Visiting the dentist is necessary for your overall health. Dentists check for issues such as cavities and oral cancer that you might not be able to catch on your own. These issues can be treated if they are caught early.
Proper diet and oral hygiene are important to maintain your oral health between appointments. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, remembering to floss. Eating a diet rich in calcium and other nutrients can help strengthen your teeth and keep your enamel intact.
Yes. Dental issues cannot always be seen or felt. Your dentist will be able to take a better look and fully examine your mouth for problems.
During the procedure, the area will be numbed by anesthetic so the patient is not in pain. However, some pain and sensitivity are normal in the days following the procedure.
Tooth extractions are done while the patient is under anesthesia, so the procedure itself does not hurt. However, some discomfort and swelling are normal in the days following the procedure.
The time it takes depends on the treatment. Dental bonding and teeth whitening can be completed in one appointment. Porcelain veneers and crowns require two appointments, as the pieces must be custom-made. These appointments are typically a few weeks apart. Treatments such as Invisalign typically take around a year to complete.
Veneers are more stain-resistant than your tooth’s natural enamel. However, after several years you may notice some staining where the veneer has become worn.
Yes, tooth whitening is safe and FDA-approved.
Unlike store-bought whitening treatments, professional teeth whitening does not cause sensitivity.
The American Dental Association recommends that children see the dentist six months after their first tooth appears or around their first birthday, whichever comes first.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist every six months.
Restorative dentistry is the process of restoring the patient’s natural smile through the use of dental technology.
The length of time depends on the treatment. Fillings last anywhere between 5 and 12 years. Dentures usually need to be replaced every five to eight years, but you can prolong their lifespan with proper care and maintenance. Dental implants should last a lifetime, but crowns may need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.
If your toothache persists and cannot be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, call our office right away so that we can get you in to see a dentist as soon as possible.
If you have a cracked tooth, call your dentist to make an appointment as soon as you can. Try to avoid chewing with the damaged tooth until you can receive treatment.
If your tooth has been knocked out, you must keep it moist and see your dentist immediately. If you’re able to get to the dentist within the first two hours, the tooth can usually be re-attached. Try to keep it in the pocket of your cheek or in a glass of milk until you get to the dentist’s office.
Invisalign is a system of clear aligner trays that straighten your teeth gradually over time. Every few weeks you will swap out one tray for another that moves the teeth slightly closer to their ideal position. Invisalign must be worn for about 22 hours a day in order to work properly, but you can remove the trays to eat and clean your teeth.
The typical length of Invisalign treatment is 12 months, but treatment time may change depending on your case and treatment plan.
Yes, after Invisalign, it’s important that you wear a retainer so your teeth do not move back toward their original positions.