Q: Why are my teeth sensitive to cold air and/or water?
A: Cold sensitivity can be caused by several different things
- Brushing your teeth with excessive force, or with a hard toothbrush can cause the enamel to wear away exposing the next layer of your tooth called the dentin.
2. Clenching or grinding your teeth can cause small flakes of enamel to break off.
3. Decay or cavities
Q: Why do some patients need to have their teeth cleaned every 3
months, and others every 6 months?
A: Periodontal (Gum) disease is a bacterial infection. When this
disease is present, dental cleanings are required more frequently. In
the mouth, bacteria reaches into the "pockets" around the teeth. These
pockets are too far below the gum line for toothbrush or floss to
reach.
Therefore, cleaning them every three months keeps the bacteria from
worsening the periodontal condition.
Q: Why do I need x-rays every year?
A: Dental x-rays are the tools that Dentists use to detect cavities
that form in between the teeth. These are necessary because neither the
eye or a dental instrument can see, or reach these areas. Therefore,
x-rays every year help us to detect cavities while they are still small
and can be dealt with before a problem occurs.
Q: Will the "over the counter", less expensive bleach that I can buy
at the store whiten my teeth?
A: The bleaching kits that can be purchased at stores contain a lower
concentrate of the bleaching solution compared to the ones sold in a
dental office. You will get some results from the over the counter,
however, the results will not be as noticeable. Also, we take an
impression of your teeth to make you a bleaching tray that customs fits
your mouth. It will fit tightly to your teeth which causes less
sensitivity to your gum tissue.
Q: Why does my tooth need to have a crown, why can't you just fill
it?
A:
Crowns are needed in place of a filling for several reasons. You
need to have a fair amount of tooth structure present to support a
filling. If a tooth has a large filling and has new decay present, the
tooth usually requires a crown for strength. A cracked tooth needs to
be crowned to prevent breaking it, and to eliminate sensitivity. After a
tooth has had a root canal, a crown is also advised. Because a root
canal tooth has no living tissue in it, it becomes very brittle and is
susceptible to breaking.
Q: Why does my child need to have a fluoride treatment at every
cleaning appointment?
A:
Fluoride provides a much-needed layer of protection against tooth
decay. Children are exposed to fluoride in their drinking water and
toothpaste; the fluoride they receive in the dental office is a higher
concentrate. The combination of these sources helps prevent decay.
Q: What are sealants and why does my child need them?
A:
Sealants are a hard plastic material placed on the chewing surface
of permanent molars. They provide protection in the pits and grooves of
these teeth, where most childhood decay starts.
Q: Why should I fix a baby tooth if my child is going to loose it
anyway?
A: Depending on the tooth, it may be present in the mouth for another
2-5 years. Even though baby teeth do fall out, the primary reason for
fixing them is that they maintain space for the permanent teeth. If
baby teeth are taken out before they are due to come out, the space will
close and not allow the permanent teeth to erupt and come in.
