expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Kara Mason, DMD

Dentist

Dr. Kara Mason is a General and Cosmetic Dentist serving the New York area for more than 20 years. Dr. Mason is experienced in Veneers, Whitening and Dental Phobia. She is a member of the Academy of General ...
36 years Experience
Dr. Kara Mason, DMD
  • New York, NY
  • Fairleigh Dickinson Dental School
  • Accepting new patients

What can sensitive teeth mean?

You may have gum recession which exposes the root of the tooth, an area that is cold sensitive, Some bonding can usually fix this. You may have a filling that needs replacement. READ MORE
You may have gum recession which exposes the root of the tooth, an area that is cold sensitive, Some bonding can usually fix this. You may have a filling that needs replacement. You may have a cavity.

What is the difference between sealants and fillings?

A sealant is a thin layer of resin that goes over the chewing surface of your tooth and prevents decay from penetrating the enamel. A filling is used when decay has penetrated READ MORE
A sealant is a thin layer of resin that goes over the chewing surface of your tooth and prevents decay from penetrating the enamel. A filling is used when decay has penetrated into the enamel. The decay must be cleaned out with a drill and a filling is used to fill the cavity (hole) created by the decay.

Can you get an implant years after extraction?

Yes you usually can. It depends on the bone under your gums that will support the implant. Since you are young, your chances are high that you can get an implant.

Professional tooth whitening better than OTC whitening strips?

Yes, and quicker. Following up with strips helps keep them white.

Can a decayed tooth be saved?

Usually a decayed tooth can be saved. It may need a root canal if the decay is deep inside the tooth.

What to expect after a deep filling?

Usually you will have no pain if the cavity is deep but does not reach the nerve.. If the cavity is very close to the nerve inside the tooth, you may have sensitivity to hot or READ MORE
Usually you will have no pain if the cavity is deep but does not reach the nerve.. If the cavity is very close to the nerve inside the tooth, you may have sensitivity to hot or cold. Hot sensitivity can mean that you may need a root canal. Your dentist can usually evaluate this while doing the filling and discuss it with you.

How strong is a permanent crown?

A crown is quite strong when done properly. The fit of the crown to your tooth is the most important factor. Make sure the dentist you use does high quality work and sends the READ MORE
A crown is quite strong when done properly. The fit of the crown to your tooth is the most important factor. Make sure the dentist you use does high quality work and sends the impression of your tooth to a lab that makes precise, well fitting crowns.

What is the best material for a tooth implant?

Titanium for the implant. The crown that goes over the implant can be made of various materials, but the implant that goes into the bone is always titanium.

Is it normal for your tooth to hurt after a filling?

No, it should not hurt. If it does hurt it is one of two things: 1. Your filling may need to be adjusted if biting down on the tooth hurts. Cold sensitivity can be another symptom. READ MORE
No, it should not hurt. If it does hurt it is one of two things:
1. Your filling may need to be adjusted if biting down on the tooth hurts. Cold sensitivity can be another symptom. If "the bite feels high." It's a simple adjustment.
2. Sometimes the decay was deep and very close to the nerve. The tooth may need a root canal. Usually heat sensitivity and random pain are symptoms.

What happens if you never get your wisdom teeth pulled out?

Very often nothing will happen. Many people never have their wisdom teeth removed and they are fine.

Can a receding gum line be reversed?

It can be stopped with proper brushing and flossing. Gum grafts can also reinforce the gum to stop recession. Reversing it is more involved and needs a special type of graft. It READ MORE
It can be stopped with proper brushing and flossing. Gum grafts can also reinforce the gum to stop recession. Reversing it is more involved and needs a special type of graft. It is not always successful reversing recession. But further recession can usually be stopped.

Why does the gum around my crown hurt?

A crown that does not fit well can cause food to trap between the crown and the tooth next to it, or the crown can be too big around the gum line and irritate it. You may need READ MORE
A crown that does not fit well can cause food to trap between the crown and the tooth next to it, or the crown can be too big around the gum line and irritate it. You may need a new better fitting crown.

What is the safest form of teeth whitening?

In office whitening is safe, effective and produces quick results. Take home white strips are also safe and effective, but take longer to see results.

What does it mean if your tooth hurts when you touch it?

Often it may need a root canal. It may have an infection.

Do crowns ruin your teeth?

Absolutely not. They cover and protect a tooth that has been damaged by decay, a large broken filling or a crack in the tooth. It is important to use a dentist who is highly skilled READ MORE
Absolutely not. They cover and protect a tooth that has been damaged by decay, a large broken filling or a crack in the tooth. It is important to use a dentist who is highly skilled in making excellent fitting crowns.

Do I need a root canal before a bridge?

Usually not. Root canals are used when decay is deep enough to get into the nerve. A bridge is made of 3 or more connected crowns on teeth. If the teeth are in decent condition, READ MORE
Usually not. Root canals are used when decay is deep enough to get into the nerve. A bridge is made of 3 or more connected crowns on teeth. If the teeth are in decent condition, the risk of needing a root canal decreases significantly.

Are silver fillings safe?

Yes they are. And strong too.

How long is the recovery after a root canal?

Usually there is no recovery. You may be given antibiotics if there was an infection. Most root canals have no pain afterwards.

Do all cavities need to be filled?

A cavity means that decay has made a hole in your tooth. The decay is composed of bacteria that will continue to turn your tooth mushy inside. The decay must be removed and a filling READ MORE
A cavity means that decay has made a hole in your tooth. The decay is composed of bacteria that will continue to turn your tooth mushy inside. The decay must be removed and a filling placed in the cavity that was created by the decay.