What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?
We recommend either a manual or electric soft bristled toothbrush as firmer bristles can damage the teeth and the gum tissue. Too much pressure when one is brushing can also damage the teeth and tissue. Brushing for 2 minutes twice a day with a correct brushing technique is recommended as well. We recommend changing your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3 months or after you have been sick. Toothpastes approved by the American Dental Association are what we recommend.
Why do I need to floss?
String floss or water flossers help to remove the plaque between your teeth and just under the gumline. If you don’t floss and remove the plaque ever day, the plaque will harden (calculus) and can no longer be removed at home.
Why do I need dental exams?
Regular dental exams can help detect decay and other oral problems when they are smaller, preventing bigger and more costly treatments later. Not all dental problems are painful; in fact, if we wait until the problems are painful, it can be a more serious issue. Many problems that occur in our mouths such as decay and periodontal disease are not initially painful.
Why are dental images (x-rays) needed?
Dental images are needed to see in between the teeth, the health of the bone and to see around the roots of the teeth. They allow us to see decay, bone loss, pathology, and infections just to name a few. Digital dental images are safe and have minimal radiation—similar to that of a banana!
What is decay?
Decay, also known as caries or cavities, is caused when the harder tissues of the tooth are damaged due to the demineralization process caused by acid and bacteria. Decay rates increase in people who do not brush or floss their teeth often, who have a diet high in sugars and/or acids, and who have dry mouth.
What is Periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is the loss of the bone structure that surrounds the teeth caused by a chronic bacterial infection. A dentist can diagnosis periodontal disease with dental images (x-rays) and by measuring the health of the bone with a dental probe. Initially, periodontal disease is not painful and patients may not even be aware they have it. One may start to have tooth mobility as the disease progresses, and if it progresses far enough, the impacted tooth/teeth can be lost.
What is a dental crown?
A crown, or cap as some patients refer to it as, is a full-coverage restoration of the tooth that is permanently cemented into place. Some reasons a patient may need a crown include the patient having pain on chewing due to a cracked tooth, a tooth that has fractured and is missing a large portion, there is extensive decay, or there is a large restoration that is failing. At our office, we do most crown appointments in one-visit; however, there are times where two appointments are needed.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is the treatment of damaged or infected pulp of a tooth. Root canals have a reputation as being uncomfortable; however, most root canals are painless and the patient is very comfortable during the procedure. The endodontist will give you some local anesthetic to numb the tooth. Next, they create an access opening at the top of the tooth so they can access the part of the tooth that houses the nerves and blood vessels. The endodontist will clean out the pulp and canals with fine instruments, place gutta percha, and seal the access opening. Sometimes a crown is recommended after the root canal has been completed.
Why do I need to have my tooth removed? How can I replace my missing tooth?
There are many reasons a tooth may need to come out, some of which include, a crack or decay that extend past the level of the bone, an infection of the tooth that cannot be solved with a root canal, periodontal disease, or a fracture that is large enough the tooth cannot be restored. There are a few ways a tooth can be replaced depending on each individual’s situation. The first option could be a removable partial denture, which is something that a patient takes out at night and to clean. A second option could be a fixed bridge; this option requires a structurally sound tooth in front of and behind the space to use as anchors for the bridge. The last option could be an implant.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a single tooth restoration that is supported by the bone. There are typically 3 parts. The first part is the implant itself, which is a metal post that is placed into the bone to replace the missing tooth root. Often times, it is an oral surgeon who places the implant. After several months of the implant integrating into the bone, the implant is then restored at your dental office with two other parts—the abutment and the crown. The implant abutment attaches to the implant and gives the crown something on which to sit. The crown is then cemented onto the abutment.
