| 1. Does my dental insurance cover all dental procedures in full?
Depending on your insurance policy, you may have zero out of pocket expense or fixed co-payments for the specific dental procedure. For non-covered services, payment plans are accepted.
2. My dentist recommends that I extract my wisdom teeth. What should I do?
Depending if infection is present or the position of the wisdom tooth is endangering the tooth in front of it. Removal is usually recommended.
3. Why do I need gum surgery?
Gum disease not only involves the gum surrounding the tooth, but also involves the bone support. When left untreated, the bone support deteriorates over time which leads to tooth mobility and then eventual loss of the tooth. Gum disease is a chronic condition which may not become apparent until the late stages of the disease that results in tooth loss.
4. If I have a missing tooth/teeth, can I have an implant?
In most cases it is possible for an implant to be placed where a tooth or teeth are missing.
5. What is the difference between over-the-counter bleaching products and professional tooth whitening?
Over-the-counter products do not provide a controlled bleaching process resulting in uneven bleaching of teeth.
back to top 6. Is it necessary to floss every day?
Plaque formation, if not removed in a 24 hour period, results in bacterial formation eventually leading to gum disease.
7. How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
Normally every six months, unless the gum disease was diagnosed and treated, which may necessitate cleaning every three months.
8. How dangerous are x-rays?
Dental x-rays have the amount of radiation equivalent to one half-hour of sun radiation exposure.
9. After having my dental treatment, how long do I have to wait before I eat?
Your dentist will advise you when eating is recommended, but never until all effects of dental anesthesia have dissipated.
10. Which toothbrush is the best?
A toothbrush should have soft, rounded bristles. Be sure to replace your toothbrush every three months.
back to top 11. Since getting a new filling, my tooth seems to be more sensitive to hot and cold. Is something wrong?
This sensitivity is normal after having a tooth filled. Normally, the sensitivity will decrease in a few weeks. If your tooth was extensively decayed, the sensitivity could last a few months.
12. What should I do if I knock out one of my teeth?
In order to increase the chances of saving the tooth, it is very important to get to a dentist within one hour. Do not wipe or scrub the tooth, just rinse it and place it in a glass of water or between your cheek and gum. There are also special tooth-saver boxes.
13 . How soon can I eat after I get a crown?
You can eat 30 minutes after the anesthesia wears off.
14. What should I do if my temporary crown comes off?
Having it re-cemented as soon as possible will help keep the teeth next to the missing crown from shifting.
15. What is a post?
Posts are thin metal rods that secure the core of your tooth prior to having a crown placed. The core is the part of your tooth which was built up to support the crown.
back to top 16. Will I have any pain after I get my bridge?
It is possible that your gums will feel sore and your teeth will feel more sensitive to changes in pressure and temperature. Usually, this feeling disappears after a few days.
17. Does a root canal hurt?
Since you are numb when a root canal is performed, you probably won't feel anything during the procedure. After the procedure, you may have some pain due to the infection that made the root canal necessary in the first place.
18. If I have a root canal, will I need a crown, too?
Not necessarily, but as the remaining tooth structure is brittle and easily fractured, you will probably need a crown to protect the underlying tooth.
19. Why is it necessary to treat baby teeth?
It is important to keep baby teeth as long as possible! The primary reason is that baby teeth guide permanent teeth into their correct positions; they also help a child in learning how to speak.
20. How can I get my children to brush their teeth?
The best way is to establish a routine: It should become their lifelong habit to brush their teeth before going to sleep at night and in the morning. Start by setting a good example for them yourself!
back to top 21. My children never eat any sugar. How can they have so many cavities?
Be careful of hidden sugars in bread, potatoes, or even milk that can cause the same sort of decay produced by white sugar. Drinks in a baby bottle -- even milk -- can cause tooth decay if a baby is allowed to keep the bottle in her mouth for too long a period. You can avoid this decay in infants by carefully cleaning their teeth with a Q-Tip or as they get older with a soft infant toothbrush.
22. When should I bring in my child for his first dental examination?
As soon as your child's first tooth appears (between five and eight months), so that the dentist can discuss with you the need to begin cleaning teeth as soon as they appear and inform you of how to prevent infant tooth decay.
23. Are space maintainers really necessary?
Yes. Often, when a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the teeth behind the empty space will move and tip. A space maintainer will prevent crowding and tipping until the permanent teeth come in.
24. Is a pacifier safer for my child's teeth than thumb sucking?
Both habits will often have an effect on the position of the front teeth. Pacifiers can actually have a greater effect than the thumb because they are tougher. Both habits should be ended before the permanent teeth appear.
25. My child has a toothache. What can I do before I get to the dentist?
Often, flossing between the teeth in that area may provide immediate relief as you are removing particles of food.
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