Q. How often do I need to visit my dentist/ oral hygienist?
A. By visiting your dentist and oral hygienist every 6-months, you can help prevent disease and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Depending on the health of your gums, you may need to visit the oral hygienist more frequently (e.g. every 3 or 4-months) |
Q. How often should I floss?
A. Flossing of the teeth once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy. |
Q. I've heard of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontal disease. What are they?
A. All 3 terms describe various stages of infection and breakdown of the tissues that support and hold the teeth in your jaw. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue around the surface of the tooth. Periodontal disease is a more serious condition and can lead to the loss of your teeth if not treated |
Q. What causes tooth decay?
A. Refined sugar e.g. sucrose in the diet. More damage will be done with small quantities frequently taken than larger amounts less often |
Q. How many times a day should I brush my teeth?
A. You need to brush twice a day, everyday and floss between each tooth once a day |
Q. What's the difference between a "bridge" and a "partial denture"?
A. Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures. |
Q. Do I need to have a root canal just because I have to have a crown?
A. No. While most teeth which have had root canal treatments do need crowns to strengthen the teeth and to return the teeth to normal form and function, not every tooth needing a crown also needs to have a root canal. |
Q. Can existing porcelain crowns or laminates be bleached?
A. No, porcelain does not change color when exposed to dental bleach |
Q. How long should bonding last?
A. Bonding lasts 3-5 years, depending on wear and tear. |
Q. How long do porcelain laminates last?
A. In excess of 10 years, when properly maintained. |
Q. Why do people choose porcelain laminates over bonding?
A. Laminates look more realistic, do not stain, feel more natural, and are stronger.
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Q. Can porcelain laminates or crowns give me lip support?
A. Yes, if they are built out with bulk, provided it does not interfere with function and local biology. |
Q. How do you get rid of spaces between teeth?
A. With porcelain laminates or bonding. Crowns may be used on more severe cases. |
Q. Does it hurt to have teeth prepared for laminates?
A. No, it is a painless two visit procedures. Local anesthesia can be given to highly sensitive patients, but is usually not necessary. |
