FAQ

The following are frequently asked questions for your review.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are best described by how they can be used. Dental implants take the place of a natural tooth's root. Just as a dentist can use a natural tooth to support a crown, a bridge, a removable partial denture or a complete denture; a dental implant can be used to do the same things. Dental implants are made of titanium alloys similar to artificial knees or hips. They are generally placed by an oral surgeon or periodontist under the guidance of the general dentist. Following a period of healing the patient then has the dental implant restored by the general dentist. This could mean having a crown or cap placed on the implant. It could also mean placing attachments to help hold a denture in place. Each situation is different depending upon the patient. Once restored, the dental implant requires no more care than ones natural teeth.

What are the benefits of a white resin filling compared to a silver amalgam filling?

Silver amalgam fillings have been used for 200 years to restore dental decay. They are a mixture of silver, mercury and other metals that are used to fill the hole after the decay has been removed. Like most metals, they will corrode and break down in a wet environment such as the mouth. When they corrode, they tend to expand and can crack the tooth. They can also let bacteria into the tooth so that decay can happen under the filling. White composite resin fillings actually are bonded to the tooth surfaces to help to seal out new decay. Since they are resins they do not corrode nor do they expand like the silver-mercury fillings do so there is less chance of the tooth breaking. The smaller the cavity, the better the composite resin will work and the longer it will last. All restorations have a life span so none of them will last forever; but when used in the correct situations, white fillings can last as long as the silver ones.

Why do I need a crown?

A crown, or cap, is used to cover and restore a tooth that has been broken down by decay, wear or accidental trauma. When a tooth has had several fillings in it or there is extensive decay or other breakdown; a crown can be used to cover the tooth all the way to the gum line. The tooth will need to have any decay or old restorations removed first and a good foundation placed to support the crown. The tooth is then carefully shaped to provide room and support for the crown. An impression is taken and a temporary crown is usually placed while a dental laboratory fabricates the crown. At a second appointment the temporary is removed and the new crown is fitted and cemented in place.

What are the early signs of oral cancer?

Different types of oral cancer can take on different appearances. When the dentist performs an oral cancer screening examination, they are looking for unusual swelling, tenderness or growths. They are also looking for inflamed or ulcerated areas that haven’t healed in a week to 10 days. Red or white lesions that do not heal can also be suspicious. Patients that have a history of tobacco use and alcohol consumption may be at particular risk. Clinical examination may locate suspicious areas but only by examining the tissue under a microscope can the determination of oral cancer be made. For this reason your doctor may refer you to have a biopsy performed to make a final determination and appropriate treatment.

What are the early signs of periodontal disease?

Periodontal, or gum disease refers to the inflammation and breakdown of the tissues that support the teeth. The first sign of gum disease is inflammation of the gums. What the patient will usually notice is that the gums get red around the teeth and they bleed easily when you brush or floss them. They may or may not be sore. As the gums and bone that support the teeth breakdown, they will start to recede. This recession will expose the roots of the teeth to the mouth and may make them sensitive to hot and cold as well as exposing these unprotected areas to decay. When the gums recede, the bone that holds the teeth in also recedes, and the teeth will start to loosen in the sockets. The easiest and least painful time to treat gum disease is in the earliest stages before the recession starts.

What is the difference between a routine dental cleaning and a deep scaling?

A routine dental cleaning is called a prophylaxis, or preventative, cleaning. It is usually done by a hygienist on a 6 month recall basis to prevent dental disease. It involves removing any stain or deposits that are above the gum line and then polishing the teeth to prevent dental disease.
A deep cleaning (scaling and root planning) is treatment for periodontal disease and it involves not only cleaning the surfaces above the gums that can be seen but also going below the gums to remove the deeper deposits. Because this is a more involved procedure performed by either a dentist or a hygienist, local anesthetic may be needed. Deep cleaning is typically performed by quadrants (1/4 of the mouth) at a time so that it usually takes multiple appointments to complete. Deep cleaning also has a higher fee due to the greater time and skill required.

Why do I need X-rays?

When the dentist examines your teeth, he/she can see only the outsides of the teeth. Cavities can develop on these outer surfaces of the teeth, but they also can develop on the surfaces that cannot easily be seen clinically. In order to locate any cavities while they are still small and easy to repair, X-rays are used to "see" between the teeth. X-rays are also used to examine the bone that supports the teeth, look for abscessed teeth, and locate impacted teeth or other pathology. In short, X-rays allow the dentist to see inside the teeth and bone to find any problems while they are small and can be easily treated.

Why do I need to floss every day?

Plaque is a mixture of food debris and bacteria that develops every day and sticks to the teeth. It is the cause of both decay and gum disease. It is usually colorless, soft and easily removed by brushing; but a toothbrush can only reach the flat and biting surfaces of the teeth. In order to clean the areas in between the teeth where cavities often start, you need to use floss to wipe the plaque away. Since plaque builds up every day, you need to brush and floss every day to remove the plaque before it has a chance to cause any damage.

What are the benefits of getting a routine cleaning and dental examination every six months?

By establishing yourself with a dentist and going for regular checkups you are performing preventive maintenance and maintaining your oral health. You are having you teeth professionally cleaned to prevent dental disease. By having clinical and X-ray examinations you allow the dentist to locate problems and potential problems while they are still small and easily treatable.

My insurance will cover everything, right?

Dental insurance is a benefit provided by your employer to help you pay for your dental care. Each dental insurance policy is different depending which benefits your employer has purchased for you. Dental insurance is not intended to cover all of your dental needs, only to help you to receive dental care. Some policies will pay for many procedures at a high rate of reimbursement, while others will pay only the bare minimum. Some policies will pay for some procedures in full, while other procedures are paid at only a small percentage of the fee or not at all. Most dental policies have a maximum amount that is available each year. Most plans also have a deductable that must be met each year. Each policy will have specific rules and exclusions that will affect your benefits. Whenever you are considering having more involved dental work performed, a predetermination of benefits is always a good idea to have done. This will let you know what your dental benefits will be and what your responsibility will be for the planned treatment. The important thing to remember is that no matter how much or how little your dental benefits are, whatever is paid by the insurance carrier is something that you do not have to pay.