These are a selection of some common questions that our patients have. If your question is not answered here, please contact our office at (239) 280-0304. It’s important to us that our patients understand their dental care.
What Should I Expect During My First Appointment?
At your first visit, we will get to know you and develop a customized treatment plan for you based on digital x-rays and a professional dental examination.
How Often Should I Visit Your Office?
To maintain good oral health, we recommend twice-yearly visits for routine cleaning and examinations. If you are being treated for a particular concern, we may recommend that you visit us more often.
Why Do I Need X-Rays
X-rays are a dentist’s most important diagnostic tool. Problems often start inside your teeth or beneath the gum line. By the time the problem is visible to the naked eye, it can be more difficult and costlier to treat. By taking x-rays on a regular basis, we can catch problems early and treat them quickly and more comfortably.
How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?
We recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice daily using proper technique. Our skilled team will be happy to review your technique with you and give you pointers to help you get the most out of your home care routine.
I Brush And Floss Every Day. Why Do I Need A Cleaning?
Even with excellent hygiene habits, it is easy to miss small areas of your teeth. Over time, the missed plaque will harden into tartar, which can only be removed with a dental hygienist’s tools. When tartar accumulates beneath the gum line, the result is red, puffy, inflamed gums, which can lead to infection and periodontal disease.
I’m Not Happy With The Appearance Of My Teeth. What Options Are Available For Changing Them?
We offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services such as veneers, porcelain crowns, bonding that uses tooth-colored composite, whitening and even invisible braces. All of our dentistry is done with an eye towards aesthetics. We know that it’s important to you that your teeth are both healthy and attractive. We understand a beautiful smile is a window to self-confidence and want to provide you with the smile that you have been looking for. If you would like to find out which of our services can help you meet your goals, call our office at (239) 280-0304 to schedule your consultation.
Will My Teeth Be Sensitive After Whitening?
Our professional whitening products contain an added desensitizing ingredient that protects even sensitive teeth and keeps you as comfortable as possible during the process. We customize your treatment based on your specific needs, allowing us to minimize sensitivity. Additionally, the care we take in fabricating individual customized whitening trays helps prevent the product from coming into contact with soft tissues like your gums, lips, and tongue. If your teeth are very sensitive, please talk to us so we can help you determine what type of whitening plan is appropriate for you.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is one of the most common infections – often more prevalent than the common cold! Periodontal disease is not only the number one reason why people lose teeth; it can also affect the overall health of your body. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection. It starts when an accumulation of plaque (a colony of bacteria, food debris, and saliva) is not regularly removed from the gums and teeth. The bacteria contained in the plaque produce toxins that irritate and infect the gums, eventually destroying the jawbone, which supports the teeth. When periodontal disease is not treated, it can eventually lead to tooth and bone loss.
How Can I Tell If I Have Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Most people that have periodontal disease are unaware that they have it because the disease is usually painless and may not have any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Having regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations will help detect if the disease is present.
Is There A Correlation Between My Overall Health And Periodontal Disease?
Many people are unaware that having periodontal disease (the destruction of gum tissue and bone that holds our teeth in place) can affect your overall health. Numerous studies have looked into the correlation between periodontal disease and significant medical conditions. These studies indicate periodontal disease can allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs, causing new infections. Research suggests that periodontal disease can contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of stroke and compromise the health of those that have diabetes or respiratory diseases.
While there is still much more research to be done to understand the link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, research has shown that infections in the mouth can wreak havoc elsewhere in the body.
To ensure a healthy, disease-free mouth, we recommend the importance of regular dental check-ups and cleanings, which include a periodontal evaluation.
Remember the mouth-body connection. Taking care of your oral health can contribute to your overall medical health.
Do You Have Any Financing Plans Available
If you would like to finance your dental care, we are more than happy to help you do it. We accept payments from CareCredit, a third-party financier that has already helped millions around the country easily afford their dental care.