FAQ

patient resources

FAQ

Dental Cleanings

What is a Professional Dental Cleaning?

A professional cleaning eliminates plaque and tartar buildup that at-home brushing alone cannot remove.

Your hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums using floss and a special brush and toothpaste. They will also examine your mouth for any signs of decay or infection use liquid fluoride to rinse your mouth once the cleaning is complete. If your dentists find symptoms of gum disease or dental decay, they will discuss the best options for treatment.

Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?

A professional dental cleaning is a vital part of maintaining a healthy smile. If left untreated, plaque and tartar buildup contribute to tooth decay or infection. By receiving regular dental cleanings, you can keep your teeth on the right track!

How Can I Keep My Teeth Clean at Home?

We always recommend brushing at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for a healthy smile. Flossing daily and using mouthwash are also great habits for preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

When eating sugary foods, it’s best to brush as soon as possible, as sugar can cause tooth decay when left sitting on your teeth. Finally, you must keep up with your regular dental check-ups along with proper at-home dental hygiene to avoid cavities and other dental problems.

How Can I Stop Grinding My Teeth?

Constant grinding can cause dental issues such as loose teeth and toothaches. If you have trouble with grinding your teeth at night, we can help! Our team can develop an oral appliance to keep your teeth safe while you sleep.

Emergency Dentistry

What Are the Main Reasons Patients Need Emergency Dental Care?

Emergency dental visits are scheduled for the following reasons:

• Accident
  ‍Whether it’s during work, sports or an automobile accident, unexpected tooth injuries can occur. If you find yourself with an injured tooth, call your dentist right away! Getting immediate care can sometimes save a tooth from extraction.
• Toothache
  ‍There are different reasons someone might experience a toothache. Sometimes a cavity has spread and your tooth needs a root canal. Other times an infection could be causing the pain.  If you are waiting to get into our office, there are a few things you can try to relieve your pain, such as:
  - Applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth
  - Taking ibuprofen
  - Rinsing with warm salt water
• Gum Disease
  ‍Gum disease is caused by infection in the gums and causes pain when the roots start to get exposed. When this happens, please contact your dentist for an emergency visit.

What If My Tooth Gets Knocked Out?

If you lose a tooth, keep it safe until your dentist can evaluate your mouth. Never pick a tooth up by the root; only do it by the crown. Use cold water to rinse the tooth and place it back in the socket. You can use a washcloth to keep it in place.

If you are unable to hold the tooth in place, store it in milk until you get to your appointment and we will do everything we can to save your tooth. If it cannot be saved, we will go over the best replacement options available.

How Will My Dentist Help Relive My Pain During My Emergency Dental Visit?

Our team will find the cause of the problem and recommend the best possible treatment to resolve your dental emergency. We will also do everything we can to ease your pain when you arrive at our office. We want you to be as comfortable as possible and treat you right away.

Do You Have More Questions About Dentistry or Oral Health?

If you find yourself in a dental emergency or need of a professional cleaning, call our office right away! Our team is equipped with the knowledge and the experience to treat your dental health and keep on smiling for years to come!