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Our Team

Services

FAQs

Contact Us

FAQs

Q: When should a child have his / her first dental appointment?
A: A child should visit the dentist for the first time no later than their third birthday. Many dentists recommend that children visit the dentist once their first tooth comes in.

Q: Who needs to have their wisdom teeth removed?
A: Anyone who is in danger of developing impacted wisdom teeth should have them removed to prevent damage to adjacent molars or cause other oral problems.

Q: What causes cavities and decay?
A: Decay is caused by plaque. Decay occurs when plaque, the sticky substance that develops on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches in the food 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. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar is also a way to prevent decay.

Q: What is plaque?
A: Plaque is the soft and sticky substance that accumulates on the teeth from food debris and bacteria. Plaque can be removed by brushing 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 prevent plaque from forming on teeth.

Q: Why is it necessary for us to see the dentist every six months?
A: Regular visits help children get comfortable with the dentists and staff. These visits also allow the dentist to consistently evaluate your child’s growth and take early corrective measures if needed. It is important for you and your children to have regular exams and cleanings to help prevent decay and avoid costly problems. Regular dental visits are part of leading a healthy and normal life for you and your child.

Q: Are dental X-rays safe?
A: There is very little risk from receiving digital dental X-rays. Regular film-based X-rays use a very low level of radiation which is comparable to sunlight. However, with the invention of digital radiography, X-rays expose you to five times less radiation than film-based X-rays. So you are completely safe with x-rays. Digital radiographs are highly valuable to find hidden decay, tumors and determine growth patterns.

Q: What is a veneer?
A: A veneer is a thin shell made out of porcelain or a composite material. They are custom-made and cemented to the front side of the tooth. A veneer can be used to treat dental conditions such as slightly crooked, discolored or chipped teeth and they can even be used to cover spaces in between the teeth. A veneer can be made by the dentist or in a dental laboratory, depending on the materials used.

Q: Why should my child have fluoride?
A: Fluoride has been shown to dramatically decrease the chance of getting cavities. Many of our adult patients who grew up with regular dental care and fluoride supplementation have few or no dental problems.

Q: Is thumb sucking or the use of a pacifier harmful to my child’s teeth?
A: Generally, children will outgrow these habits before they become harmful. Please mention these habits during your child’s regular exams so the dentist can monitor your child’s behavior and recommend orthodontic procedures if necessary.

Q: What is “baby bottle mouth?”
A: It is often tempting to nurse an infant to sleep or let the child take a bottle to bed. However, these habits can lead to massive tooth decay as the sugars in the milk, formula or juice are left on the teeth during the night. We recommend brushing your child’s teeth before bedtime and providing only water at night.

Q: Should we bother to restore or place fillings on baby teeth? Won’t they eventually fall out anyway?
A: It is unwise to leave any amount of decay on baby teeth. Decay can easily move to other baby teeth or even permanent teeth. It can also cause pain and expensive orthodontic problems that could have been avoided. We recommend carefully restoring all decayed teeth to optimal health.

Q: What are dental sealants?
A: Dental sealants act as a barrier protecting teeth against decay-causing bacteria. The sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars), where decay occurs most often.

Q: What is gum disease?
A: There are two major stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Periodontitis is the serious and advanced stage of gum disease, which includes bone loss and is irreversible. Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of periodontitis.