FAQs

Answers to Questions We Often Receive

Why are checkups recommended every six months, even for people with great oral health?
We use DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection to find cavities in the earliest stages, when they often can’t be seen or felt. Early detection allows us to provide the most conservative treatment, which saves you time, expense, and possible discomfort. We also perform an oral cancer screening. This disease will affect more than 30,000 Americans this year. Oral cancer is deadly, but early detection offers an 80% cure rate. Gum disease is another sneaky problem that we try to catch early. It has been linked to stroke, heart attack, osteoporosis, and other health risks, and it’s the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults.

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What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
We follow strict guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and OSHA. Our practices include sterilizing reusable instruments in an autoclave, then sealing them for the next use; disinfecting treatment rooms between patient visits; and using disposable products when possible. We always wear disposable gloves during exams and treatment, for your safety.

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What are one-visit crowns?
With innovative CEREC technology, we can create custom crowns in about an hour. This means that in just one visit, you can get a custom-made, all-white, reliable restoration. No temporary. No follow-up visit. It's that simple.

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What are dental implants and how long do they last?
Dental implants are a safe alternative to bridges, partials, or full dentures. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth because of a titanium anchor attached to the jawbone. Once your implants are secured, Dr. Burris will attach handcrafted, permanent crowns or your prosthetic to the posts. The restorations will match your natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile. The life of the implant depends on your age, oral status, and personal hygiene. With proper maintenance, they last most people a lifetime.

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Does your office use lasers?
We use many kinds of lasers for precise, comfortable dentistry… DIAGNOdent is our cavity-detection laser. It will scan your teeth to find decay and areas prone to decay, and we won’t have to inspect each of your teeth with a traditional dental hook.

Our PerioLase soft-tissue laser allows us to treat gum disease (including FDA-approved LANAP treatment for periodontitis), perform crown lengthening, harvest and place gum grafts, perform cosmetic gum lifts, and do biopsies. You won’t need stitches after laser surgery, and bleeding is minimal. Most patients recover more quickly after laser surgery than they do following traditional surgery.

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What are my options to replace missing teeth?
We offer bridgework, partials, full dentures, and dental implants. With digital X-rays, intraoral photos, and a thorough assessment of your smile, Dr. Burris can help you decide which replacement option is best for you.

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I avoid dental visits because of anxiety…is this normal? Can you help?
Many people fear dental visits. We understand dental anxiety and offer a solution to help you overcome your stress. With oral conscious sedation, we can help you gain full peace of mind and body so that you can receive the dental work you need – and deserve.

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How can I improve my smile?
That sounds like an easy question to answer, but it isn't! Your smile is unique, and we won't compromise your individuality with smile enhancements. Smile design dentistry done right requires an initial consultation in which we’ll discuss your goals, preferences, and options for care. Generally speaking, we may suggest porcelain or minimal-prep veneers, teeth whitening, all-white fillings or crowns, and/or replacement teeth. After your comprehensive evaluation and consultation, we'll present a treatment plan for your new smile. We offer digital imaging for smile previews, as well.

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My teeth are stained. Can you help?
Yes. We offer whitening solutions to brighten teeth dramatically at home or in our Las Cruces office. Call for an appointment today!

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