FAQs

Decay is the destruction of tooth structure. Decay occurs when plague, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches of the foods that we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. If decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the best toothbrush that you can buy is the one that you will actually use. That's it. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes.

Whitening toothpastes, like all other toothpastes, contain mild abrasives to remove surface stains. Teeth whitening toothpastes may have additional polishing agents and special chemicals that are more effective against stains than regular toothpastes. While whitening toothpastes can make your teeth appear a little lighter, by getting rid of stains, they do not actually bleach your teeth.

Nitrous oxide is very safe, because it's easy to take and mild. Nitrous oxide is not addictive. While inhaling nitrous oxide, you remain fully conscience and aware of your surroundings. After coming off of the gas, the effects of it are gone.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should visit a pediatric dentist when their first tooth comes in or no later than their first birthday.

Dental sealants are a clear and protective coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant protects the tooth from getting a cavity by shielding against bacteria and plaque. Sealants are most commonly placed on children's permanent back teeth because they are more prone to cavities.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, which can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. The signs and symptoms are red, swollen and puffy gums that bleed easily. If treatment is not received, gingivitis could progress into periodontitis, an advanced and more serious stage of gum disease which includes bone loss and is not reversible. Gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults and has also been linked to heart attacks and strokes.

Plaque is the soft and sticky substance that accumulates on the teeth from food debris and bacteria. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing thoroughly. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to gum disease and cavities.

Calculus, also known as tartar, is the hardened residue that forms on your teeth when plaque is not removed. If tartar is allowed to remain on the teeth and below the gumline, it can lead to chronic infection and inflammation.

Most children and adults should see their dentist for a regular cleaning and check up every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental check ups more than twice a year.

First, it is very important to understand that you are not having a “cleaning”.  You have a bacterial infection called periodontal disease.  By measuring the pockets surrounding your teeth, evaluating the gum tissue, and reviewing your x-rays, your dentist and hygienist have discovered infection in your gums. As your dentist and hygienist mentioned, 1-3mm pockets without bleeding and recession are typically considered healthy.  4mm pockets with bleeding may indicate gingivitis or possibly even early periodontitis.  5mm+ pockets with multiple bleeding sites strongly indicate the presence of a bacterial infection called periodontal disease.  These deep pockets are not accessible by brushing and flossing and require your dental hygienist to manually remove the infection with special instruments.  The infection must be removed every 90-120 days to prevent further bone loss.  Without adequate bone support tooth loss occurs. As you know, our goal is to provide excellent dental care to all our patients.  The standard of care dictates that we cannot ignore a bacterial infection in your gums simply due to insurance limitations.  With periodontal disease, the risk is too great. This disease is the primary cause of the loss of teeth after age 35. If left untreated, periodontal disease not only leads to tooth loss, it may also place you at increased risk for heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, and if pregnant, a premature, low birth weight baby.  However, if caught in its early stages, periodontal disease can be reversed with proper care.

Quite simply, our bodies change. Bacterial plaque can cause decay in our teeth or cause an infection in our gums called periodontal disease. When you come in for your cleaning and exam, your dentist evaluates both the health of your teeth and the health of your gums and bone support. Just as you may have developed a cavity since your last appointment, you may have also developed an infection in your gums which may be the beginning stages of periodontal disease. The type of treatment you require depends on how advanced your particular case is.  In early stages, we recommend more frequent cleanings. By doing this we are able to remove the bacteria at the base of the pocket before it begins to colonize into numbers that are able to destroy the bone. More advanced cases, require a procedure called “scaling and root planing”. Scaling and root planing involves removing calculus deposits from your teeth. This procedure results in smooth root surfaces allowing the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth. There are many risk factors for developing periodontal disease, including: smoking, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, pregnancy, osteoporosis, stress, medications, inadequate home care, hereditary predisposition, etc. Fortunately, you don’t have to lose your teeth to gum disease. With today’s state-of-the-art treatment procedures, you can feel assured that most teeth can be saved. Our goal is protect and maintain your oral health which is essential to your overall physical health.