Frequently Asked Questions

When you go to a dental clinic for an appointment, you will likely check in at the front desk first. After that, you will complete paperwork concerning your health and insurance details. You will then have the chance to discuss your concerns about your appointment and the comforts the office can provide.

A dental hygienist will then see you. They will assess your paperwork and take diagnostic records. They will take X-rays and intraoral photos and update your chart to show the current condition in your mouth. This includes the condition of your teeth and any restorations you may have. The X-rays and intraoral photos will also show whether there are any areas of decay to bring to the dentist’s attention.

The hygienist will also examine the gums for gum disease. They will then conduct a prophylaxis cleaning if you have no gum disease. This is a rigorous removal of tartar and plaque from your teeth’s surface and underneath your gum line.

Finally, you will see the dentist to finish your exam and discuss your concerns, treatment needs, and complaints. If a treatment procedure is necessary, you and the dentist will create a plan and review it in depth. You will discuss financial considerations and schedule future appointments.

It is time to see a dentist if you have not gone for a dental check-up within the past six months. Dental professionals recommend dental checkups at least once every six months for preventive services and deep cleaning. A checkup can assist in preventing gum disease and tooth decay from worsening and becoming a severe problem. Also, consider a dental appointment when experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Halitosis, which is an indication of gingivitis or periodontitis. Tartar is one of the causes of halitosis.
• Sensitive, bleeding, red, or swollen gums.
• Dry mouth.
• Swollen face, neck, or mouth. These may be symptoms of infection.
• Tooth sensitivity or toothache, which might be an indication of a cavity.

To prevent severe oral damage, schedule dental visits regularly for examination and cleaning.

Routine dental examinations help detect problems early to avert extensive and more expensive treatments later. When you visit a dental clinic for an exam, a dental hygienist will begin the procedure by cleaning plaque accumulation from your teeth. They will then use special equipment to probe marks on the teeth surfaces and around the gum line. If some time has passed since you last saw the dentist, you might have sensitive and sore areas.

Undergo a dental examination every six months or frequently if your dental professional recommends it. Go to a dentist who will make you feel comfortable and inform you what to expect. Usually, the stress of scheduling dental visits becomes a relief when the appointment ends and the dentist has set up a dental care plan. As a guardian or parent, remaining positive can assist your kids in overcoming their fears.

Dental and medical experts study X-ray use and set limits for their safety. Your dental professional should conduct as few X-rays as possible. At times, dentists might recommend X-ray imaging to diagnose unique problems. Technological advancements mean today’s digital X-rays generate little radiation and are safer than those conducted before.

Anticipate undergoing an X-ray imaging during an initial exam if you have not been to a dental professional for some time. This assists in checking gum and tooth health. The dentist might want photos every six months if you have developed gingivitis or periodontitis. With routine checkups, you will undergo X-ray imaging every two years, based on your dental professional’s plan. Minors undergo more dental X-ray imaging than grownups since their teeth change, and they develop caries more easily.

Time is essential when you knock off your tooth as it will impact the success rate of re-inserting it into its socket. Generally, re-insertion is highly successful within thirty minutes of the tooth falling off.

Avoid touching the tooth root when you pick it up from where it landed. Hold it only by the crown. You need to clean the tooth gently using milk or saline solution. Avoid scrubbing it while cleaning. Cleaning with water is also not ideal, as it will damage the tooth. Take a brief moment to determine the correct alignment the tooth should be in to reenter its socket properly. If it has been less than thirty minutes since you displaced the tooth, the surrounding tissues and the tooth’s socket will likely numb due to the trauma.

Try inserting the tooth into its socket by yourself. If you cannot insert it, keep the tooth correctly and visit your dental professional within six hours of knocking out the tooth. Keep the tooth in a container with saline or milk to prevent its root from drying. If saline or milk is unavailable, saliva is the next ideal option. Put the tooth back into the mouth next to your cheek. Once you reach the dental office, the dentist will stabilize the tooth using splinting material.

Once the tissue and trauma heal, you will need to undergo a root canal on the tooth. The treatment is requisite since the tooth comprises blood vessels and nerves that, too, become damaged when a tooth is knocked out. The great news is that if you take the steps mentioned above, the prognosis of a re-inserted tooth is favorable.

A dental cavity breaks through a tooth’s enamel surface and will likely enlarge if you do not close it with a filling material. Your dental professional numbs the affected tooth before drilling around or into the cavity to prepare it. The dentist will then put a filling material into the cavity while it is still soft and harden it using a curing light until it dries up. You might feel pressure or pain when receiving the numbing injection before the drilling. Fillings are durable once placed. However, they will require replacement should they wear down or break.

Usually, any tooth-related pain is a direct sign of an issue. Even when the pain goes away, an infection might still be there. Other associated symptoms might arise. These include the following:

• Severe swelling of the face
• Cysts
• General systemic health problems
• The unexpected onset of severe tooth pain

The intensity of a toothache can range between dull throbbing pain and acute pain. The affected tooth might also feel sensitivity to sugary beverages and foods, pressure, cold, or heat. If the pain is severe and has spread, pinpointing the affected tooth can usually be challenging.

Most toothaches worsen if not treated, and the pain might also be due to other dental problems. Therefore, if you experience any dental-related pain, we recommend calling your dental professional immediately. The earlier you seek intervention, the easier the treatment and the more successful the outcome.

Brushing teeth twice daily is essential to maintaining excellent oral health. Yet, you can also take several other steps to protect your teeth even more. These include avoiding consuming many sugary drinks or food and flossing daily.

Additionally, visiting a dentist twice a year for professional cleaning is essential. Professional cleaning removes the stubborn tartar and plaque that flossing and brushing alone cannot remove. The bacteria resulting from plaque and tartar can linger and permanently damage the gums and supporting bone surrounding teeth. This usually results in early tooth loss and other dental health problems. Just remember that gum diseases are silent illnesses. Their signs usually go unnoticed, leading to unchecked damage. Fortunately, gum diseases are preventable with the help of professional cleaning.

Dental experts recommend that children have their initial dental checkup at one year. Dental-related problems are not uncommon at a young age. The earlier your child has their dental visits, the earlier intervention and prevention can start.

When your child reaches two and a half to three years old, all their milk teeth will fully develop. Minors should have routine annual maintenance appointments. This assists in minimizing their likelihood of future major or unpleasant procedures that could cause dental anxiety and fear.

Milk teeth are essential for learning to talk, properly chewing, having a healthy and confident self-image, and developing jaw muscles. Some milk teeth must remain in service until the minor turns at least twelve years old. Earlier examinations will ensure your little one has a good start in their lifetime of proper oral health.

If you are pregnant, we recommend routine dental checkups for your and your unborn baby’s well-being. Regular dental treatments are safe when pregnant. However, you should avoid some medications or procedures in your first trimester.

If you are presently trying to become pregnant or are planning to do so, it is essential to tell your dental professional during your appointment so they do not take X-rays. In some cases, X-ray imaging might be necessary to help identify and achieve a suitable approach to pain alleviation.

During the pregnancy period, hormonal level changes can cause oral bacteria to increase. This leads to the prevalence of gingivitis, which can worsen if left untreated. We recommend that you go on with routine checkup visits during your pregnancy. Ensure to schedule routine visits during your second trimester.

You could undergo gum lifting. The upper lip should rest just along your gum line whenever you smile. When too much of your gum shows, then you have what is called a gummy smile. The most prevalent dental technique utilized to treat a gummy smile is lasers to remove excessive gum tissues above the teeth. This process is called gum lifting. Gum lifting reshapes your gum line to make the teeth appear more symmetrical and longer, so your smile appears natural-looking and more balanced.

If you wish to alter your teeth’s shape, close gaps between the teeth, or correct chipped or cracked teeth, you have several treatment options to choose from:

• Veneers—Thin, customized shells made from different materials, such as porcelain. The dentist sticks them to the teeth’s front surface.
• Bonding—this procedure involves the dentist applying and bonding a natural tooth-colored resin to the surface of the tooth using a unique curing light.
• Contouring—a procedure where the dentist removes a small amount of the tooth enamel to alter its surface, shape, and size.
• Crowns—these are tooth-shaped caps that entirely cover a tooth above the gum line.

When selecting a proper toothpaste brand for you or your family, first understand the dental health problems that need addressing the most. Consulting your dental hygienist or dentist is the ideal way to determine the type of toothpaste that suits your needs. There are several kinds of toothpaste, and they address various oral-related conditions:

• Desensitizing toothpastes treat pain and hypersensitivity.
• Toothpaste that contains fluoride protects against cavities and tooth decay. They also help prevent enamel decalcification. Fluoride is the active ingredient in these types of toothpaste.
• Anti-tartar or anti-plaque toothpaste assist in preventing gingivitis.
• All-natural toothpastes comprise herbal extracts like seaweed, propolis, and tea tree oil.
• Anticalculus toothpastes.
• Gum care toothpaste contains Triclosan, which prevents gingivitis and benefits gum health.
• Smokers’ and whitening toothpaste assist in removing superficial tar deposits and tooth stains.
• Antibacterial toothpastes help eliminate bad breath and anaerobic bacteria.
• All-in-one toothpaste addresses different oral health problems. These range from tooth whitening to plaque control.

Most dental professionals consider fluoride a key component that should not be lacking in whichever toothpaste you choose.

Finally, you must consider your preferences to avoid utilizing toothpaste you may find irritating and uncomfortable for your teeth and mouth.

It is not about what toothbrush you should utilize but how you utilize it. If you lack the time or patience to brush twice daily for three minutes, an electric toothbrush might be more effective than a manual brush. An electric toothbrush might also be ideal for impatient minors with poor tooth-brushing routines. However, when you utilize a manual brush with the correct brushing techniques for the recommended frequency (twice a day) and time (two to three minutes), the toothbrush is just as effective as an electric brush.

Proper dental hygiene care invigorates and freshens your gums and teeth. Simultaneously, you are creating the ground for lifetime dental health. The following are the primary tips to maintain healthy gums and teeth:

• Utilize a soft-bristled toothbrush. The bristles should be rounded.
• Brush twice every day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
• Make routine dental appointments (every six months).
• Floss daily.
• Avoid smoking tobacco and cigarettes.
• Have routine periodontal checkups (yearly).
• Undergo oral cancer screening.

Halitosis, or bad breath, usually results from poor oral and dental hygiene. When food particles become stuck between teeth for many hours, they can rot, leading to a foul odor in your mouth. Removing this food debris through proper flossing and brushing will easily remedy this foul breath. Plaque accumulation can also cause bad breath since the bacteria it contains emanate odorous gases.

Chronic foul breath may result from oral conditions like dry mouth, gum disease, and cavities. Routine hygiene and oral care will only temporarily eliminate mouth odor. Visit your dental professional for advice and treatment should your foul breath persist despite routine flossing and brushing.

Take notice of bad taste or bad breath. They might be signs of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease could damage your jawbone and gums if not treated,

Dry mouth could also cause halitosis. Saliva naturally cleanses and moistens the mouth by neutralizing plaque and acid-generating beverages and foods. Additionally, it washes away dead cells and food residue that have built up on your gums, inner cheeks, and tongue. Lacking saliva in the mouth could result from a salivary gland problem. It could also be a side effect of smoking, certain medications, and other reasons.

An ongoing health condition might also lead to halitosis. These medical conditions include stomach or mouth infections, uncontrolled diabetes, colds, and gastroesophageal reflux.

Apart from having a family member or friend whiff your breath, there is a faster and more discreet approach you can employ without needing anyone’s feedback. Firstly, lick the back of your hand and wait for approximately ten seconds. Then, sniff the place you licked. By doing this, you should be able to tell instantly if your breath is foul. If it does not smell good to you, it is highly likely everybody else will also deem it offensive but are just too polite to tell you. If you are still deciding, any dental professional should tell you.

If your halitosis is not due to a medical or oral condition, try these steps to eliminate or prevent it:

• Brush your oral cavity and teeth twice daily.
• See your dental professional for a routine checkup.
• Floss daily.
• Stick to a healthy, nutritious diet; avoid junk foods.
• Avoid tobacco-containing products.

Periodontitis, also called periodontal disease, is an advanced gum disease. It is a prevalent reason for tooth loss. Gingivitis (the less severe form of gum disease) is a significantly hidden illness with few signs and symptoms. However, after the disease advances to periodontitis, there are several obvious symptoms. The symptoms might include:

• Bleeding, swollen, and inflamed gums.
• Persistent bad breath.
• Unstable teeth.
• Changes in how your lower and upper teeth interlock whenever biting.

During regular checkups, your dental professional will check for any possible signs of periodontitis. They will utilize a periodontal probe to detect whether any pockets have formed between your teeth and gums or any breakdown in gum tissue attachment.

For progressed stages, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist. This professional specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum diseases. The periodontist will customize the treatment to meet your personal needs. They will determine the severity of the condition and evaluate how effective therapy and treatment will be. Treatment options include:

Your dental professional can remove tartar and plaque from every periodontal pocket. They will carefully remove these accumulations using a scaler. They can also use an ultrasonic cleaner. Once they have removed the tartar and plaque, they will plane and smooth the tooth root surface. The gum tissues can then heal. The dentist will instruct you on caring for the gums and teeth as you heal.

With routine checkups, periodontitis can be cured in its initial stages before it advances to a more severe condition. Treatment is necessary if the condition has already advanced. Remember to practice proper oral hygiene after treatment. Ensure to back up the proper hygiene routine with regular dental checkups and a balanced diet. That way, you can stop periodontitis from recurring.