Dental FAQs

Dentistry is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions, disorders, and diseases of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Often considered necessary for complete oral health, dentistry has an important impact on the health of your entire body.

A Dentist is a professionally trained individual who can diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Your dentist has completed at least eight years of schooling and received either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree, or a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. When an issue arises that requires advanced treatment, your General Dentist may refer you to a Specialist. Dental specialties include:

• Endodontics (root canals)

• Oral and maxillofacial (including pathology, radiology, and surgery)

• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics ( tooth movement and alignment)

• Periodontics (gum issues))

• Prosthodontics (complex crown and bridge cases)

• Pedodontics (children)

Visiting the dentist regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Dental care is important because of it:

• Helps prevent tooth decay

• Protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss

• Prevents bad breath – brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly will help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath

• Gives you a more attractive smile and increases your self-confidence

• Helps keep teeth looking bright by preventing them from becoming stained by food, drinks, and tobacco

• Strengthens your teeth so that you can enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for the rest of your life!

Your teeth may feel fine, but it's still important to see the dentist regularly because problems can exist without you knowing. Your smile's appearance is important, and your dentist can help keep your smile healthy and looking beautiful. With so many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Today's dentists offer many treatment choices that can help you smile with confidence, including:

• Professional teeth whitening

• Fillings that mimic the appearance of natural teeth

• Tooth replacement and full smile makeovers

During your first visit, you will be able to determine that this is the right dental office for you. During your appointment, the following are very important to us:

• The appointment schedule is convenient

• The office is easy to get to and close by

• The office appears to be clean and orderly

• Your medical and dental history is recorded and placed in a permanent file

• The dentist explains techniques for good oral health

• Information about cost is presented to you before treatment is scheduled

• Our dentists are members of the ADA (American Dental Association)

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss at least once!

• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities.

• Avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities) and avoid tobacco (this can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and eventually lead to oral cancer).

• Don't be afraid to brush your tongue! By brushing your tongue, you will remove food particles and reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria. Tongue brushing also helps keep your breath fresh.

• Be sure to schedule your routine checkup. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six months of age and no later than one year of age. During this time, your child's baby teeth will be coming in and your dentist can examine the health of your child's first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months.

Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. Your doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.

A cavity is a hole that forms inside of a tooth. Cavities are formed when plaque buildup on the outside of the tooth combines with sugars and starches in the food you eat. These sugars and starches feed the bacteria in the plaque buildup causing acid production that away at the enamel on your teeth. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems. Cavities can be prevented by remembering to brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss between teeth at least once and by dietary changes.

A filling is a synthetic material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after all of the tooth decay has been removed. Fillings do not generally hurt because your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. Fillings are made from a variety of different materials, including composites, gold, or ceramic. If you need a filling, be sure to talk to your doctor about what type is best for you and your teeth.

According to your dentist and the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least two times a day. Brushing keeps your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy by removing bacteria-causing plaque. It is also recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride when you brush your teeth. You should spend at least a minute on the top teeth and a minute on the bottom teeth, and remember to brush your tongue; it will help keep your breath smelling fresh!

Your toothbrush will eventually wear out, especially if you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time. Your dentist recommends that adults and children change their toothbrush every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to read the directions because you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently. Patients with gum disease are encouraged to change their toothbrush every four to six weeks to keep any bacteria from spreading. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If you've been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible.

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, and, if detected, is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease:

• Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums

• Chronic bad breath

• Loose teeth, or loss of teeth

• Extreme tooth sensitivity

• Receding gum line

• Abscessed teeth

Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.