Do you have any queries regarding various dental procedures or dentistry services at Sylvan Smiles? Go through our FAQ section and get answers to all your questions!
WHAT IS DENTISTRY?
Dentistry is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions, disorders, and diseases of the tooth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Often considered necessary for complete oral health, dentistry can have an impact on the health of your entire body.
WHO IS A DENTIST?
A dentist is a specialist who works to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Your dentist has completed at least eight years of schooling and received either a DDS (doctorate of dental surgery), or a DMD (doctorate of dental medicine). If your doctor is a pediatric dentist, he or she specializes in caring for children from infancy through their teen years. Your dentist has received the proper education and training needed to work with young kids. Other specializations include:
WHY IS VISITING THE DENTIST SO IMPORTANT?
Visiting the dentist regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Dental care is important because it:
MY TEETH FEEL FINE. DO I STILL NEED TO SEE A DENTIST?
Your teeth may feel fine, but it's still important to see the dentist regularly because problems can exist without your knowing. Your smile's appearance is important, and your dentist can help keep your smile healthy and looking beautiful. With so many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Today's dentists offer many treatment choices that can help you smile with confidence, including:
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHT DENTIST FOR ME?
Choosing a dentist who "clicks" with you and your family is important, and you may wish to consider several dentists before making your final decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine if the dentist is right for you. During your appointment, consider the following:
Be sure to schedule your routine checkup. It is recommended you visit the dentist every six months.
At what age should I start taking my child to see the dentist?
The Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six months of age and no later than one year. During this time, your child's baby teeth will be coming in, and your dentist can examine the health of your child's first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BRUSH MY TEETH?
According to your dentist and the Canadian Dental Association, you should be brushing your teeth at least two times a day. Brushing keeps your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy by removing bacteria-causing plaque. It is also recommended that when you brush your teeth, you use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. You should spend at least a minute on the top teeth and a minute on the bottom teeth, and remember to brush your tongue; it will help keep your breath smelling fresh!
WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY TOOTHBRUSH?
Your toothbrush will eventually wear out, especially if you are brushing your teeth two times a day for two to three minutes each time. Your dentist recommends that adults and children should change their toothbrush every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to read the directions, as you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently. Patients with gum disease are encouraged to change their toothbrush every four to six weeks in order to keep bacteria from spreading. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If you've been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible.
WHAT IS GUM DISEASE?
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease. If detected, it is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly, and visiting the dentist every six months, will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease are:
IF I HAVE BRACES, DO I STILL NEED DENTAL CHECKUPS EVERY SIX MONTHS?
Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
HOW DO I SCHEDULE MY NEXT CHECKUP?
Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know, and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.
WHAT IS A CAVITY?
A cavity is a small hole that forms inside the tooth and is caused by tooth decay. Cavities are formed when plaque build-up on the outside of the tooth combines with sugars and starches in the food you eat. This can produce an acid that can eat away the enamel. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems. Cavities can be prevented by remembering to brush your teeth at least three times a day and floss between teeth at least once.
WHAT IS A FILLING?
A filling is a synthetic material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after all the tooth decay has been removed. Fillings do not generally hurt because your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. Fillings are made from a variety of different materials, including composites, gold, or ceramic. If you need a filling, be sure to talk to your doctor about what type is best for you and your teeth.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SEE THE DENTIST?
Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. Your dentist will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.
WHAT IS COSMETIC DENTISTRY, AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM GENERAL DENTISTRY?
Cosmetic dentistry combines both art and science to give you a healthy, aesthetic, flawless smile. While general dentistry is aimed at maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, cosmetic dentistry provides comprehensive treatment options that improve and preserve the way your smile looks and feels.
Common cosmetic treatments include:
HOW LONG WILL EACH COSMETIC TREATMENT TAKE?
Just as every smile we treat is unique, so are the treatments we provide. While cosmetic treatment times may vary, some treatments are completed within one office visit.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER COSMETIC DENTAL CARE?
Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses for cosmetic treatment vary. Our practice will work with you to provide several different treatment options, and we will coordinate with your insurance provider, if coverage is available. You will know all of your treatment costs up-front so that you can choose the best payment plan for your needs and your budget.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS WITH TEETH WHITENING?
Teeth whitening is a safe, effective procedure, and does not typically include any negative side effects. Minor side effects may consist of:
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR TEETH WHITENING?
Patients who experience the most benefit from having their teeth whitened:
WHY SHOULD I SEE A COSMETIC DENTIST?
A cosmetic dentist is trained to safely and effectively provide a variety of treatments that are designed to enhance your smile. If you have missing teeth, you feel that your teeth are crooked, or you're an adult looking for an alternative to braces, a cosmetic dentist can help you achieve the beautiful smile you've always wanted.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER COSMETIC DENTAL CARE?
Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses for cosmetic treatment vary. Our practice will work with you to provide several different treatment options, and we will coordinate with your insurance provider, if coverage is available. You will know all of your treatment costs up-front so that you can choose the best payment plan for your needs and your budget.