FAQ

Visiting the dentist regularly for preventive care is the best way to keep your teeth protected against gum disease and other dental problems. Oftentimes, many patients hold off on going to the dentist because they are not experiencing any visible issues with their smile. We strongly do not recommend this. Coming in frequently for cleanings and exams not only saves your smile but also saves your budget down the road.

Flossing is one of the simplest oral hygiene aids used to remove plaque and bacteria between your gumline and your teeth. It works to prevent cavities and minimize gum disease.

You should be brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day, especially before going to bed to remove any food particles. You should also be flossing daily to clean out any leftover bacteria and plaque. For additional protection from decay, we recommend using a mouthwash of your choice to keep your mouth clean and fresh.

Dental X-rays are completely safe for us to capture higher quality images of your teeth. They involve less radiation and are checked every two years for safety and accuracy under federal law.

Please communicate your anxiety by speaking with a member of our dental team. We know this is a common reality for many of our patients, and we will with you to take care of whatever you need. This may include requesting a type of sedation to help lower your nerves or performing mindfulness exercises before we begin treatment.

We recommend following the advice from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) to bring in your child about six months after their first tooth erupts. Coming to see the dentist this early helps ensure your child’s molars are growing in correctly.

Your baby will start growing teeth in the second trimester of your pregnancy. After birth, they typically will appear between 6 to 10 months of age. Once your child has two adjacent teeth, this would be an acceptable time to use floss for their smile.

Primary teeth are essential to keeping your oral health on track. They help with:

• Improving your child’s smile and speech development.
• Promoting better chewing to help with digestion.
• Straightening teeth to hold the place of adult teeth.

No matter what, taking care of your child’s primary teeth is the best way to prevent dental problems in the future.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the health and appearance of your teeth for you to feel confident in your smile. With a consultation, our dentist will meet with you to see which treatments will best meet your goals. This may also include using restorative and preventive treatments to get you to your ideal smile. Some of the most common cosmetic treatments include:

• Dental Veneers
• Professional Teeth Whitening
• Dental Bonding
• Composite Dental Fillings
• Dental Restorations

Our dentist and team offer a variety of solutions to replace your missing tooth. After we finish performing an oral examination, we will be able to discuss your goals and educate you on your treatment options to help you make the best decision for your smile. Some of the tooth replacement options we may suggest are:

• Dental Crowns
• Dental Bridges
• Dentures
• Dental Implants

A root canal is a common dental procedure for those who have an infection or decay deep in the tissues of their tooth. During this treatment, our dentist will clean your tooth root to remove the infection and seal it to provide future problems. Unlike its reputation, root canals are less painful than you might think.

Orthodontics focuses on evaluating and treating misaligned teeth and facial structure. The most common types of orthodontic treatment are:

• Braces
• Invisalign® Clear Aligners
• Retainers

Based on the recommendations from the American Association of Orthodontists®, your child can have a screening for treatment by age 7. When they reach this age, many of their permanent teeth have grown in, allowing us to spot any irregularities early on.

Absolutely not! You are never too old to work towards the smile of your dreams. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you are eligible to receive treatment.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious oral condition that causes an infection to develop in your gumline. When left untreated, the severity goes from mild inflammation to destruction of your gums and bone structure. To help prevent gum disease, we strongly recommend visiting the dentist regularly for your cleanings and exams.

The main cause of developing periodontal disease is the formation of plaque on the surface of your teeth. Once this plaque hardens and turns into dental calculus, the more present this disease becomes. If not treated properly and quickly, you may suffer from tooth loss. Other factors contributing to gum disease may include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• Genetics
• Fluctuations in hormones
• Health conditions that affect your immune system

Signs you may have periodontal disease and need to come see a dentist are:

• Red, swollen gums
• A receding gumline
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath
• Frequent sores in your mouth
• Changes to how your teeth meet when biting down
• Deep pockets of pus between your teeth and gums
• Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing your teeth.

If you are prone to bad breath lasting throughout the day, be sure to:

• Drink enough water
• Practice good oral hygiene
• Avoid using any tobacco products
• Use a mouthwash
• Chew sugarless, minty gum
• Scrape your tongue gently with your toothbrush and toothpaste
• Floss often to remove sticky plaque