First Appointment FAQs
1. Do I need to arrive early for my first appointment?
Yes. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out any remaining patient forms.
2. What should I do if I require premedication?
Please be sure to request a prescription prior to your appointment, or if you are unsure, contact us and we can help.
3. What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:
• Patient Information Form
• Dental Insurance Card (if applicable)
• HIPAA Consent Form
4. How long will my first appointment last?
It varies, but please plan on 1 to 1.5 hours for the first visit.
General Dentistry FAQs
1. Why should I go to the dentist regularly?
Many people do not see a dentist on a regular basis. They only go when they have a problem. This is known as “crisis treatment” versus “preventive treatment.” While these patients may feel they are saving money, it often ends up costing much more in dollars and time. This is because many dental problems do not have symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process. An example is tooth decay. It is typical to hear, “Nothing hurts . . .I don’t have any problems.”
Tooth decay often does not hurt until it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a huge cavity who has never felt a thing. The dentist can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it develops any symptoms. This early detection can help you prevent root canal treatment.
2. Why should I floss, isn’t brushing enough?
Flossing reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth. There are millions of these microscopic creatures feeding on food particles left on your teeth. These bacteria live in plaque which can be removed by flossing. Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing gets rid of the bacteria the toothbrush can’t get to. That’s the bacteria hiding in the tiny spaces between your teeth. If you do not floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth. Eventually it hardens into tartar. Plaque can be removed by brushing. Only the dentist can remover tartar.
3. How can I prevent cavities?
Always spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth. It takes that long to get rid of the bacteria that destroy tooth enamel. Do not brush too hard. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque. Floss at least once a day. Flossing is the only way to get bacteria from between your teeth.
Watch the sugar you eat. There is sugar in candy, fruits, crackers and chips. These are the foods that the bacteria in your mouth like best. Be mindful of foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to your teeth. They can provide a constant supply for the bacteria eating into your teeth. Try to minimize the times during the day when sweet items are eaten and brush your teeth afterwards.
If you cannot brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water which can help to remove food from you teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help. Chewing stimulates the flow of your saliva which acts as a natural plaque fighting substance. And do not forget your regular dental visits. Good dental habits will go a long way toward a no-cavity visit.
4. Why does the dentist take X-rays?
Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when the dentist examines the mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal:
• small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings) infections in the bone
• periodontal (gum) disease
• abscesses or cysts
• developmental abnormalities
• some types of tumors
Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and often unnecessary discomfort. X-rays can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumor, X -rays may even help save your life. Dentist will evaluate your need for X-rays based on the conditions present in development. There are many benefits to having X-rays taken. Any additional questions or concerns should be discussed with your dentist.
5. Why do I need dental exams?
Regular exams help spot trouble early to prevent bigger and more costly treatments later. Your dentist will probe spots on the surfaces of your teeth and near the gum line with special tools to check for signs of cavities. You will also have your teeth cleaned to remove plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities or gum disease if left on the teeth. If it's been a while between appointments, you may have some sore and sensitive areas. You should get an exam every 6 months, or more often if your dentist recommends it. Find one who makes you feel at ease and lets you know what to expect. Often the dread of seeing the dentist turns to big relief when the visit is over and you have a care plan set up. Being positive as a parent can help your kids overcome any of their fears.
6. What are signs of dental trouble?
Visit a dentist if you have any of these issues or see your child having trouble chewing or complaining of soreness:
• Mouth sores
• Jaw pain
• Redness
• Swollen face or gums
• Tooth sensitivity
• Broken teeth
• Dry mouth
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Getting checked out right away prevents more serious problems and infections.
7. How do fillings work?
Cavities occur when bacteria break through the surface enamel of teeth. If left unchecked, bacteria can burrow deeper into the tooth until they cause the tooth to crack or they reach the nerve of the tooth.
A filling removes the bacteria present inside of the tooth and replaces the lost tooth structure with either a composite resin (white) or an amalgam (metal) material. Your dentist will numb your mouth before drilling to remove the infected portion of the tooth. The filling material, either white or silver, is inserted into the tooth while soft and then hardens as it dries or after it is cured by an UV light. Once set, fillings can last a long time but need replacing if they break or wear down, or if you develop another cavity around it.
8. What do sealants do?
Sealants protect against cavities that can form in the natural tiny holes and cracks on the surface of teeth. Those with deep grooves on their teeth can benefit from having sealants painted and hardened onto the chewing surfaces of their teeth. Dentists or dental assistants put sealants on in an office visit, and it's painless. No numbing or anesthesia is required. They last around 2-4 years.
9. What's the best way to whiten my teeth?
Stores sell many whitening products, and you can get take-home gels and trays from your dentist, but neither is as strong as procedures done in a dental office. If you want to try an over-the-counter whitener, look for one with an ADA seal. Check with your dentist for advice before you buy, especially if you have dental work or dark stains.
10. How can I fix my teeth and smile?
Braces or clear aligners can straighten crooked or crowded teeth.
Crowns (some also call them caps) cover problem teeth by surrounding them in a material that looks like a real tooth. They use the root and remainder of your natural tooth as a base to build on. They are then attached with special cement.
Veneers and bonding are similar to crowns, but require the removal of less tooth structure to improve your smile. However, the amount of change in shape or color can be less since less tooth structure is removed. Talk with your dentist about which fix is right for you.
11. Are sweets and ice really bad for my teeth?
Yes, sweets and foods with acid, like candy and soda, can stick to teeth and lead to cavities.
While teeth are strong enough to chew ice and tear open packages, repeatedly stressing the teeth by chewing hard items can cause them to break. Additionally, gritting or grinding down on teeth when you're stressed may crack them. Biting your nails is another habit that is hard on your teeth. In addition to wearing down your teeth, it can pull your jaw out of position and change how your teeth fit together.
12. Is smoking bad for my teeth?
Smoking and chewing tobacco significantly increases your chance of developing oral cancer and gum disease. Nicotine reduces the blood flow to your gums making it harder for your gums to fight bacteria that cause gum disease. Smoking can also reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth leading to a higher chance of getting cavities. Lastly, tobacco products often stain the teeth which can be impossible to remove off the surface of the teeth.
13. 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, and, if detected, 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:
• Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Loose teeth, or loss of teeth
• Extreme tooth sensitivity
• Receding gum line
• Abscessed teeth
14. If I have braces, do I still need to see a dentist every 6 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.
15. I knocked out a tooth, can it be saved?
Oral injuries are often painful, and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. If you have knocked out a tooth, these tips may be able to save it:
• Rinse, do not scrub, the tooth to remove dirt or debris
• Place the clean tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum or under your tongue
• Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket as this could cause further damage
• Get to the dentist. Successful re-implantation is possible only when treatment is performed promptly
• If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse it in milk.
16. What if I have a dental emergency?
Call our office to obtain emergency contact information in case you experience a dental emergency after hours, over the weekend, or during holidays.
17. At what age should I start taking my child to see the dentist?
We recommend seeing your child starting at 2-3 years old. We allow parents to come with their child. The purpose of the first visit is to familiarize the child with the dental setting, perform a general oral check, and a cleaning. After the first visit, be sure and schedule regular checkups every six months!
18. What is the difference between DMD and DDS?
If you’re looking to find a dentist you may notice that while most are listed with a “DDS”, some may be listed as “DMD”. They both mean the same thing—your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. The level of education and clinical training required to earn a dental degree, and the high academic standards of dental schools are on par with those of medical schools. Upon completion of their training, dentists must pass both a rigorous national written exam and a state or regional clinical licensing exam in order to practice. in order to keep their licenses, they must meet continuing education requirements for the remainder of their careers so that they may stay up to date on the latest scientific and clinic developments.