expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. A Vandiveer Strait, DDS

Dentist

Dr. A Strait is a Dentist practicing in Wilton, CT. Dr. Strait specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Dr. A Vandiveer Strait, DDS
  • Wilton, Connecticut
  • Accepting new patients

Do dental bridges look natural?

Yes, as part of my comprehensive dental practice, Wilton Dental Associates, LLC in Wilton, CT,  I have placed bridges routinely for over 30 years and I feel that if they are done READ MORE
Yes, as part of my comprehensive dental practice, Wilton Dental Associates, LLC in Wilton, CT,  I have placed bridges routinely for over 30 years and I feel that if they are done properly, they should always look natural and last indefinitely.

Sincerely, 

A. Vandiveer Strait, DDS, FAGD

How often should you replace a dental bridge?

A bridge in dentistry if done properly will last indefinitely. At Wilton Dental Associates, LLC  in Wilton, CT, we have patients with bridges I have done 30+ years ago and we guarantee READ MORE
A bridge in dentistry if done properly will last indefinitely. At Wilton Dental Associates, LLC  in Wilton, CT, we have patients with bridges I have done 30+ years ago and we guarantee our work indefinitely. Bottom line, dental bridges should NEVER have to be replaced.

Is teeth bleaching a permanent fix?

Yes, but NO. Teeth change color constantly. So if all you are talking about is maintaining your current bleached color then, Yes., but you will have to bleach your teeth regularly READ MORE
Yes, but NO. Teeth change color constantly. So if all you are talking about is maintaining your current bleached color then, Yes., but you will have to bleach your teeth regularly to keep the color you currently have achieved. The only true permanent fix for color are veneers. Veneers not only can give you the ideal color your would like, but can improve the shape, size, and coutour of your teeth. Veneers if done correctly are an amazing cosmetic service..

Can you fix chipped teeth?

Yes, Bonding is done correctly is strong, looks great, and should last a long time.

Can wisdom teeth cause ear and throat pain?

Yes, because the nerve source that supply the area of your wisdom teeth also supply portions of your ear and throat. This is called referred pain.

How do you clean wisdom teeth holes?

Rinse vigorously several times per day with a cup of warm water in which has been dissolved 1/2 a teaspoon of salt. The "holes" after a few weeks should heal and disappear.

Is a white filling better than silver?

If all you get is a "filling" then the answer is NO, But if you get a properly bonded restoration using channeling technology which I use here in Connecticut at our Wilton office READ MORE
If all you get is a "filling" then the answer is NO, But if you get a properly bonded restoration using channeling technology which I use here in Connecticut at our Wilton office then the tooth colored restoration is a 1000% improvement and should last indefinitely.

Is removing wisdom teeth major surgery?

Yes and NO, On average removal of wisdom teeth is a minor surgery, but if there are certain anatomical conditions then it could be major. The best way to know is to get the READ MORE
Yes and NO, On average removal of wisdom teeth is a minor surgery, but if there are certain anatomical conditions then it could be major. The best way to know is to get the opinion of a qualified Oral Surgeon.

How long should a dental cleaning take for a child?

It depends on the child, but at our office in Wilton, CT we allow one hour for a child's preventive visit which includes the cleaning.

Can a toothache go away on its own?

YES, BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE OKAY! If the pain goes away it usually means the nerve/pulp inside the tooth has died. Unfortunately this dead tissue is a perfect place for READ MORE
YES, BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE OKAY! If the pain goes away it usually means the nerve/pulp inside the tooth has died. Unfortunately this dead tissue is a perfect place for bacteria to hide and grow and if this dead pulp becomes infected in the future or the bacteria that caused the problem in the first place spread into the pulp chamber (and the likelihood is high) you will have an abscessed tooth and a much worse situation. You should see a good dentist who does Endodontics ASAP,

Can a tooth that had a root canal get infected?

Yes, If the root canal was not properly treated and therefore not properly filled /sealed it would be a haven for a bacterial infection.

Can wisdom teeth cause ear pain?

The nerves that supply the lower jaw also have branches that supply parts of the ear and TMJ which could result in what seems as ear pain.

How long does bonding a tooth take?

If it is a defect or open edge on your tooth it could take as little as 10 minutes.

How do you stop a cavity from getting worse?

Repair or clean and seal the cavity so that it will not get worse.

Are dental implants safe to have?

In general, YES. But there are many factors involved with having an implant to replace a lost tooth. I would recommend you get two qualified opinions from general dentists who READ MORE
In general, YES. But there are many factors involved with having an implant to replace a lost tooth. I would recommend you get two qualified opinions from general dentists who both do Implants and bridges to replace teeth. Implants are not always the best or healthiest option and many considerations such as the quality of bone in the area, ability to maintain the area, your bite, and aesthetics are important.

I hope my answer is helpful,   

A. Vandiveer Strait, DDS, FAGD 

My teeth hurt when I eat hot food. What can be the cause?

In almost all instances, heat sensitivity is a sign that the nerve/pulp inside your tooth or teeth is dead or dying (non-vital) and requires root canal therapy/endodontics. I would READ MORE
In almost all instances, heat sensitivity is a sign that the nerve/pulp inside your tooth or teeth is dead or dying (non-vital) and requires root canal therapy/endodontics. I would find an experienced general dentist to pulp test your teeth to find which specific ones are causing the problem. Many times the source may seem to be many teeth or non-specific. This is because the pain is what we call referred pain and you as an individual may not be able to pin point the source.

Is it better to have root canal or extraction?

It is ALWAYS better to save a functional tooth assuming it has adequate bone support. The idea that an implant is better than a natural tooth is false. Most importantly if you READ MORE
It is ALWAYS better to save a functional tooth assuming it has adequate bone support. The idea that an implant is better than a natural tooth is false. Most importantly if you remove a tooth that is functional, you must maintain the space and replace the missing tooth ASAP because the opposing and surrounding teeth with start to collapse into the space and eventually cause the loss of additional teeth.

Can a decaying wisdom tooth cause headaches?

Yes, since pain in the third molar/wisdom tooth area can be referred to other teeth, the jaw, and many other structures in the head and neck area. In some cases, this may feel READ MORE
Yes, since pain in the third molar/wisdom tooth area can be referred to other teeth, the jaw, and many other structures in the head and neck area. In some cases, this may feel like a headache, but you would also have pain in the area of the third molar/wisdom tooth.

A. Vandiveer Strait, DDS, FAGD