FAQ

Many people only visit the dentist when they have a noticeable problem. While they may think they are saving money, treatments to repair and restore their teeth and smiles often cost more money and time than regular dental visits. Visiting the dental office regularly ensures that you receive preventive care to stop problems in the earliest stages of development and, hopefully, prevent them from developing in the first place. We can monitor your oral health and help you learn the best ways to care for your teeth so they remain healthy. You should visit our office twice each year.

Brushing your teeth cleans their surfaces but does not reach the areas between your teeth or below the gumline. Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria from these areas before they can damage your teeth and gums.

You should brush at least twice each day. It is especially important to brush your teeth before going to bed. Use an ADA-approved, soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. You should also floss daily. We recommend using a mouth rinse as well. Contact our office if you have questions.

Dental X-rays are extremely safe. In fact, you are exposed to less radiation with dental X-rays than you are in your day-to-day life from the sun. Advances in dentistry continue to make dental X-rays safer through digital imaging technologies and higher-speed X-rays. Additionally, X-ray machines are checked regularly for safety and accuracy.

Please speak with our team. We take your fear seriously and will work with you to help you feel more comfortable in our office. Strategies may include medications to numb treated areas, sedation dentistry, the use of lasers instead of drills when appropriate and techniques such as guided imagery, deep breathing, biofeedback or acupuncture. Dentophobia clinics and support groups may also be available.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit the dentist about six months after their first tooth erupts or no later than their first birthday. These appointments help your child become comfortable in the dental office and allow us to ensure they are growing and developing correctly.

Babies begin developing teeth during the second trimester of pregnancy, at about 16 to 20 weeks. Teeth typically begin to emerge between 6 and 10 months of age. You should begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two adjacent teeth.

Primary teeth are critical to maintaining good oral health and supporting proper development. Your child’s primary teeth facilitate:

• Proper speech production and development
• Proper chewing, nutrition and digestion
• Straighter smiles by holding space for permanent teeth
• Excellent oral health

It is important to take good care of your child’s primary teeth. Please make an appointment with our team if you have questions.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth so you can enjoy a more beautiful smile. Common cosmetic dental treatments include:

• Teeth whitening
• Dental veneers
• Composite, or tooth-colored, dental fillings
• Dental bonding
• Dental crowns and bridges
• Dental implants
• Orthodontics

When you visit our office, our dentists will examine your mouth, discuss your oral health needs and smile goals, and design a customized treatment plan. Tooth replacement options may include:

• Dental implants
• Dental bridges
• Complete or partial dentures

A root canal is performed when injury, infection or decay reaches the inner tissues of a tooth. Our dentists will remove the infected pulp tissue, clean and sterilize the canals, fill them with a medicated material and seal the tooth to help prevent future infection. Advances in dentistry make it possible to perform this treatment comfortably and effectively.

Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing and treating dental and facial irregularities, including misaligned teeth and jaws. An orthodontist has received additional training after dental school in managing tooth movement and guiding facial development.

The American Association of Orthodontists® recommends that children receive their initial orthodontic screening by age 7. At this age, several permanent teeth have erupted, making developing problems easier to diagnose and treat.

No! While many orthodontic patients are children or teenagers, more adults are seeking treatment to improve their smiles and oral health. As long as your teeth and supporting structures are healthy, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, affects the gums and supporting structures in your mouth. It begins as a bacterial infection and may progress until it damages your gums and bone. The milder stage is known as gingivitis, while the more severe form is periodontitis. You should be checked for periodontal disease each time you visit our dentists.

Periodontal disease is caused by harmful bacteria trapped in plaque. As plaque hardens into calculus, or tartar, the disease becomes more established. Gum attachments may separate from your teeth and create pockets that harbor bacteria. If gum disease progresses without treatment, the condition may become irreversible.

• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard foods
• Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
• Loose or separating teeth
• Pus between the gums and teeth
• Sores in the mouth
• Persistent bad breath
• A change in the way the teeth fit together when biting
• A change in the fit of dentures or other removable appliances

Halitosis, or bad breath, may be caused by:

• Morning breath
• Poor oral hygiene
• Cavities or periodontal disease
• Poorly fitted appliances
• Dry mouth or dehydration
• Tobacco products
• Medical conditions or illnesses
• Hunger or missed meals
• Certain foods

You can help prevent bad breath by visiting our dentists regularly, staying hydrated, practicing good oral hygiene, using mouth rinses and avoiding tobacco products. If your halitosis persists, consult a physician to determine whether it is caused by a medical condition.