This section provides answers to frequently asked questions. If you don’t find the answer to your questions here, please call us or stop by for more detailed information regarding you or your family’s dental health.

Why do I need to have regular dental check-ups?
There are many reasons you should make an appointment to see us on a regular basis. Regular checkups are needed to monitor your overall and continuing dental health. Many problems we see which require extensive work could have been prevented if our patients had only stopped in to see us a couple of times a year! While almost everyone realizes that these checkups keep emerging problems in check, it is also important to recognize that oral condition is a good indicator of overall health as well; the condition of the mouth can indicate other problems such as diabetes, hormonal and vitamin irregularities, and even cardiovascular problems.

How important are X-Rays for a dental exam?
X-Rays can detect hidden problems in your teeth and gums. Many problems start between teeth or under the gum line, and cannot be seen with regular visual exams. Problems such as small cavities, infections, periodontal disease abscesses, impacted teeth, tumors, cysts, and other problems can only be detected with X-rays. As in any medical or physical problem, early detection can save you time, money, and discomfort.

Why should I brush and floss?
Inflamed gums and periodontal disease are a direct result of plaque and tartar build-up on the surfaces of your teeth. Periodontal disease will eventually cause any number of dental problems which will result in tooth loss. Regular brushing and flossing removes plaque and tartar, and stimulates the circulation in the gums, promoting dental heath and minimizing the chance of tooth loss through poor hygiene.

Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush and floss?
You may very occasionally see some blood when you brush or floss. This can be caused by trapped food or other debris irritating the gums. Seeing blood should not be a regular observation, however. If you have not flossed for a while and you begin a flossing regiment (you should floss at least once a day), you may find your gums bleeding a little, as well as being sore for about a week. This condition should pass. If you continue to see blood when brushing and flossing, and your gums continue to hurt for more than a week, you may need treatment for a dental problem. Please contact us for an exam and treatment if this occurs. Often the cleaning and polishing we can provide with specialized tools will solve the problem. In more serious cases we can treat the problem proactively and prevent it from progressing to tooth and or bone loss.

Is sensitivity to temperature in my teeth normal?
Sensitivity to temperature often is the first indicator of a dental problem such as a deteriorating filling, a new cavity, a cracked tooth, or periodontal disease which has progressed to the point that it is causing real damage. In some cases, where a cavity has been repaired with a metal filling, you may experience sensitivity to extremely hot or cold foods. Some people, also, have sensitive teeth in general. While uncomfortable, this is normal. New techniques which use resin bondings to repair fillings do not transmit temperatures as easily, reducing the sensitivity. If your teeth are sensitive to temperature, especially if a tooth suddenly becomes sensitive, please contact us for an exam so we can identify if there is a problem and provide services to repair any on-going problems or damage.

Is sensitivity to pressure in my teeth and/or gums normal?
Unlike sensitivity to temperature in teeth, sensitivity to pressure almost always means that there is a problem we should assess. If you find that you have a tooth or a part of your gums which hurts when you chew or clench your teeth, you should first brush and floss thoroughly. Sometimes sensitivity to pressure can be caused by a trapped food particle. It can also mean that enough tartar and plaque has built up that it is starting to irritate your mouth, and it’s time to come in for a cleaning. If, after you perform your daily maintenance, you still find your teeth sensitive, please contact us to set up and appointment.

If I decide to become your patient, what do I need to do?
Becoming one of our “family” is a simple process. Just make an appointment to see us for an initial exam. We pride ourselves on taking time to answer your needs with prompt and friendly attention. When you come to the office we’ll be glad to listen to your concerns and talk with you about possible options for treatment and maintenance, as well as options for insurance and payments.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR SMILE!

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