Frequently Asked Questions About Dentistry And Dental Health
Most of the time, clients have a brief understanding of the dental terms, procedures, types of filling, and cleaning practices used in the field of dentistry. However, while trying to dig deeper and uncover more information, clients often have a ton of questions about dentistry and dental health but find answers to these questions difficult to come by.
To ensure you have all your doubts cleared and are armed with the most accurate information available, Wychwood Dental has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about dentistry and dental health.
1. What is a cavity?
It is a term that is often thrown around in dental settings but rarely explained. A cavity is merely a small hole in the tooth caused by decay. Your tooth decay is a result of bacteria and food accumulating in your tooth throughout the day, which can be avoided if you brush, floss and rinse your mouth regularly. Without early intervention or changes to your oral care routine, a cavity will likely get bigger as time goes by.
2. Are silver fillings still used?
While most of the fillings we place are bonded tooth colored fillings, silver or amalgam fillings still have its place in dentistry. They can be a useful tool for teeth that cannot be isolated adequately. Poor isolation with a bonded filling can lead to early failure and replacement of the teeth. Ultimately, the final decision on the type of material used for a filling depends on the patient.
3. How often do I need to come for cleaning?
While the answer is patient-specific, most adults with good oral health should see the hygienist every six months or twice a year. However, individuals with gum disease or poor oral health care will require visits more often, such as every three or four months. It is best to have a conversation with your hygienist and dentist to determine the optimal frequency for your dental checkup.
4. What is the best way to whiten my teeth?
There are numerous ways to whiten your smile and increase your confidence. Over-the-counter products such as whitening toothpaste or strips have a limited effect and may damage your teeth. In-office whitening where you sit with a light and gel on your teeth has great results but is only a one-time procedure, unless you repay for services.
At Wychwood Dental, we use a take-home kit where trays are fabricated to fit your teeth intimately. You can then whiten your teeth in the comfort of your home and notice stunning results in about two weeks. There is also a higher concentration for people who want fast results or lower concentration for those who are extremely sensitive with regular strength.
5. Do I need to go to the dentist while pregnant?
At Wychwood Dental, our patients’ overall health is our number one concern. During pregnancy, your gums may become more inflamed and bleed more easily. It would help if you continued with your regular dental hygiene visits to keep your teeth and gums healthy. A healthy oral environment is good for the mother and her developing baby. Unless there is an emergency, any X-rays and dental work can usually be postponed until after the pregnancy.
6. Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Implants are an excellent way to replace a missing tooth. While implant surgery is typically performed under local anesthetic, the procedure is easily tolerated. In fact, we usually tell patients that extracting their tooth is probably more uncomfortable than the implant surgery. Don’t let the fear of possible discomfort from implants keep you from replacing your missing teeth!
If you have any more questions about dental health, get in touch with the professionals at Wychwood Dental. Our cosmetic dentists and family dentists in Toronto, ON, have been offering root canals, dental implants, teeth whitening, and other dental services for over twenty-five years. For a complete list of our services, please click here. If you want to know more about how can we help you, contact us by clicking here.