Common Questions About Dentistry

The “old-fashioned” dentistry of Scott A. Hudimac, DDS is in our values, in the unwavering commitment we show to each and every patient.  To everything else we bring the latest in twenty-first century training and technologies.  So when visiting your hometown dentist, you’ll receive gentle care along with state-of-the-art technology in:

• General Dentistry, from cleanings to cavity care to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
• Dental Implants, helping to replace existing teeth and restore proper chewing.
• Cosmetic Dentistry, from teeth whitening to veneers and crowns to get the smile of your dreams.
• Sedation Dentistry, allowing for comfortable and confident dental procedures in even our most anxiety prone patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really look forward to coming to the dentist?
How often should I visit the dentist?
Is Sedation Dentistry safe?
Can you make my teeth whiter in one visit?
Do you handle dental emergencies?
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Do you still use silver fillings?

Can dental implants be done without surgery?
Are Dental X Rays safe?
What is periodontal disease?
What is a root canal?
What communities do you serve?

Can I really look forward to coming to the dentist?

It’s not magic.  Gentle dentistry is a combination of experienced, gentle technique, genuine attention to your concerns and feelings, as well as good communication and listening skills.  So yes, we have patients once terrified of dental care who now look forward to their visits and come relaxed and happy to see us.

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How often should I visit the dentist?

You should have regular dental checkups at least every six months.  Our new state-of-the-art tools like the DIAGNOdent laser cavity detector and intra oral camera help us spot problems in their earliest stages, where they are both easy to address and less costly to fix.

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Is Sedation Dentistry safe?

Yes.  Techniques vary from the use of Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) to a mild sedative called Halcion, to full IV anesthesia (performed by a qualified, experienced anesthetist).  In our experience, most patients do fantastically with only a little tender loving care.  A few need the benefits of oral conscious sedation, and a very few require full anesthesia, usually under the most special of circumstances.  Learn more on our Sedation Dentistry page.

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Can you make my teeth whiter in one visit?

Yes.  Treatments for whitening teeth vary from multi-week, at home therapies to power whitening done while you are in the dental chair.  One of the most powerful but perfectly safe whitening techniques is the ZOOM whitening system.  Learn more on our Cosmetic Dentistry page, in the paragraph about Whitening.

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Do you handle dental emergencies?

Yes.  We set aside appointment times every single day for patients experiencing dental emergencies. Call us at 724-537-5505.  Depending on your needs, we will get you in that day or the next day, even if we have to stay late!  Visit our Dental Emergency page to learn more. 

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What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is just a fancy term for dental care focused more on your smile and the cosmetic appearance of your teeth than strictly on good dental health.  The goals of general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry do overlap, however, as when an esthetic crown or dental implant also keeps adjacent teeth in line, improves chewing and speaking, and promotes good dental health.  Learn more on our Cosmetic Dentistry page.

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Do you still use silver fillings?

No.  We have transitioned to white fillings, as well as resin inlays, onlays, and bonding materials because we believe they provide better performance and better value for your expense.  The newer techniques often last longer, are more durable, and can be applied with less immediate and less long-term stress to the tooth.

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Can dental implants be done without surgery?

A dental implant involves implanting titanium posts of various sizes beneath the gum, with a replacement tooth attached to the post.  Dr. Hudimac is trained in the use of mini-dental implants that can be handled in office with minimally invasive surgery over the course of a few regular dental visits.  Not all patients and all conditions are amenable to mini-dental implants.  Your options can only be addressed after a dental consultation, to see which kind of Dental Implants might be right for you. Dr. Hudimac has achieved Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and is fully trained in the placement and restoration of more conventional large diameter implants.

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Are Dental X Rays safe?

Today we use Digital Dental Radiography. With Digital Dental Radiography we can do X Rays more comfortably and with 70% to 90% less radiation.  Improved accuracy means we have to re-expose our patients less often.  There’s no film to develop, and in a few seconds both you and Dr. Hudimac can be discussing a computerized image that’s easy to read and helps us communicate your problems clearly.

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What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum and bone that surrounds and supports your teeth.  It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and is almost always painless.  Signs include persistent bad breath, bleeding of the gums, gums that pull away from the teeth and loose or moving teeth.  It won’t go away on its own, and research shows that it increases the risk of hear attacks, strokes, and diabetes. The sooner we begin treatment, the better we can control periodontal disease and restore you to good dental health. Visit our General Dentistry page to learn about Dental Diseases and Disorders.

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What is a root canal?

Sometimes, due to deep cavities or broken teeth, the pulp deep inside a tooth can become infected.  Symptoms vary from tooth sensitivity to severe pain.  A root canal allows the infection to be removed and the tooth saved, after which a crown is recommended to help cover and protect the remaining tooth. Visit our General Dentistry page to learn about Dental Diseases and Disorders.

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What communities do you serve?

Latrobe Dentist Scott A. Hudimac, DDS serves patients throughout central and eastern Westmoreland County, PA, including the communities of Latrobe, Derry, Ligonier, Bradenville, Blairsville, Greensburg, South Greensburg, Loyalhanna, New Alexandria, Norvelt, Pleasant Unity, Youngstown, and many others.  His office is located just one mile off Route 30 along Route 981.  New patients and dental emergencies are welcome at this gentle family dental office.

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