What can I do about bad breath?
Regular dental checkups will allow us to better detect any problems such as periodontal (gum) disease, dry mouth, or other disorders that may be the cause of persistent bad breath. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating periodontal (gum) disease, and regular professional cleanings at our office are essential to reducing bad breath.
No matter what, good oral hygiene is essential to good oral health. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. Remember to brush your tongue, too. If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.
What are the benefits of a dental radiograph (x-ray) examination?
Many problems with teeth and the surrounding tissues cannot be seen when we visually examine your mouth. An x-ray examination is needed to reveal:
- Small areas of decay between teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
- Infections that can develop in the mouth bones
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Abscesses or cysts
- Developmental abnormalities
- Some types of tumors
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you unnecessary discomfort, money, and time. In cases where x-rays help us detect oral cancer and periodontal disease early, radiographs can also help save your life!
If my tooth doesn’t hurt and my filling is still in place, why would the filling need to be replaced?
Constant pressure from chewing, grinding and/or clenching can cause dental fillings to wear away, chip, and even crack. If the seal between the tooth enamel and the filling breaks down, food particles and decay-causing bacteria can work their way under the filling. You then run the risk of developing additional decay in that tooth. Decay that is left untreated can progress to deeply infect the tooth and even cause an abscess and/or eventual loss of the tooth. Again, regular checkups enable us to monitor areas of concern and help keep you in optimal oral health.
When restorations are large, or if recurrent decay is extensive, there might not be enough remaining tooth structure to support a replacement filling. In these cases, we may need to replace the filling with a natural looking porcelain crown.
What if I am too scared to go to the dentist?
Dental anxieties and even fear are not unusual. People of any age can experience these feelings. We will adjust our treatment to meet your needs, so you can receive the dental care you desire at a pace that feels comfortable to you. We also offer several options to help you relax, from massaging dental chairs to nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and sedation “sleep” dentistry. Please share your feelings and concerns with us and our staff so that we can accommodate you and make your dental visits as anxiety- and pain-free as we can.
Is there another way I can have a tooth replaced other than a bridge?
Yes. Dental implants can provide replacement teeth with that natural feel and look of security you’re looking for. They can also be used to attach partial or full dentures. Implants, however, are not the best option for everyone. Because they require oral surgery, patients must be in good health, have healthy gums, and have adequate bone to support the implant(s). Additionally, patients must be committed to meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits after this life changing procedure. If you’re considering dental implants, we’d love to do a thorough evaluation to determine if this could be a viable option to give your smile a second chance. We look forward to visiting with you at our office!
