FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You asked, we answered.
Why do I need my teeth cleaned periodically?
Brushing and flossing alone are not enough. Bits of plaque can calcify making it impossible for you to remove them by yourself. Professional cleaning not only removes them but allows your doctor to monitor gum disease if present and recommend necessary treatment as well as special steps you can take at home to keep it under control.
I have a new filling but it’s still sensitive.
This is common question. After a new filling is placed, the pulp or nerve of the tooth will remain sensitive to hot and cold for a period of time during which it secretes an insulating layer for itself. Over 2 to 4 weeks you should see an improvement in the tooth.
Can I have x-rays or dental work if I’m pregnant?
You can have dental work if you are pregnant. You should check with your obstetrician regarding dental x-rays. Depending on your trimester, he may indicate that it is all right to proceed using lead shielding.
I’ve had a toothache for two days.
You should see us as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can use over the counter remedies such as ibuprofen up to 800 mg every 6 hours. Do not place an aspirin in your cheek next to the tooth. Although it might give you some temporary relief, it can burn the soft oral tissues.
My face is swollen.
If you have recently been having a toothache and subsequently your face swells, this should be your cue to see us. Do not delay. This indicates that you have a serious infection that requires immediate treatment.
I am too scared to have my teeth fixed.
We cater to cowards! That means that we can make you comfortable in spite of unpleasant experiences in the past or any fears you may have. Nitrous oxide is very helpful in relaxing our patients. Just knowing that we care and that we do not proceed until you are comfortable is all many of our patients need to put them at ease.
Why do my gums bleed?
Unfortunately, must adults in American have gum disease to some extent. Bleeding gums are a sign that you may have a mild to severe infection of the supporting tissues around your teeth. There are things you can do. We can diagnose the level of your infection and after treatment, you can follow some simple steps in your home care routine that will result in healthier gums.
When should wisdom teeth come out?
Usually wisdom teeth are removed at about age 19 when they are not fully developed and easy to extract.
My jaw is stiff and I can’t open wide. What’s going on?
Have you experienced stiffness of “popping” in the joint in front of your ear? You may have “TMJ”, a condition of the joint that attaches your jaw to your skull. It is also possible that your wisdom teeth may need attention. If you are in your twenties and have not had your wisdom teeth removed, you may want to schedule a consultation to see if wisdom teeth are creating this problem.
What if my crown comes off while I am out of town?
How frustrating. What can you do? Squeeze a little toothpaste into your crown and gently place it back into its position. This should hold for a day or two until you can see us.
What can I do about a missing tooth?
There is more than one option for the replacement of missing teeth.
- Implants are now commonplace and allow you to replace a missing tooth without making any modifications to the neighboring teeth. An implant is performed by an oral surgeon and then we fabricate a custom crown or prosthetic that fits over the implant.
- Bridges can be placed where there are two strong teeth on either side of the space left by the extraction of a tooth or teeth.
- In cases where multiple teeth have been removed, partial dentures can be made to fill in the gaps. These are removable replacements and..require replacement over the years. In addition, they are only as strong as the teeth that they are anchored to and the additional strain on the anchor teeth may require repairs to them from time to time.
What can I do about my discolored teeth?
Your natural teeth can be bleached at home or during a one visit laser whitening visit. In addition, Cerec veneers may give you the color you seek as well as improve the shape and appearance of your smile.
I just had an extraction, what should I do and what can I expect?
Some of the things you might
- Be careful rinsing your mouth. Vigorous rinsing can dislodge the clot that the body builds over the extraction site to protect the tissues underneath while healing begins.
- Do not smoke or drink through a straw.
- After bleeding subsides, the gauze should removed, usually no more than thirty minutes.
- If bleeding recurs, place another clean piece of gauze from your envelope folded into fourths over the site and bite down firmly for about twenty minutes and then remove.
- In the unlikely case of continued bleeding, call the office.
- Take over the counter pain medication as soon as you get home, it will ease any discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. This discomfort should be minimal. If, however, after several days pain returns, call the office. A soothing dressing may be needed because there is an insufficient blood clot formed over the extraction site.
Review us on Yelp!
Subscribe to Blog via Email
Join 1 other subscriber