1. What does it mean when my gums bleed when I brush and floss?
This is a warning sign that gum disease is present and needs to be treated by a dental hygienist. Gum disease is what leads to tooth loss and failure of dental treatment. This frequently occurs in the absence of pain, making it an important first symptom in detecting the disease.
2. What is Decay?
Decay is the destruction of tooth structure. Decay occurs when plaque, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches of the foods that we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
3. At what age should I start bringing my child to the dentist?
It is never too early to get a child acquainted with their dental team. Most children have some teeth by age one and most of their teeth by age two. Decay can start within months of eruption and accidents can occur anytime. It is recommended that children start coming to the dentist between age one and two for a chair ride and an oral exam.
4. Is whitening safe for my teeth?
Although teeth whitening seems relatively new, whitening agents have been used in dentistry for many years. They are usually peroxide based, and can be very successful when used as directed. Some patients with nerve exposure notice sensitivity, but this can be managed by our dental team’s expertise. Don’t wait for that beautiful smile any longer. Whitening too much can cause sensitivity and abrasion – too much is never recommended.
5. When should my child first use toothpaste and how much should I really use?
Removing food and plaque from the teeth and gums should be done routinely as the first tooth erupts; however a cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush dampened with water is only necessary in the early stages. As your child gets older he or she can use a “training toothpaste” that is non-fluoridated up to age 3. At or around the third birthday, your child should transition to fluoridated toothpaste that is flavored especially for children when they are able to expectorate. Try to avoid minty flavors which can be perceived as “too spicy” or “burning” to your child’s tongue. When applying the toothpaste, only the bristles should be coated thinly; unlike the large, swooping ribbon of paste that is shown on commercials.
6. How safe are x-rays? Why do you leave the room when taking x-rays on me?
Dentist will prescribed x-rays only when needed – client specific. Improved digital x-rays technology means up to 80% less radiation exposure vs old conventional manually chemically processing of x-rays. We step out of the room to activate x-ray tubing and there is no residual radiation left in the room after.
7. How many times a year should I have my teeth cleaned?
In a perfect world everyone would brush and floss twice a day. Plaque builds up over time and this sticky bacterial film can solidify and turn into calculus or tartar. This cement-like substance is removed by the hygienist at your regular cleaning visits. A six-month interval not only serves to keep your mouth healthy and clean, it allows potential problems to be found and diagnosed earlier.
8. What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a cylindrical and/or tapered post, usually made of titanium, that serves as a substitute for the tooth root. A connector, known as an abutment, is placed on, or built into, the top of the dental implant, to connect the implant to the replacement tooth or teeth. Finally, a crown, a replacement tooth, is custom made to match your natural teeth, completing the dental implant.
9. How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?
You can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or all your teeth with implants . You don’t even need one implant for every missing tooth. As few as two Implants can support a removable lower denture, while as few as four implants can provide a full, permanent set of top or bottom teeth.
10. Is dental implant surgery painful?
Most people find dental implant surgery very easy to tolerate. Any post-operative discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or OTC pain-relievers. Ice can also be helpful.
11. Can my body reject a dental implant?
Strictly speaking, implants can’t be rejected because they contain no living cells or genetically coded material. The titanium of which they are made is completely biocompatible, and allergies are extremely rare. But an implant can fail to integrate with the jawbone if an infection develops in the absence of good oral hygiene, or if it is subjected to biting forces too soon. However, this is rare; implants regularly achieve success rates in excess of 95%.
12. What is a dental crown?
A dental crown, commonly called a “cap,” is a tooth-shaped restoration that is made by a machine usually in a dental laboratory. It is designed to cover the entire tooth and strengthen the tooth. There are different reasons why your dentist may recommend a crown for one of your teeth. Sometimes a crown is placed over a tooth that has had a root canal, or one that has had a large filling, to help keep the tooth strong for biting and chewing. Crowns can also be used to hold a dental bridge in place or to cover a dental implant. A dentist may also recommend a crown to protect a weak or discolored tooth or to cover a broken one.