How can we help you?
We are happy to answer questions about our services and procedures.
These are a selection of some common questions that patients have. If your question isn't answered here, please contact our office. It's important to us that our patients understand their dental care.
Cleanings & Examinations
It is generally recommended that you see a dentist two times a year for regular cleaning, x- rays, and exam with your dentist. Not only will this give you peace of mind that your teeth are healthy, but it also establishes a history with your dentist to maintain optimal dental health and diagnose any issues your teeth may have before they become extensive.
Even with excellent hygiene habits, it's easy to miss small areas of your teeth. Over time, the missed plaque will harden into tartar, which can only be removed with a dental hygienist's tools. When tartar accumulates beneath the gumline, the end result is red, puffy, inflamed gums — the beginnings of periodontal disease.
There are many products on the market that alleviate cold sensitivity. The most recommended one is sensitivity toothpaste containing potassium nitrate. Also, high fluoride products like Prevident, which can be prescribed by your dentist, are recommended. In addition to these, using proper toothbrushing technique (soft bristle brush) or an electric toothbrush will prevent toothbrush abrasion. Toothbrush abrasion exposes the roots of the tooth which can be very sensitive to cold.
Examinations are an important opportunity for us to check in with you, see how you are doing, and make sure that your teeth are healthy. We want to catch problems when they are small and can be treated easily. This allows for more comfortable and less costly dentistry for you.
Unfortunately, by the time you are in pain, simple measures are often no longer effective. Regular examinations allow us to nip this situation in the bud and keep your teeth healthy and beautiful.
Flossing removes the bacteria-filled plaque in between the teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. If this plaque is not removed it can cause tooth decay, gingivitis, and bone loss.
X-rays are a dentist's most important diagnostic tool. Often, problems start inside your teeth or beneath the gumline. By the time the problem is visible to the naked eye, it can be painful and more difficult to treat. Using x-rays taken on a regular basis, we can catch problems early and treat them quickly and comfortably.
Dental x-rays provide the doctor with images of decay or tarter build-up between the teeth that cannot be seen by simply looking in the mouth. X-rays also identify infection and bone loss.
When you don’t maintain proper homecare (i.e. brushing two times per day and flossing one time per day) and have regular dental cleanings plaque and tarter build up on your teeth and cause inflammation in the gum tissue.