Frequently Asked Questions - Cosmetic Dentist West Haven and Orange Connecticut, Joe Tartagni, DMD

How does the doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?

Although Dr. Tartagni received his dental degree in 1985, he has since taken thousands of hours of continuing education because he believes his schooling should not stop after graduation. He has taken numerous courses at the New York University College of Dentistry, where he studied laser therapy and electrosurgery, tooth-colored restorations, soft tissue surgery, osseous surgery, ceramic restorations and clinical diagnosis. He also attended many other courses at the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, Tufts University, Infonet Academy, AGD Connecticut, Medsafe, Inc., Pro-Dentec, American Society for Clinical Research, Vantage Institute, Practical Endodontics, Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies, and the University of California School of Dentistry.

Do you accept referrals?

Yes we do. We're always looking forward to new patients so we can provide the same excellent level of dentistry we provide to our existing patients. When you recommend a family member or friend to us, we believe it's one of the highest compliments you can give. Thank you.

How can I safely whiten my teeth?

We have the capability to provide in-office whitening for very fast results. If you can wait about two weeks for results, we offer a home-whitening system. Both techniques are individually tailored to each patient and both will give a whiter smile.
One telltale sign it's a good time for you to whiten your teeth is if you're embarrassed to smile because of the color of your teeth. Yellowish teeth are the result of years of coffee or tea drinking, and/or smoking. Greenish teeth are usually the result of tetracycline exposure as a child. If that's the case, there is no reason to suffer any embarrassment because of the shade of your teeth. There is an easy and efficient way to whiten your teeth---up to nine shades lighter. Try it.

What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

We employ the most comprehensive dental sterilization program known today. In addition, all staff have completed training with an extensive monitoring program to provide a sterile and safe environment for patients. All procedures comply with guidelines established by the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control to protect you from exposure to infectious diseases. You can be confident we will never compromise when it comes to your health and safety.

What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?

We can sum up the difference in one word---commitment. We are committed to our patients. We strive to provide each one with the highest quality dental care experience possible, exceeding their expectations. We strive to contribute to our community by keeping our patients needs and optimum care our first concern. Our team attends hundreds of hours of continuing education annually to improve ourselves and our knowledge. We are committed to excelling in the latest procedures and technology to provide you with the very best care available today. We use the finest materials and master lab technicians to provide quality results we would be proud to provide to our own families.

Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and partials.where can I learn more about these procedures?

All of these procedures can change the look of your smile. At your next appointment, Dr. Tartagni will be happy to explain any of them to you. While you're there, you can also watch an interactive video or computer program that explains these techniques in a way that is easy to understand. In the meantime, you can also visit the website of the American Dental Association at www.ada.org to find out more.

Do I have to floss everyday? Is it really that important?

The use of dental floss is essential in preventing gum disease. Most oral health problems are related to dental plaque--the soft, sticky layer of bacteria on the surface of gums and teeth, particularly along the gum-line. When dental plaque grows it releases toxins that irritate the gums causing gingivitis. If left untreated it may lead to more serious form of gum disease (periodontitis). The toothbrush can't reach difficult areas in the mouth, like between teeth and along the gums. Using dental floss at least once a day provides effective removal of dental plaque and cleaning between the teeth.

I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. What would you recommend?

There are actually several options to consider, including bonding and veneers. An all-porcelain restoration can be bonded to your teeth to change the color, correct the alignment and give a natural smile. It takes about two or three dental appointments versus the traditional two years it takes for braces to fix crooked teeth.

What is Smile Analysis?

It is a consultation in which we evaluate your smile and needs. We look at your face, the color of your hair, your bone structure, lip line, how many teeth you show, and your gums, as well as where your midline and balance are. Does your smile sing? If not, what do we need to do to make it sing? We will do diagnostics, models, photographs and x-rays. After examining this data, we make recommendations for a treatment plan.

At Shoreline Dental Care in West Haven and Orange Connecticut, our experienced dentists and trained dental staff are dedicated to your oral health, safety and comfort. We offer services such as tooth-colored fillings, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, bonding, all porcelain crowns, onlays and inlays, bridges, dentures, dental implants, and many more
cosemetic dentistry services.

General and Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs