How long have you been a dentist? What are your credentials?
Dr. Robert Kneib trained with some of the world's most prominent cosmetic dental professionals and graduated from The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Over the past 30 years, he has established his reputation as one of the most trusted names in family and cosmetic dentistry.
What insurance do you accept?
All insurance is processed at our office. Kneib Dentistry participates in most major dental insurance programs. Contact us today with further questions.
What are your office hours?
Our hours are Monday through Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kneib Dentistry is located just west of I-79 and the West 26th St. intersection, across from Village West. We serve Erie, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas of Ashtabula, Jamestown, Meadville, and Summit Township.
Where are your crowns and caps made?
When we prepare more than one tooth for a crown at the same visit or do not use our Cerec CAD/CAM, we use the Utah based dental laboratory, Arrowhead. They produce high-end porcelain crowns, with the standard of quality being the e.Max crown. We mean it when we say that we DO NOT cut costs by using low quality, inexpensive crowns.
What do I do if I have a dental emergency?
Accidental Tooth Loss — Knowing the Proper First Aid
- If the tooth is loose, even extremely so, but is still attached in any way, leave it in place; do not remove it.
- If it is out of its socket completely and unattached, but still in the victim's mouth, it is best to have the person hold it there, if possible until Dr. Kneib can attempt re-implantation.
- If it is out of the mouth, do not let it dry out. Handle it as little as possible. Do not attempt to disinfect the tooth, or scrub it, or remove any tissue attached to it. Call our office at (814) 838-6354 immediately.
- If it is recovered from the ground or other soiled area, rinse it off in lukewarm water. Preserve it in milk until Dr. Kneib can examine it. If milk is not available, lukewarm water will suffice.
- Time out of the socket is critical in the long-term success of re-implantation. After 30 minutes, the success potential begins to decline. However, re-implantation by Dr. Kneib is still possible after several hours, so the attempt can still be made even if the tooth has been out for a long period.
Is teeth whitening right for me?
Advanced dental techniques now provide consumers with exciting, new options for enhancing their smiles. Revolutionary methods are now available for bleaching teeth to make smiles sparkle!
Teeth bleaching or whitening lightens the color of teeth whether darkened from age, coffee, tea or tobacco. Its brightening effects can last up to five years after the treatment depending on your personal habits, such as smoking or drinking coffee or tea.
Bleaching has a higher than 90% success rate. Bleaching is tough on stains but gentle on your teeth! Results vary depending on several factors such as teeth stained from smoking; from taking certain medications such as tetracycline during tooth development; or from fluorosis, a condition occurring in the presence of too much fluoride.
Bleaching will not lighten fillings or artificial materials used in dental repair as for crowns, porcelain veneers, etc. Your dentist may discourage treatment if you have sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, teeth with worn enamel or if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
How would you whiten my teeth?
Tooth bleaching involves the placement of a bleaching solution on the teeth to eliminate stains and discoloration. The solution is held in place by a custom-made, see-through tray that fits over the teeth - much like a mouthpiece worn by a professional boxer.
Bleaching is a safe, effective and relatively easy means of producing a whiter smile.
Two bleaching methods are available at Kneib Dentistry: Power Bleaching with a Laser, done at our office, and At-Home-Bleaching, which provides for home use (not to be confused with over-the-counter bleaching products available in local Erie area drug stores).
The difference between the two is the strength of the whitening agent and the time it takes to get effective results. Power bleaching usually takes three to six visits, while home bleaching may take up to four weeks of regular use.
Sensitive teeth, or those that are chipped, eroded or weakened by cavities, should be repaired or protected before they are bleached.
Research over the last five years has proven bleaching to be both safe and effective. The American Dental Association's seal of approval has been given to a wide range of tooth whitening products.
Generally, the only side effect from treatment may be some sensitivity to hot and cold foods. If this occurs, sensitivity normally disappears within 48 hours.
Please don't hesitate to contact Kneib Dentistry with any questions you may have about the benefits of tooth whitening or tooth bleaching for a whiter smile.
At what age do I need to bring my child to the dentist?
Regular dental check-ups at Kneib Dentistry should begin no later than 18 months of age.
