Dental Questions
- How often should I have a teeth cleaning?
- I haven't been to the dentist in many years, and I am worried about coming in now. What should I do?
- I'm not sure if my insurance covers me seeing you. Can you help?
- What types of services do you offer?
- Do you treat kids?
- When should my baby have a dental check-up?
- Do electric toothbrushes really make a difference?
- Why should I replace my missing teeth?
- I have dry mouth. Can you help with that?
- My last dentist told me I grind my teeth at night. What should I do?
- What is periodontal disease? How do I know if I have it?
- What are the benefits of dental implants?
- What is Smile Design?
- What are veneers?
- What kind of teeth whitening services do you offer?
- Can my jagged teeth be corrected?
- How do I choose a cosmetic dentist?
- How often should I have a teeth cleaning?
An average person with good home care and a healthy mouth will require a cleaning every six months. In some cases, one may require more frequent cleanings if they are prone to heavy build-up or periodontal disease. When we see you in our office, we will develop a plan with you for your routine check ups.
- I haven't been to the dentist in many years, and I am worried about coming in now. What should I do?
We understand that sometimes life flies by and before you know it, it's been years! No need to worry, we are here to help you get back on track and achieve optimal dental health and the smile you've always wanted.
- I'm not sure if my insurance covers me seeing you. Can you help?
We accept all PPO insurances which allow you to choose your dentist. Do not hesitate to call if you have any other questions regarding coverage.
- What types of services do you offer?
We offer services in all aspects of dentistry, including routine hygiene care and exams to in-office bleaching and implant restoration.
- Do you treat kids?
Yes definitely! We see children and help them have a positive experience with the dentist so that in the future they will not avoid the dentist.
- When should my baby have a dental check-up?
We recommend a first dental check-up before your child turns one. Your baby's first tooth is a major event for you and your baby. This first tooth also means you need to start thinking about taking care of them. We encourage "well-baby" dental check-ups so that your baby becomes accustomed to having their teeth and gums cleaned and also we can help you, the parents, with how best to take care of your child's teeth.
- Do electric toothbrushes really make a difference?
Yes! With the oscillations/rotations of the brush you are given additional brush strokes that you may not be able to achieve by hand, therefore, additional chances to remove debris from the tooth surface. Also, the 2-minute timers are a big help in assuring that you are brushing long enough!
- Why should I replace my missing teeth?
Often times missing teeth will not have an immediate effect on your mouth, however, over time, teeth will shift or tip and bone loss can occur which can affect the teeth surrounding the area collectively causing a change in your bite.
- I have dry mouth. Can you help with that?
Dry mouth is an frustrating concern, especially if you take many medications. Dry mouth can increase your likelihood of cavities because of the decrease in saliva production, which is the mouth's natural cleanser. There are products we can recommend to help with dry mouth and treatments to help decrease the likelihood of decay in your mouth.
- My last dentist told me I grind my teeth at night. What should I do?
Teeth grinding can't be stopped but an appliance that is worn at night can prevent the muscles from engaging and the additional wear to your teeth when you are sleeping and don't have the ability to stop yourself from grinding.
- What is periodontal disease? How do I know if I have it?
Periodontal disease is when bacteria in the mouth accumulates on plaque and releases toxins which irritate the gums and cause inflammation. The resulting inflammation, which may be painless, damages the attachment of the gums and bone to the teeth.
It is possible to have periodontal disease without apparent symptoms, that's why regular dental check-ups are very important. Some signs of periodontal disease are: gums that bleed easily, red, swollen or tender gums, gums that have pulled away from your teeth, persistent bad breath, pus between the teeth and gums, loose or separating teeth, a change in the way your teeth fit together.
- What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants are the closest replacement to your natural teeth. If you are missing one tooth, that one tooth can be replaced without removing any tooth structure from neighboring teeth like we would normally need to for a bridge. In addition, you can floss the dental implant tooth like a natural tooth without additional flossing aids. Dental implants do not decay, but they must be kept clean like natural teeth to prevent perio-implant problems.
- What is Smile Design?
Photographs and models are taken of you and we assess how we can improve your smile and then we review the different options you may have to improve your smile. This includes an analysis of teeth size and the relationship of them to your face and mouth.
- What are veneers?
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to your teeth. Veneers can change the shape, color, length, or width of your teeth. While they are not suitable for every patient, veneers are the most aesthetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions involving the front teeth, including diastemas (spaces between teeth), broken or chipped teeth, unsightly, stained, or washed-out fillings, permanently stained or discolored teeth that can't be bleached, or crooked teeth.
One of the great advantages of veneers is that the procedure usually takes only two visits. Veneers can last indefinitely, depending on how well they are taken care of. They are also more resistant to stains and chipping than regular bonding.
- What kind of teeth whitening services do you offer?
We offer two types of whitening, an in-office procedure which whitens your teeth in an hour or take-home trays which are custom made to fit your mouth comfortably and allow you to whiten at home and touch-up as needed.
- Can my jagged teeth be corrected?
Jagged teeth can usually be corrected by braces and/or bonding, depending on what has caused the teeth to be jagged.
- How do I choose a cosmetic dentist?
The biggest factor in choosing a cosmetic dentist, as with any health care professional, is choosing someone you are comfortable with. In addition, a cosmetic dentist that listens to your main concerns is an important factor so that you both have the same vision for your new smile!