FAQ

General dentistry focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating a variety of oral health conditions. It covers routine dental checkups, cleanings, and exams, as well as treatments like fillings, crowns, and bridges. Your general dentist is your primary care provider for your dental health.

Preventive care is a key aspect of general dentistry, helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. Regular visits to the dentist for checkups can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, fluoride treatments and dental sealants can protect teeth from cavities, especially in younger patients.

General dentistry also addresses the early detection of issues like oral cancer, gum disease, and misalignment. By visiting regularly, you ensure that any problems are caught early before they develop into more severe issues.

Pediatric dentistry specializes in the dental care of children from infancy through their teen years. Pediatric dentists are trained to address the unique needs of growing children, from teething to developing permanent teeth. Early visits to a pediatric dentist help ensure healthy development and prevent future dental issues.

A pediatric dentist’s focus is not just on treating dental problems but also on educating both children and parents about proper oral hygiene. They will teach kids how to brush and floss correctly, as well as the importance of diet in maintaining healthy teeth.

In addition to routine care, pediatric dentists provide treatments such as fluoride applications, sealants, and dental fillings. They also manage concerns like thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and dental anxieties, making the experience positive for young patients.

Preventative dentistry involves measures and treatments designed to prevent oral health problems before they occur. The most important aspect of preventative care is regular dental checkups, which allow the dentist to identify any issues early on and recommend solutions.

Routine cleanings are another critical component. Removing plaque and tartar buildup helps prevent cavities and gum disease. Preventative treatments such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants can further protect teeth, especially in children or patients at higher risk of tooth decay.

Educating patients on the importance of brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy diet is essential. Preventative care is all about keeping your mouth healthy in the long term and reducing the risk of needing more extensive dental procedures in the future.

Sedation dentistry is used to help patients relax during dental procedures. It can be especially helpful for those with dental anxiety, a low pain threshold, or the need for extensive treatments. There are several types of sedation available.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas," is a mild sedative inhaled through a mask. It helps reduce anxiety and discomfort during procedures. It works quickly and wears off soon after the procedure, allowing patients to return to their normal activities.

Oral sedation or intravenous (IV) sedation may be used for deeper sedation. Oral sedation involves taking a pill before the appointment, while IV sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream. These methods provide a deeper level of relaxation, making it ideal for longer or more complex procedures.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile. It includes a wide range of treatments designed to enhance the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, such as teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, and bonding.

One of the most popular cosmetic procedures is teeth whitening, which brightens your smile by removing stains and discoloration. Professional whitening treatments are much more effective than over-the-counter options and provide quicker, more dramatic results.

Veneers and dental crowns are also common cosmetic treatments. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front of the teeth, while crowns cover the entire tooth. Both treatments can correct issues like discoloration, chips, or misalignment, offering a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

Dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly, and it's important to know what to do to prevent further damage. The first step in any dental emergency is to stay calm and contact your dentist immediately for guidance and to schedule an appointment.

If you lose a tooth, try to locate it and rinse it gently with water, being careful not to touch the root. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket or place it in a cup of milk or saline solution. Getting to the dentist within an hour increases the chances of saving the tooth.

For other emergencies, such as a broken tooth or severe pain, applying a cold compress to the area can reduce swelling and provide temporary relief. In some cases, over-the-counter pain medication may also help until you can see your dentist.

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth. These custom-made aligners are comfortable and discreet, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who want to avoid traditional metal braces.

The aligners are removable, which means you can take them out when eating, brushing, and flossing. This gives you more freedom compared to braces, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions.

Treatment with Invisalign typically involves a series of aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position. The process is monitored by your dentist, and you will need to change the aligners every couple of weeks until your teeth are fully aligned.

A tooth extraction involves the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This procedure may be necessary if a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or impacted or if it is causing overcrowding in the mouth.

Wisdom teeth are commonly extracted if they cause pain, infection, or damage to surrounding teeth. For other extractions, your dentist will assess whether the tooth can be saved through other treatments or if removal is the best option.

After an extraction, proper aftercare is essential for healing. Following your dentist’s instructions will help prevent infection, reduce swelling, and promote a smooth recovery process.

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over a tooth to restore its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are typically used for teeth that are weakened, cracked, or severely decayed and cannot be restored with a simple filling.

Crowns can also be used to cover dental implants, hold dental bridges in place, or improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth. Made from materials like porcelain, metal, or a combination of both, crowns are designed to look and feel like natural teeth.

The process of getting a crown usually requires two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the tooth and take impressions, and during the second visit, the custom crown will be placed.

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, or misaligned.

Veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin, materials that mimic the natural translucency of tooth enamel. Porcelain veneers are durable, stain-resistant, and can last for many years with proper care.

The process of getting veneers typically involves two visits. The first visit includes shaping and preparing your teeth, and the second visit involves placing the custom-made veneers. This treatment offers a fast and effective way to enhance the overall appearance of your smile.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to brighten the color of your teeth. It is one of the most popular and effective ways to improve your smile by removing stains and discoloration caused by foods, drinks, tobacco use, or aging.

Professional whitening treatments at the dentist are more effective than over-the-counter products. These treatments use stronger bleaching agents that can achieve faster and more noticeable results, often in just one visit.

At-home whitening options are also available, where your dentist provides custom trays and a whitening gel for you to use at home. This method allows for more gradual whitening, with results visible over time.

It’s recommended that children visit the dentist by the time they turn one or within six months after their first tooth erupts. Early visits help establish a dental home where the child can become comfortable with the dental office and the routine of dental care.

During the first visit, the dentist will check the child’s teeth, gums, and mouth to ensure everything is developing properly. They may also offer guidance on brushing, flossing, and preventing early childhood cavities, which are common at this stage.

Starting dental visits early also allows the dentist to identify any potential issues early on, such as teething problems or risk factors for cavities, and offer preventive measures to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which are more prone to cavities. The sealant helps prevent food and bacteria from getting trapped in the deep grooves of these teeth, reducing the risk of cavities.

Sealants are typically recommended for children and teens, but adults can benefit from them as well. The application process is quick and painless, involving the dentist cleaning and drying the tooth, applying the sealant, and then curing it with a special light.

Once applied, dental sealants can last for several years with proper care. They are a simple and effective way to protect teeth from decay, especially in patients who are at higher risk for cavities.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums involves a combination of good oral hygiene practices and regular visits to the dentist. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day helps remove plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

In addition to daily oral care, eating a balanced diet and limiting sugary foods and drinks will benefit your oral health. Drinking water, especially fluoridated water, can also help strengthen your teeth and wash away food particles.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. A dentist can remove tartar buildup, check for signs of oral diseases, and provide personalized advice on how to improve your oral health.

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth that are anchored by crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth, filling the gap left by missing teeth.

Dental bridges are made from various materials, including porcelain, which blends well with natural teeth. They restore the function and appearance of missing teeth, allowing patients to eat and speak more easily.

The process of getting a bridge involves two or more visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the adjacent teeth are prepared for crowns, and impressions are taken. In the second visit, the bridge is placed, and adjustments are made for comfort and fit.

A dental filling is used to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay. The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the space with a material such as composite resin, amalgam, or gold.

A dental crown, on the other hand, is used when a tooth is severely damaged or weakened. The crown covers the entire tooth, providing strength and restoring its function. Crowns are often used for teeth with large cavities or cracks that fillings cannot repair.

Fillings are typically used for smaller cavities, while crowns are used when a tooth is extensively damaged and needs more comprehensive restoration to function properly.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as strips and gels, can lighten your teeth to some extent, but they are typically less effective than professional whitening treatments provided by your dentist. While they may work for surface stains, they often fail to address deeper discoloration.

The bleaching agents used in professional whitening treatments are stronger and more concentrated, allowing them to whiten teeth more effectively. Professional treatments are also safer, as your dentist can ensure the whitening process is done without causing damage to your gums or teeth.

If you prefer a more gradual whitening process, your dentist can provide at-home whitening options, such as custom trays and gels, for you to use safely and effectively.

A chipped tooth can be fixed using several dental treatments, depending on the severity of the chip. For minor chips, dental bonding may be used to reshape the tooth and restore its appearance. Bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the affected area.

For more significant chips, a dental crown or veneer may be required to protect and restore the tooth. These options provide added strength and durability while improving the tooth's appearance.

In some cases, if the chip is deep and exposes the inner tooth structure, a root canal may be necessary to treat any damage to the tooth’s nerve before placing a crown or veneer. Your dentist will evaluate the extent of the damage and recommend the best solution for restoring your tooth.