We help with forms and insurance and believe an oral education is an important part of preventive dentistry. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about which brush is best for you. The answers we've provided are drawn from current dental infection control recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and OSAP. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. (To make salt water rinse: mix 1 teaspoon table salt with 1 cup warm water). You could stop all tobacco use if you smoke or chew tobacco. “Do you mind if I ask you a few questions first so I can help you?” This question is common amongst Dental interviews so make sure you have considered it … The American Dental Association recommends that kids receive dental sealants as soon as their adult teeth erupt. This will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and bone disease known as periodontitis. Phone: (415) 479-2623. Dental Questions Patients Frequently Ask the Dentists at Mayo Family Dentistry Menu Call Email Map Baby teeth also hold space in the mouth for the erupting permanent teeth. This cement-like substance is removed by the hygienist at your regular cleaning visits. Waiting often makes problems more difficult and more expensive to fix. Here are a few questions to ask a new dentist and yourself. If a manual toothbrush is used for the appropriate amount of time, and done with proper technique, it can perform just as well as a powered toothbrush. We have been taking care of people just like you for over 25 years, so take advantage of our experience! Suite 217, We recommend brushing and flossing regularly and getting your semiannual dental visit in to stop your gums from bleeding. Exposed areas of the tooth can cause pain and even affect or change your eating, drinking, and breathing habits. Guest Post by Jayne Bandy, Founder of Dental Phone Excellence *** There are a thousand questions to ask a New Patient on the phone but we need to ask the ones that make the difference. If the tooth is painful, denture cream or toothpaste can be placed inside the crown and it can be gently fit back into place. San Rafael, CA 94903 To change an existing appointment please call. You can choose to make your teeth look longer, close spaces between your teeth or repair a chipped or cracked tooth. Both will have a bachelor’s degree and applied to dental school. 750 Las Gallinas Avenue, COVID-19 has become part of our new normal. Re-contouring or reshaping of the teeth (also called odontoplasty, enameloplasty, stripping, or slenderizing) is a procedure in which small amounts of tooth enamel are removed to change a tooth’s length, shape or surface. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. The more time that goes by the less likely that the re-implantation will be successful. Yes, you can fill out an online appointment request here. In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist between 6-9 months for a visual examination, or no later their first birthday. It’s what makes picking a dentist such a unique process! With lots of speculation floating around dentistry about COVID-19, Priya Sharma answers some frequently asked questions. The gel remains in place for 15 minutes, 3 consecutive times, for a total of 45 minutes while the light is activated. Your preferences may be different than those of a friend. Before deciding whether in-office teeth whitening is right for you, we conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums to ensure proper health, and talk with you about your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits to determine if you will benefit from whitening. If the baby teeth become decayed or are taken out too early, the permanent teeth often become crowded and will likely need braces to straighten in the future. Dr. Roya Mirkhan answers the top 7 questions you should ask before getting implants. Topical gels (such as Orajel) can sometimes help, but usually only a little bit and for a minimal amount of time. While bad breath (or “halitosis”) can be linked to numerous systemic diseases, the majority of bad breath originates in the mouth. Second, it can reverse the early stages of acid damage by solidifying areas that have started to decay. There are also some over the counter products made by Biotene that have helped many of our patients with their dry mouth symptoms. The top causes of tooth decay include: Poor Oral Hygiene, Improper Nutrition, Sugary Foods, Acidic Foods and Drinks, Dry Mouth Issues, Tooth Grinding, Genetics, Age and Avoiding the Dentist. Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as milk, soft drinks, raisins, cakes, or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Asking these six questions will help your dental practice receive quality testimonials. Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal, or endodontic, treatment. Untreated tooth decay may cause infection, extreme pain and the loss of tooth. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. Requesting an appointment at Northgate Dental is easy. The glare of this bulb is intentionally bright so that the dentist can see into the deepest recesses of your mouth. During this time, you can relax by listening to music. Chewing on the affected side becomes more difficult and over time the remaining teeth can actually tilt and erupt into the open space. Dental patient testimonials will work wonders to boost your patient numbers. Generally the lower front teeth come in first, and girls’ teeth typically erupt earlier than boys. A bunch of faceless online reviews that promote something as the product or service of the century. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth. Most people need to visit their dentist for a regular hygiene visit All general dentists are licensed to provide quality restorative, therapeutic, and preventative dentistry. It is a great question and Dr. Corey Jensen and Dr. Brett Moore are always happy to have patients engaged in their health and asking questions. As part of your dental triage protocols, ask the below questions when a patient calls with a dental emergency to best plan and allocate resources for their appointment. Fluoride helps protect your teeth from the acid that is released when this happens. Plaque builds up over time and this sticky bacterial film can solidify and turn into calculus or tartar. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. First locate the tooth, or teeth, and determine if the tooth broke or if the entire tooth and root came out in one piece. We would be glad to discuss which one is right for you. At this time, you may want to ask if the dentist will be available to talk with you for a few minutes at your appointment or if you need to schedule a consultation slot to have enough time for your questions. Tooth decay, also known as a cavity, occurs when bacteria living in your mouth make acid that begins to eat away at your teeth. With dental advancements due to technology like same day crowns and digital x-rays, it’s a good idea to ask questions about your options before arriving at your first appointment. Certain medicines also increase the likelihood that your gums will bleed. Please be sure to request a prescription prior to your appointment, or if you are unsure, contact us and we can help. Among the options are bonding, crowns, veneers, and re-contouring. The patient health record will be more complete and valuable if you know whether he or she has ever been hospitalized, … There are a few different ideas swirling around out there about how frequently you actually need to visit the dentist. Here are 5 questions every medical practice should ask when a new patient arrives. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. 1. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches that remain on your teeth after eating. Avoid leaving the crown out for more than a few days as teeth can shift, making it difficult or impossible to re-cement it at a later date. First, a dentist and orthodontist will likely have started their education in similar paths. When a permanent (or temporary) crown comes off: To relieve your dry mouth try chewing sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies to stimulate the flow of saliva. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied to the tooth surface. If you haven’t filled out our online downloadable First Visit patient forms please arrive 10-15 minutes early to do so. I love the accordion approach makes it so easy. Gently brush and floss the area to remove any trapped food or debris. This is a true dental emergency. We make it a point to clearly explain the benefits and fees for each treatment beforehand during our initial meeting. Ask questions before you go. The term “root canal” comes from cleaning of the canals inside the tooth’s root. Also don’t use mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can be drying. It does this in two ways. Time is your enemy when an accident or any trauma dislodges a tooth. Its use has been instrumental in the dramatic drop in tooth decay and cavity occurrence that has taken place over the past 50 years. E veryone has questions about going to the dentist which is perfectly natural. This helps us agree on the whitening product or technique that’s best for you. This will lead to a condition called gingivitis, or inflamed gums. When I hear reports of patients (or the parents of patients) being threatened and forced into having dental work done, it upsets me. If they are a new patient, you’ll have to create a new file for them so you can record the notes. While the average time for the appearance of the first teeth is between five and seven months of age, there is a wide range before and after this that can still be considered “normal.” The teeth might come in as early as one month of age, or they may erupt when the child is one-and-a-half years old. So in this post about our 30 most frequently asked dental questions you’ll find detailed answers about our dental services including family dentistry, preventive care, cosmetic options, as well as some helpful tips about unexpected issues like a chipped tooth. Here’s how: Regular dental visits are important. A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. While most oral conditions can be resolved with dental therapy, there are also many systemic diseases that manifest themselves in the oral cavity, thus requiring the consult of a medical physician. Dentists should encourage patients who answer yes to these questions to contact their primary physician or public health department as soon as possible to find out if they should be seen or tested. Diagnosing the lesion requires a thorough medical and dental history, clinical exam including a possible biopsy, as well as asking appropriate pointed questions … This is a very important question to ask your doctor, and one that could make a huge difference in the results of your smile. The eruption of teeth causes inflammation, which leads to congestion, drooling, and discomfort. Depending on the location of the missing tooth, we would most likely recommend either a dental implant, a bridge, or a partial denture. Requesting an appointment at Northgate Dental is easy. Download "First Visit" PDF, GET A HOLD OF US If possible brush your teeth twice a day – morning and night. Proper oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth regularly, flossing regularly and brushing your tongue. The custom trays can be used for years, reapplying as needed to sustain the desired shade of your teeth. The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. Electric toothbrushes are better than manual brushes because most people are in a time crunch and don’t brush for the recommended two to three minutes. The most likely questions that potential patients will ask about dental implants during an initial call to a dental office fall into seven categories. Keep the area clean by rinsing with warm salt water rinses and by gently brushing the area if it is not too sensitive. We look forward to hearing from you. Ideally the tooth will be re-implanted. Some toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that may be too harsh for people who have sensitive teeth. Patients should be told how long it will take to recover from invasive procedures, including duration and severity of inconvenience. www.perioimplantadvisory.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Whether it’s been 6 months or 6 years, it’s never too late to get back into a healthy routine. The American Dental Association recommends, When the hard enamel is worn down or gums have receded, causing the tiny dentinal tubule to be exposed, pain can be caused by, Facebook Ad Free Sonicare Electric Toothbrush, Helpful Tips Regarding Dental Health During Pregnancy, The Foundation to a Healthy Smile in 7 Simple Steps. Dentists should strive to build a strong relationship and ongoing communication channel with their patients so that they remain committed to the practice for the long term. OSAP has prepared a list of five questions that patients should ask their dental care providers about infection control practices. How long has the dentist been at their current location? Patient Relationships; 6 questions to ask to improve dental patient satisfaction. The bleach is placed in the tray and worn for 30-60 minutes a day until the desired whiteness and results are achieved. Discovering an oral lesion in the patients’ mouth can be a cause of concern and can provoke fear and anxiety in the patient. All 30 of these frequently asked questions about dental care are insightful! Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints among dental patients. Get familiar with what questions to ask when selecting a new dentist. Video testimonials also work wonders. All of these options have their benefits and drawbacks. If you are a new patient please download our "First Visit" form and fill it out before you arrive. Young children are great candidates for preventative measures like sealants because in many cases, decay has not set in. 10 Questions to Ask Your Dentist Posted on 11/19/2017 As a leading dental practice serving the Denver, Golden, and Wheat Ridge, CO areas, we're proud to provide high-quality, personalized dental care to our patients, but we believe that in addition to in-office treatments, patient education is vitally important to a healthy smile. If a patient with a confirmed case of COVID-19 requires urgent dental treatment, the dentist and the patient’s medical providers should work together to determine the appropriate precautions on a case-by-case basis: this coordinated approach is critical in order to ensure that the risk of potential spread of disease among patients, visitors, and staff is kept as low as possible. In a perfect world everyone would brush and floss twice a day. As family dentists we can eliminate the need for additional office visits saving busy families time. The first question you should ask is about the overall health of your mouth. Sipping water regularly can help (and that’s a healthy thing to do) to keep the saliva flowing and has shown to relieve the symptom. If dentists suspect a patient has COVID-19, they should contact their local or state health department immediately. Most dental problems don’t have any symptoms until they reach more advanced stages, so don’t wait for things to hurt! Why Do You Want to Study Dentistry? You may have less saliva, causing your mouth to feel dry (dry mouth is discussed above), Because saliva protects your teeth, you’re also at a higher risk of cavities, Gums may become inflamed and bleed often (gingivitis), You may be susceptible to infections inside of your mouth, For children with diabetes, teeth may erupt at an age earlier than is typical. When a tooth is lost, a whole series of events can begin to occur. The common causes affecting the pulp are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, repeated dental treatment to the tooth or trauma. Yes, if diabetes is left untreated, it can take a toll on your mouth. There are two main goals in the management of bad breath. Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied to the tooth surface and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth. As permanent teeth erupt, they are at increased risk for developing cavities because of the higher bacteria count. Please bring the following items with you to your appointment: It varies, but please plan on spending 30 minutes to an hour for your first visit. There are several different options available to change the shape of your teeth. One of the smartest decisions is the usage of protective eyewear. The pulp of your teeth contains highly-sensitive blood vessels and nerves. Does the dentist treat patients with special conditions, i.e. But many people don’t brush for the recommended two to three minutes. What Are Your Medical and Surgical Histories? The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to help remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Thanks for posting all this great dental information all in one convenient place. It was the most commonly used filling material in the world until tooth colored composite resin came along. Despite controversy over the mercury content, no health disorder or illness has ever been found to be linked to it. Dental amalgam is a filling material used by dentists to restore the proper size and shape of decayed or damaged teeth. There’s a lot to consider before you agree to a dental procedure, and these are just some of the questions you should ask first. www.perioimplantadvisory.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Over the years, dentists have developed new ways to make patients more comfortable as well as keeping them safe. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. Surprisingly, you can get the same amount of radiation as one of our digital x-rays from eating about 50 bananas. The ability to reduce the exposure of radiation to the patient used by traditional x-ray while increasing the diagnostic proficiency has astounding implications. It has been an unprecedented and surreal year as the world faces the powerful COVID-19 pandemic. We’re here to help! Digital x-rays are one of the most important new advances that our profession has seen in quite some time. Is the dentist accepting new patients? The impact in the field of dentistry has been profound. If you are a new patient please download our "First Visit" form and fill it out before you arrive. How long has the dentist been in practice? www.perioimplantadvisory.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. When you schedule your appointment as a new patient, the office staff will probably tell you to arrive a few minutes early to complete the required paperwork. Preventive dental cleanings and annual exams during pregnancy are not only safe, but are recommended. So in this post about our 30 most frequently asked dental questions you’ll find detailed answers about our dental services including family dentistry, preventive care, cosmetic options, as well as some helpful tips about unexpected issues like a chipped tooth. Taking a spoonful of ice cream, for example, can be a painful experience for people who have sensitive teeth. Without proper care your condition could return or even worsen. The main cause of bleeding gums is the buildup of plaque at the gum line. Sudhir Bhatti explains how to do that. If a tooth is highly sensitive for more than three or four days and reacts to hot and cold temperatures, it’s best to get a diagnostic evaluation from your dentist to determine the extent of the problem. Northgate Dental Plaque can also develop on the tooth roots under the gum and cause breakdown of the bone supporting the tooth. Just click on the photo below and follow the steps in the form. A simple, yet inexpensive and faster procedure. First, controlling the bacteria that produce the sulfur compounds and second, to neutralize the sulfur compounds that are produced. Tooth sensitivity can be reduced by using a desensitizing toothpaste; having your dentist apply sealants and other desensitizing and filling materials, including fluoride; and decreasing the intake of acid-containing foods. The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line. Or if you prefer, you can call us at (415) 479-2623 to discuss an appointment or send us an email. The answer guides to these dentistry questions have been put together by dentists who have successfully navigated interviews at top Dentistry Schools. Kids are notoriously bad brushers and tend to ignore the problem areas in the back of the mouth that lead to cavities and decay. While the purpose of having a check-up and cleaning is relatively clear – keeping your teeth clean is the best way to stave off infections and other issues – you might have some questions about the necessity for dental x-rays. Provide suggestions for recuperation time and limitations on activities. Dental health varies from person to person; a general rule for adult patients is to visit a dentist once or twice a year, even if your mouth is in excellent condition. After shaping the bonding material to look like a natural tooth, we use an ultraviolet light to harden the material, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth. Just click on the photo above and follow the steps in the form. While everyone certainly does not need an electric toothbrush, in many instances they can be beneficial. Patients understand that dental treatment requires adaptation and recovery, but they often don’t ask the correct questions to plan their time. (This form is for new appointments only.) This process is automatic. Your email address will not be published. Research suggests that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control in patients living with diabetes, decreasing the progression of the disease. Ask if they are a new or existing patient. If you cannot contact a dentist your nearest Urgent Care or Emergency Room may be able to help. If your child is the patient, we ask that one parent/guardian accompany them. Practicing good oral hygiene and having professional deep cleanings done by your dentist can help immensely. If baby teeth become diseased or decayed it can lead to pain and infection. Plaque that is not removed will harden into tartar. Patients often have dental questions that we are happy to answer. Veneers (also called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials that are designed to cover the front surface of teeth. You will be advised to call ahead if you develop fever or symptoms of COVID-19 on the day you are scheduled to be seen. Download “First Visit” PDF. Avoid touching the root as much as possible. It can also be difficult for children to eat a well-balanced meal with a mouth full of cavities. If you are unsure whether amalgam is right for you, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each filling material with your dentist. Below are some questions that you should be asking during your dentist appointment. During some appointments, patients also receive dental x-rays. Your regular visits to the dentist have changed, too. To request an appointment at Northgate Dental just click on the photo above and follow the steps. Gather together the pieces you’ve found, and with warm water gently rinse off obvious dirt or debris. As such we must adapt…

Dental sealants are a quick, easy, and relatively cheap solution for preventing cavities. When the hard enamel is worn down or gums have receded, causing the tiny dentinal tubule to be exposed, pain can be caused by touching your teeth with hot or cold foods and beverages, or exposing them to cold air. The FDA, CDC, and World Health Organization all view dental amalgam as a safe dental material. First, fluoride makes your tooth enamel stronger and less likely to suffer acid damage. Your dentist should inform you if anything is severely wrong, but it may be that you can do extra to improve your mouth health. Untreated cavities also increase the amount of decay causing bacteria in the mouth. At Northgate Dental it’s our goal to help make your dental visit as stress free as possible. For some people sugar-free gum or sugar-free candies may cause diarrhea or cramps if consumed in large amounts. Download our First Visit PDF patient form here. A six-month interval not only serves to keep your mouth healthy and clean, it allows potential problems to be found and diagnosed earlier. This is clinically proven to make your teeth their whitest. Please enable JavaScript on your browser and try again. The reduction of the use of harsh chemicals and other waste materials associated with traditional x-rays is also an added benefit to our environment. At Northgate Dental, we can arrange for you to have a thorough and educational exam appointment. We look forward to hearing from you. You will be advised not to report for your visit more than 10 minutes prior to your appointment time. ... Dr. Mirkhan is a Scripps-affiliated dentist in San Diego who is recognized as one of America's top dentists. Children’s teeth tend to benefit more from sealants because these pits and groves tend to be deeper and less calcified then they are in adults. We honor this in everything we do. Bleeding gums can happen for a number of reasons, from gingivitis to a side effect of pregnancy. We also offer Zoom where we apply hydrogen peroxide whitening gel working together with the Zoom light to penetrate the teeth and break up the stains and discoloration. Questions & Answers About Dental X-Rays Safety The safety of dental xrays is an important topic that comes up frequently from patients at Smile Design Dentistry.. Whitening Toothpastes – Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains only and do not contain bleach. They are thin coatings applied to the biting surfaces that help prevent bacteria and other debris from getting into the deep crevices on the teeth. The aging process also can stain and darken your teeth. You’re not alone! If you’re unable to reach your dentist, check the local internet or yellow pages listings for a dentist or urgent care nearby. Here are some options to consider when looking for whiter teeth. I learned a lot about my teeth too! Whitening toothpastes can lighten the tooth’s color by about one shade. The decay process begins with the unnoticeable damage to the enamel of your teeth and then steadily progresses to deeper layers of the tooth, eventually leading to the pulp. The period when early hard teeth are growing is a major event in the life of an infant, and it can be difficult. #1: Discuss your overall mouth health. Pregnancy and dental work questions are common for expecting moms. It is an alloy that includes silver, tin, copper, and liquid mercury. Rush the injured person and tooth to the dental office. You immediately have many questions about dental implants including the process, total cost, and what to expect from the surgery. Otherwise, your tooth could be damaged further or become infected, possibly causing you to end up losing the tooth. Your doctor suggested a dental implant to replace a tooth. 1. Tooth discoloration may result from drinking coffee, tea, cola and red wine; or from smoking. If you can take over the counter pain medications (such as Ibuprofen) they may help in soothing the pain. Amalgam is the most thoroughly researched and tested of all filling materials. Place and transport the tooth in milk or in some of the person’s own saliva. Everyone has questions about going to the dentist which is perfectly natural. Preventive dental work while pregnant is essential to avoid oral infections such as gum disease, which has been linked to preterm birth. If it is after regular business hours you should still call your dentist. And thanks for all the other great pointers in the 30 most FAQ’s section! Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. How Often Should I Get a Dental Checkup? Children are also good candidates for powered brushes as their brushing habits tend to be less than optimal. If you can’t reach any dentist, here are some helpful tips: Toothache: You can always ask your dentist these questions, but you may not think of important questions until you have already left the office. Or if you prefer, send us an email or call us at (415) 479-2623. It is critical for your front desk staff to be trained and understand how to handle these delicate conversations. It is best to get a thorough dental exam, and diagnose and treat problems early. If your tooth is broken, chipped, or fractured, see your dentist as soon as possible. Each option differs with regard to cost, durability, and “chair time” necessary to complete the procedure and the best cosmetic approach to resolving your specific problem. Comparatively, a traditional chest CT-scan exposes a patient to 2,800 times the radiation as a digital dental x-ray. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that are placed over teeth. Dentists and orthodontists have made big safety changes since reopening during COVID-19 but improvements vary greatly. If changing your oral care habits, adjusting your medications, and maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t help your gums stop bleeding, your next step should be to make a dental appointment. We’ve seen them 1,000 times. If you would like more information we can schedule a consultation to go over the specifics of your case. And at Northgate Dental we now use this new digital technology exclusively. Download "First Visit" PDF. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.