and grasping. Premolars are used for crushing and tearing food, while molars are used for grinding and chewing.

While this information could be useful, it’s important to know that if you don’t care for your smile well, you could damage your teeth. If you wear your teeth down or crack your smile, your teeth won’t function as well as they could; you could experience jaw pain or be more prone to tooth decay.

Similarly, it can be important to understand a tooth’s structure. Consisting of three portions, the crown is the visible part of the tooth, and the root is the portion that moves through your gums and into the bone. Between the two is a tooth’s neck. If the center of your crown is injured, you could have to deal with tooth discoloration or need root canal therapy.

Would you like to learn more about your teeth? Are you interested in learning more about what the different pieces of your smile do? Are you just interested in scheduling an appointment with our team at Riverfront Dental LLC? If so, please don’t hesitate to call us at (503) 370-7651.

Dr. Scott Howe and our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For most patients, we recommend scheduling a dental cleaning and exam every six months to help keep your smile healthy and prevent potential problems. These routine visits give Dr. Scott Howe and our team the opportunity to check your teeth and gums, remove plaque and tartar buildup, and catch any concerns early before they require more involved treatment.

Every smile is different, so your ideal cleaning schedule depends on your unique oral health needs. Some patients benefit from twice-yearly visits, while others may need more frequent care due to gum disease, a history of cavities, or other dental concerns. During your appointment, we take the time to understand your oral health and recommend a schedule that works best for you.

Why Are Regular Cleanings and Exams Important?

Regular dental cleanings and exams in Salem, OR, help you maintain a healthy smile and stay ahead of potential issues. We look for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other changes, and we provide personalized tips to help you care for your teeth between visits.

Book Your Dental Visit Today

We welcome patients of all ages throughout Salem and nearby communities. If it’s been a while since your last visit, we’re here to help you get back on track.

Schedule your teeth cleaning and exam today!

Choosing the right cosmetic dental treatment starts with understanding your goals. Some patients want to brighten stained teeth, while others are looking to repair chips, improve the shape of their teeth, or create a more balanced smile. At Riverfront Dental, Dr. Scott Howe takes a personalized approach to cosmetic dentistry, recommending treatments based on your smile, oral health, and desired results.

A Personalized Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Howe will examine your teeth and gums, discuss what you'd like to improve, and answer any questions you have about your treatment options. He'll also evaluate factors like the condition of your teeth, existing dental work, and your bite to determine which procedures are best suited for your smile.

Depending on your needs, your personalized treatment plan may include:

• Professional teeth whitening
• Ceramic (porcelain) veneers
• Cosmetic bonding
• Dental crowns

In some cases, combining multiple treatments can provide the most natural-looking, long-lasting results.

Achieve a Smile That Looks Like You

Cosmetic dentistry isn't about creating a one-size-fits-all smile. Dr. Howe works closely with each patient to create results that complement their facial features and fit their lifestyle. We want to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted, while ensuring your new grin looks and feels like you. 

Dental crowns and bridges are designed to be durable, long-term restorations. With proper care, they can often last 10 to 15 years or longer. Their longevity depends on your oral hygiene, daily habits, and the amount of wear they experience over time.

Caring for Your Restoration

Just like your natural teeth, crowns and bridges should be brushed twice daily and flossed every day. Keeping the surrounding gums healthy and removing plaque buildup helps protect both your restoration and the supporting teeth.

It's also important to avoid habits that can damage your dental work, such as chewing ice, biting your fingernails, or using your teeth to open packages. If you grind or clench your teeth, Dr. Howe may recommend a custom nightguard to help protect your restoration while you sleep.

Routine dental exams allow Dr. Howe to monitor your crown or bridge, evaluate its fit, and identify any concerns before they become larger problems. With regular professional care and healthy habits at home, your restoration can continue to function comfortably and keep your smile looking natural for many years.

Missing or Damaged Teeth? Call Your Salem Dentist

Dental crowns and bridges can completely transform your smile by replacing missing teeth and strengthening weak or damaged teeth. Call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Howe.

We look forward to caring for your smile! 

Both composite and amalgam fillings are effective ways to restore teeth affected by cavities or minor damage, but each material offers different advantages. At Riverfront Dental, Dr. Scott Howe provides both options and recommends the material that best fits your oral health needs.

Choosing the Right Filling Material for Your Smile

Composite Fillings Are Seamless and Preserve Natural Teeth

Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored resin that closely matches your natural enamel. Because they blend seamlessly with your smile, they're a popular choice for front teeth and other visible areas. Composite fillings also bond directly to the tooth, helping preserve more natural tooth structure.

Amalgam Fillings Are Durable and Ideal for Back Teeth

Amalgam fillings are made from a durable metal alloy and have been used successfully in dentistry for many years. Their strength makes them a reliable option for back teeth that experience significant chewing pressure.

Ready to Get Started? Give Us a Call! 

During your appointment, Dr. Howe will discuss factors such as the tooth's location, the size of the cavity, your cosmetic preferences, and your overall oral health before recommending the most appropriate filling material. His goal is to provide a restoration that is both durable and well-suited to your individual smile.

Call us today to book your consultation. 

Every dental implant treatment is unique, but most patients can expect the process to take several months from start to finish. While the timeline may seem longer than other tooth replacement options, dental implants are designed to provide a stable, long-lasting solution that closely mimics the look and function of a natural tooth.

What Happens During the Dental Implant Process?

At Riverfront Dental, Dr. Scott Howe restores dental implants after they have been surgically placed by a trusted local oral surgeon in Salem, OR. Following dental implant placement, your jawbone needs time to heal and fuse with the titanium implant via a process called osseointegration. This healing period typically takes several months and creates a strong foundation for your new tooth.

Once the implant has fully healed, you'll return to Riverfront Dental for your custom implant crown. Dr. Howe carefully designs the restoration to match your surrounding teeth in color, shape, and size to create a seamless result.

Dental Implants Are the Gold Standard

Although dental implants require patience, many patients find the long-term benefits well worth the investment. A properly restored implant can provide years of reliable function while allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. They permanently replace tooth roots and mimic the anatomy, function, comfort, and appearance of natural teeth. This is why they're the gold standard!

Call us today to learn more about dental implants in Salem, OR. 

Adjusting to new dentures or partial dentures takes time, and it's completely normal for them to feel different at first. Most patients become more comfortable over the course of several weeks as they adjust to eating, speaking, and smiling with their new restoration.

Give Yourself Time to Adjust

During the first few days, your dentures may feel slightly bulky, and you may notice minor changes in the way you speak or chew. Starting with softer foods and taking smaller bites can make the adjustment easier. Reading aloud at home can also help you become more comfortable speaking with your dentures.

If you experience sore spots or areas where your dentures don't feel quite right, please don't try to adjust them yourself. Instead, schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Scott Howe. Small adjustments can often improve the fit and make your dentures much more comfortable.

Schedule Your Denture Appointment Today

As your mouth adapts, wearing and caring for your dentures will become part of your normal routine. With proper care and regular dental visits, your dentures or partial dentures can continue to provide a comfortable, functional smile for years to come.

Call us to book your denture consultation, fitting, or adjustment appointment in Salem. 

The answer is yes. One of the biggest benefits of routine dental care is catching small problems before they become larger, more costly ones. Regular dental exams allow Dr. Scott Howe to monitor your oral health and identify concerns like cavities, worn fillings, or early signs of gum disease while they're still easier to treat.

Early Detection Saves Time and Money

Many dental conditions develop gradually and may not cause pain until they've become more advanced. A small cavity, for example, can often be treated with a simple filling. If left untreated, however, that same cavity may progress and require a crown, root canal, or even tooth extraction. Similarly, identifying gum disease in its early stages can help prevent damage to the gums and bone that support your teeth.

Routine visits also allow Dr. Howe to evaluate existing dental work, such as crowns and fillings, to make sure everything is functioning properly before problems arise.

Prevention Is the Best Investment in Your Smile

In addition to exams, professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone can't remove. Combined with good oral hygiene at home, preventive care helps reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease while supporting a healthier smile.

Staying consistent with regular dental visits is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to protect your oral health and avoid more extensive treatment in the future.

The answer depends on how early the condition is detected. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can often be reversed with professional dental cleanings, good oral hygiene, and consistent preventive care. Once gum disease progresses to periodontitis, however, it cannot be completely cured, but it can be successfully managed.

Early Treatment Makes a Difference

Gingivitis develops when plaque and bacteria build up along the gumline, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding. Removing this buildup through routine cleanings and improving your brushing and flossing habits can allow your gums to heal and return to a healthy state.

If gum disease advances into periodontitis, deeper pockets form around the teeth, which increases the risk of bone loss and tooth mobility.

Gum Disease Treatment Near Salem, OR 

At Riverfront Dental, Dr. Scott Howe provides deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, to remove bacteria below the gumline and help control the infection.

For more advanced periodontal cases requiring specialized care, Dr. Howe refers patients to trusted specialists, including Aspire Periodontal. With early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and ongoing periodontal maintenance, many patients can successfully manage gum disease and protect their smiles for years to come.

Call us today to learn more about how we can help you improve your gum health. 

Professional teeth whitening can provide long-lasting results, but the exact timeline varies from person to person. Many patients enjoy a brighter smile for several months to a few years, depending on their diet, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle.

How to Keep Your Smile Bright

Certain foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sauces, can gradually stain your teeth over time. Tobacco use can also contribute to discoloration. Limiting these habits and rinsing your mouth with water after consuming stain-causing foods can help preserve your results.

Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting Riverfront Dental for regular cleanings also play an important role in maintaining a brighter smile. Professional cleanings remove surface stains that naturally accumulate between whitening treatments.

Pamper Your Pearly Whites with Teeth Whitening in Salem

Because Riverfront Dental provides take-home Philips Zoom!® teeth whitening with custom trays, many patients find it easy to maintain their results with occasional touch-up treatments as recommended by Dr. Scott Howe. Following your personalized whitening instructions can help keep your smile looking bright and refreshed for years to come. 

To get started, contact our friendly team at Riverfront Dental today. 

We look forward to helping you achieve a brighter smile! 

Porcelain veneers are a durable, long-lasting cosmetic solution for improving the appearance of your smile. With proper care, ceramic veneers can last 10 to 15 years or longer before they need to be replaced. Their lifespan depends on your oral hygiene habits, lifestyle, and how well you care for your teeth.

How to Help Your Veneers Last

Although porcelain is strong and stain-resistant, it's still important to care for your veneers just as you would your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and schedule regular dental exams and cleanings at Riverfront Dental so Dr. Howe can monitor your veneers and overall oral health.

Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails, as these habits can chip or damage your veneers. If you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, Dr. Howe may recommend a custom nightguard, created by our SprintRay 3-D printer, to help protect both your veneers and your natural teeth.

We Welcome Your Call

With routine care and healthy habits, porcelain veneers can continue looking beautiful for many years. During your regular dental visits, Dr. Howe will check your veneers to ensure they remain securely bonded and functioning properly. Call us today to learn more about veneers in Salem, OR.