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Frequently Asked Questions Click
a subject for details: How often should I get my teeth cleaned? For effective dental maintenance, most people should have their teeth cleaned every six months. However, each patient is unique and requires different maintenance levels. Some people need to be seen more often, and some people need only be seen once a year. We will help you determine into which category you fall. Top What is considered a "dental emergency"? A dental problem would be considered an emergency if the condition involved severe pain or bleeding which could not be controlled by over-the-counter medications or conventional home remedies. Top When does a sensitive tooth need immediate attention? A sensitive tooth does not usually require emergency treatment unless there is a sudden onset of symptoms associated with trauma or a broken fragment of the tooth. If this occurs, please contact our office immediately. Top What should I do in case I break a tooth? You should contact your dentist on a timely basis and have any areas of exposed dentin covered to prevent contamination with saliva. Top At what age should my child start visiting the dentist? A child should start seeing a dentist when all 20 of his/her baby teeth have come in - this usually takes place between 2-3 years of age. However, if an unusual condition appears, please contact the office. Top What type of toothpaste is best for optimal dental care? We recommend any ADA approved toothpaste that contains fluoride. Please keep in mind that whitening, tartar control and baking soda toothpaste can cause or worsen tooth sensitivity in some people. Top What can be done about canker sores? Canker sores are caused by viruses and they are unaffected by traditional antibiotics. There are many canker sore "remedies" on the market today, but none exhibit consistent results. Therefore, treatment for canker sores is hit-or-miss at best. Top Why are fluoride treatments important? Fluoride renders the surface enamel of teeth to be more resistant to decay. The effect of a fluoride treatment lasts approximately seven months. Therefore, we recommend reapplication every six months to maintain a consistent protection level for the teeth. Top Why do wisdom teeth need to be extracted, even if they are not causing pain? Wisdom teeth may cause problems that do not show up until later in adult life when the bone is denser and healing is slower making the post-op duration much longer. Top What is TMJ? What are typical symptoms? TMJ stands for Temporal-Mandibular Joint. That is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. Problems with this joint can cause headaches, dizziness, ringing of the ears, clicking, popping, jaw pain and joint pain. Treatments for this problem vary from soft diet and moist heat to wearing an orthotic full-time, to surgery in the most extreme classes. Top |