FAQ

Question: Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?

Answer: 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.

If you have respiratory problems or other breathing problems, such as asthma, you should talk with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for nitrous oxide.

 

Question: What is an Abscessed Tooth?

Answer: An abscess of the tooth is an infection. An abscess can include pus and swelling of the soft gum tissues surrounding the tooth. An abscess can develop from tooth decay or tooth trauma, such as a broken tooth. If there is an opening in the enamel of a tooth, such as a cavity, bacteria can get in and infect the pulp (center) of the tooth and cause an abscess.

Once an abscess happens, the infection could spread throughout the mouth and body. A root canal is usually the only option to save a tooth once it has become abscessed. If you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth, you should see your dentist right away.

  1. Fever
  2. Pain when chewing
  3. Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold
  4. Bitter taste in the mouth
  5. Foul smell to the breath
  6. Swollen neck glands
  7. General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
  8. Redness and swelling of the gums
  9. Swollen area of the upper or lower jaw
  10. An open, draining sore on the side of the gum

 

Question: Do Teeth Whitening Toothpastes Really Work?

Answer: Teeth whitening toothpastes seem to be popping up everywhere and you've got to wonder if they really work.

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.

Teeth whitening toothpastes are ideal for people who smoke, drink coffee and tea and eat certain foods that can stain your teeth. Teeth whitening toothpastes are also good to use after you have undergone a teeth whitening procedure to keep surface stains from building up on your teeth.

If you decide to use a teeth whitening toothpaste, be sure that it contains fluoride for extra protection against tooth decay.

 

Question: What is a Periodontist?

Answer: A periodontist is a dental specialist that has not only completed 4 years of dental school, but has also completed an additional 3 years of specialty training in diagnosing, preventing and treating gum disease. Periodontists can also place>dental implants as well as perform cosmetic periodontal treatments.

A periodontal evaluation is sometimes the only way to detect gum disease. Your dentist can refer you to a periodontist, or you can make your own appointment for an evaluation.

 

Question: What is an Oral Surgeon?

Answer: Oral surgeons, also known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, are dental specialists who have not only completed 4 years of dental school, but have also completed at least four years of a surgical hospital residency. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to treat and diagnose defects, injuries and diseases of the mouth, jaw, teeth, neck, gums and other soft tissues of the head.

Wisdom teeth removals, facial pain, TMJ, dental implants and removal of tumors and cysts are problems commonly treated by oral surgeons. Oral surgeons are also able to offer reconstructive surgery where facial trauma has been involved or for other esthetic reasons.

Oral Surgeons provide a very high quality of care and their advanced training in anesthesia allows them to provide an extreme level of patient comfort in the safety of their office.

 

Question: What is an Orthodontist?

Answer: An orthodontist is a dental specialist that has not only completed college and 4 years of dental school, but has also completed an additional 2 to 3 years residency program accredited by the ADA of advanced education in orthodontics.

After receiving the additional years of training and education, an orthodontist has learned the skills that are required to treat the misalignment of teeth and facial development with braces, headgear, retainers and other methods.

Only a dentist that has completed the additional years of training and education after dental school is an orthodontist.

 

Question: What is an Endodontist?

Answer: An endodontist is dental specialist that has completed 4 years of dental school along with an additional 2 or more years of specialty training in endodontics (root canals). In other words, an endodontist is a root canal specialist.

With the lengthy education that an endodontist receives, they are able to perform all aspects of root canal therapy including routine as well as complex root canals, retreatments and endodontic surgery.

 

Question: What is a Pediatric Dentist?

Answer: A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist that has not only completed 4 years of dental school, but has also completed an additional 2 to 3 years of specialty training to treat children only.

Many general dentists treat children as well as adults, but a pediatric dentist only treats children.The goal of a pediatric dentist is to teach children the importance of oral hygiene, how to take care of their teeth and to help children feel comfortable about visiting the dentist.

Many pediatric dentists do not allow parents to go back in the treatment rooms with the children. If this is a big issue for you, be sure to ask this question if you are looking for a pediatric dentist.

 

Question: Which Toothbrush is Really Better - Manual or Electric?

Answer: With all the bells and whistles and hundreds of toothbrushes on the market, you've got to wonder, which is really the best toothbrush to buy -- manual or electric?

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. Yes, it's really that simple. While both electric and manual toothbrushes have some pros and cons, the bottom line is which one you will use. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes.

If you're not sure which type of toothbrush you would use the most, I have provided some pros and cons of both:

Manual Toothbrush:

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Most have an easy grip handle
  • Some come with a tongue scraper
  • Easy to travel with

Cons

  • No built in timer to tell you when two minutes are up
  • Can be difficult for some people to hold onto firmly

Electric Toothbrushes

Pros

  • Most have larger ergonomic handles
  • Some have built in timers that let you know when you have brushed for a full two minutes
  • The feel and buzzing of an electric toothbrush feels good to a lot of people
  • Some electric toothbrushes dispense toothpaste

Cons

  • Some electric toothbrushes can be quite expensive
  • Most electric toothbrushes require charging or battery replacement

Since everyone is different, I think it's really good to have a variety of dental products to choose from.

 

Question: Why is oral hygiene so important during pregnancy?

Answer: Pregnancy is a very exciting and busy time. There are so many changes going on in your body and your mouth is no exception. Good oral hygiene is extremely important during pregnancy because the increase of hormone levels during pregnancy can cause dental problems to be intensified.

One of the most common dental problems associated with pregnancy is a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis, which usually occurs during the first trimester. Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis are usually bleeding, swollen, red and tender gums.

 

Question: What is Tooth Decay?

Answer: 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.

Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.

 

Question: What is Calculus?

Answer: Calculus, also known as tartar, is the hardened residue that forms on your teeth when plaque is not removed. Plaque can be removed by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. If tartar is allowed to remain on the teeth and below the gumline, it can lead to chronic infection and inflammation. The only way to remove tartar is to have your teeth professionally cleaned at your dental office.

 

Question: What is a Dental Implant?

Answer: A dental implant is a metal device designed to replace missing teeth. The device is usually made out of titanium and is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. Unlike a dental bridge, an implant is permanent.

A dental implant is designed to act as the tooth root and can anchor an artificial tooth or teeth such as a crown, bridge or denture.

 

 

 


Question: How Often Should I See the Dentist for a Check Up and Cleaning?

Answer: 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. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check up.

Going to your regular check ups will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy as well as detect any early problems such as gum disease, oral cancer and cavities. The best way to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis.

 

Question: What is Plaque?

Answer: Plaque is the soft and sticky substance that accumulates on the teeth from food debris and bacteria. Plaque can be removed by brush and flossing thoroughly. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to gum disease and cavities. Regular dental check ups, brushing twice a day, flossing daily and eating nutritional snacks will help to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth.

 

Question: When do my adult teeth come in?

Both baby and permanent teeth have fairly well-defined times of eruption. The ages listed are the typical ages that an adult tooth has fully emerged.

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPPER and LOWER
ERUPTS BY
Central incisor
7th Yr
Lateral incisor
8th Yr
Canine (Cuspid)
11-12th Yr
First premolar (Bicuspid)
9th Yr
Second
10th Yr
Premolar (Bicuspid)
-
First molar
6th Yr
Second molar
12-13th Yr
Third molar
17-25th Yr