FAQs

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once per day are important parts of keeping your mouth healthy. If you struggle to brush or floss, consider investing in an electric toothbrush or a water flosser. These can help you make brushing easier and will keep you from having to manually remove any plaque buildup on your teeth and gums. You should also make sure to have regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist to ensure there aren’t any hidden problems waiting for you.

If you only brush, you’re not getting all of the plaque you can get from your teeth! Plaque and tartar can build up between teeth, which means you’re still more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease in those areas. Flossing enables you to reach those spots that your toothbrush can’t. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once a day to prevent cavities and gum disease.
If you have a hard time remembering to floss throughout the day, try making it part of your morning routine or nighttime routine. For instance, you can just rinse out your mouth after brushing your teeth and then floss afterward. You can also use floss picks, which make it easier to slide the floss around each tooth. Just be careful not to snap your floss pick in between the teeth! The ADA recommends gently gliding it between the teeth. That helps you remove more plaque and bacteria, leading to cleaner teeth and a healthier smile.

This depends on the type of cleaning you get, but the American Dental Association recommends most people get a check-up and cleaning every six months. The dentist will examine your teeth for signs of tooth decay or gingivitis and remove any plaque buildup from your teeth, which helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. These routine appointments are just as important as visiting your general doctor for a physical exam.
However, if you are at high risk of developing gum disease or you are noticing symptoms of it, you should visit your dentist more frequently, perhaps every three months. Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you experience dry mouth, a major change in your health, or a weakened immune system.
You may also want to consider getting professional teeth cleaning more often if you have braces. Braces can trap food particles and make it difficult for you to clean your teeth properly. In this case, your dentist may suggest getting your teeth cleaned every three to six months to remove plaque that has built up around your brackets and wires.

If your tooth is knocked out completely, pick it up by the crown and rinse it off with water to remove any remaining debris. If possible, try to gently place the tooth back into its socket facing the correct direction and bite down to hold it in place until you can be seen by your emergency dentist.
If you can’t successfully get your tooth back into the socket, place it in a cup of milk or water until you can get into the office. Avoid touching the roots of your tooth as much as possible to prevent damage.

Depending on the type of damage to your teeth, you may need a dental crown to restore your smile’s appearance. Teeth that are cracked or chipped can sometimes be repaired with a filling or even bonding with composite resin.

A root canal is a restorative procedure that is performed in order to heal an infection or inflammation in the pulp tissue of a tooth. This infection can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or even repeated dental procedures on the same tooth. In order to remove the infected tissue and restore the tooth, the pulp chamber of the tooth is removed, and the canals inside are cleaned and sealed. This procedure will relieve pain and return full function to the tooth. The crown can then be placed to restore the tooth to its normal shape and appearance. Root canal procedures have a success rate of more than 90 percent! Along with restoring the health of the tooth, this treatment also helps to maintain the structure of the natural tooth to prevent the need for extraction.

Your dentist will usually recommend a crown if you have a large cavity that is likely to cause pain, or if there is significant damage to the outside of your tooth. If you’ve fractured a tooth, your dentist may recommend a crown to provide additional strength and stability to your tooth. In both cases, crowns are a good restorative option because they protect your teeth and prevent further damage. However, if your tooth is only slightly chipped and doesn’t hurt, you may not need a crown. In that case, simply repairing the chip with a filling may be sufficient.

Yes, it absolutely can be cured. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that attacks the oral tissue and the supporting bone structure around the teeth. Once diagnosed, your dentist will prescribe a treatment plan that can eliminate the infection and work to restore the health of your teeth and gums.
Depending on how advanced the infection is, treatment may include surgical laser therapy or a course of antibiotics. It’s also important to continue brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist for exams and cleanings to prevent the recurrence of the infection.

It doesn’t take a dental emergency to prompt you to consider replacing your missing teeth. Most people will experience tooth loss at some point in their lives, whether it’s due to an accident, decay, or a dental condition like gum disease. If you’re missing multiple teeth, you may be interested in partial or complete dentures to complete your smile.
Partial dentures are used to replace just a few missing teeth. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base. This type of denture is held in place by attaching to the surrounding teeth and can be removed for cleaning or while you sleep. Most patients find that partial dentures provide an affordable and effective solution to their oral health woes.
Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing in either the upper arch or the lower arch of the mouth. These dentures are custom designed to fit your mouth and they are held in place with natural suction or an adhesive.

Whatever the reason, if you are in any kind of pain or discomfort, you should give us a call right away. Our dentists can work with you to diagnose your issue and get you out of pain as soon as possible.
If it is a true dental emergency and you cannot wait for an appointment, go to the nearest emergency room. Dental emergencies can involve broken teeth, dislodged fillings, severe toothaches caused by abscessed teeth, and serious jaw injuries that might need stitches.

Cavities are caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth, which produces acids that erode the enamel. To prevent cavities, it is crucial to maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to remove plaque between teeth, and limiting sugary and acidic foods and beverages. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also essential to catch and treat early signs of decay before they develop into cavities.

Bleeding gums are often a sign of gum inflammation or gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease. This condition is usually caused by inadequate plaque removal along the gum line. Improving your oral hygiene routine by brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce gum inflammation. If bleeding persists, it is important to visit your dentist for a professional evaluation and treatment.

Bad breath, or halitosis, can result from poor oral hygiene, certain foods, dry mouth, or underlying health conditions. To combat bad breath, ensure you brush and floss regularly, clean your tongue, stay hydrated, and use mouthwash. Avoid foods that can cause odor, such as garlic and onions. If bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene, consult your dentist to rule out any underlying issues such as gum disease or infections.

Teeth whitening can be achieved through various methods, including over-the-counter whitening products, professional in-office whitening treatments, and custom take-home whitening kits provided by your dentist. For the safest and most effective results, it is recommended to consult your dentist before starting any whitening regimen. Professional treatments are tailored to your specific needs and can significantly reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) to prevent cavities. They are particularly effective for children and teenagers, who are at higher risk for cavities in these areas. However, adults can also benefit from sealants if they have deep grooves or pits in their molars that make them prone to decay. Applying sealants is a quick, painless procedure that provides long-lasting protection against cavities.

Flossing is the most effective way to clean your teeth and remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush cannot reach. Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most of it around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two to work with. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, curve it into a C-shape against the side of each tooth, and move it up and down. For those who find traditional flossing challenging, interdental brushes or water flossers can be effective alternatives.

Tooth sensitivity can be managed by using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, which helps to block the transmission of sensations from the tooth surface to the nerve. Avoiding acidic foods and beverages, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and practicing gentle brushing techniques can also help reduce sensitivity. In some cases, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments or bonding procedures to strengthen enamel and protect exposed dentin.

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. It works by remineralizing areas of the enamel that have been demineralized by acids from plaque, bacteria, and sugars. Fluoride is commonly found in toothpaste, mouth rinses, and community water supplies. Regular use of fluoride helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and promotes overall oral health. Your dentist may also recommend additional fluoride treatments during dental visits for added protection.

A filling is used to repair a tooth that has a small area of decay or minor damage. It involves removing the decayed portion and filling the cavity with a restorative material such as composite resin or amalgam. A crown, on the other hand, is used for more extensive damage or decay that has weakened the tooth structure. It covers the entire visible part of the tooth, providing strength and protection. Crowns are also used to restore teeth after root canal treatment or to cover dental implants.

A loose tooth in an adult can be a sign of underlying issues such as gum disease, trauma, or other dental conditions. It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation and treatment. Avoid wiggling or putting pressure on the loose tooth, as this can worsen the condition. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve deep cleaning, scaling, and root planing, splinting the tooth, or addressing any underlying health conditions contributing to the looseness.

Replacing missing teeth is important for several reasons. Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew and speak properly, and the gaps can lead to shifting of surrounding teeth, causing misalignment. Missing teeth can also lead to bone loss in the jaw, which affects facial structure and appearance. Options for replacing missing teeth include dental implants, bridges, and dentures, all of which help restore function, aesthetics, and overall oral health.

A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage within the pulp of a tooth. It is needed when the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. The procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and filling them with a biocompatible material. A crown is typically placed over the tooth to restore its strength and function.