FAQs:

General Dentistry

What does general dentistry include?

General dentistry covers routine dental care, including check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and preventive treatments to maintain oral health.

How often should I visit a general dentist?

It is recommended to visit a dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning to prevent dental issues.

Sedation Dentistry

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Yes, sedation dentistry is safe when administered by a trained professional. Your dentist will review your medical history to determine the best option for you.

Who can benefit from sedation dentistry?

Patients with dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, or a strong gag reflex can benefit from sedation dentistry.

TMJ Treatment

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders?

Symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, clicking sounds, and difficulty chewing.

How is TMJ treated?

TMJ disorders can be treated with oral appliances, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

Dental Exams & Cleaning

Why are dental exams and cleanings important?

Regular exams and cleanings prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.

How long does a dental cleaning take?

A professional cleaning typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Emergency Dentistry

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

Severe tooth pain, knocked-out teeth, and dental infections are common emergencies requiring immediate care.

What should I do if I break a tooth?

Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any broken pieces, and visit your dentist as soon as possible.

Oral Cancer Screenings

What happens during an oral cancer screening?

Your dentist examines your mouth, tongue, and throat for abnormal tissue or lesions.

How often should I get screened for oral cancer?

Screenings should be done annually or more frequently if you're at high risk.

Dental Sealants

What are dental sealants?

Sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities.

How long do dental sealants last?

Sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care.

Root Canal Therapy

Is a root canal painful?

Modern root canals are virtually painless, as they are performed under local anesthesia.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Signs include severe tooth pain, swelling, and sensitivity to hot or cold foods.

Cosmetic Dentistry

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry enhances the appearance of your teeth and smiles through treatments like whitening and veneers.

Can cosmetic dentistry fix crooked teeth?

Yes, treatments like veneers, bonding, or orthodontics can improve misaligned teeth.

Teeth Whitening

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes, professional whitening is safe when done by a dentist.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Results can last from several months to a few years, depending on diet and oral care.

Dental Veneers

What are dental veneers?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to enhance their appearance.

How long do veneers last?

With proper care, veneers can last 10–15 years.

Orthodontics

At what age should orthodontic treatment begin?

Orthodontic evaluations are recommended by age 7, but treatment can begin at any age.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment typically lasts 12–24 months, depending on the case.

Invisalign

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth without traditional metal braces.

How often should I wear my Invisalign aligners?

Aligners should be worn for 20–22 hours per day for optimal results.

Oral Surgery

What procedures fall under oral surgery?

Common procedures include tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and bone grafts.

Is oral surgery painful?

Patients receive anesthesia to ensure comfort during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is manageable with medication.

Dental Extractions

When is a tooth extraction necessary?

Teeth may need extraction due to severe decay, infection, or overcrowding.

How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?

Recovery typically takes a few days to a week.

Dental Bone Graft

What is a dental bone graft?

A bone graft is a procedure that adds bone material to strengthen the jaw for implants or other treatments.

How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?

The recovery process can span several months, contingent upon the graft's size.

Restorative Dentistry

What is restorative dentistry?

It involves procedures that repair or replace damaged or missing teeth, such as fillings, crowns, and implants.

How does restorative dentistry differ from cosmetic dentistry?

Restorative dentistry focuses on function and health, while cosmetic dentistry enhances appearance.

Dental Fillings

What are dental fillings made of?

Fillings can be made of composite resin, amalgam, gold, or porcelain.

Fillings can be made of composite resin, amalgam, gold, or porcelain.

Depending on the material, fillings can last 5–15 years.

Dental Crowns

Why might I need a dental crown?

Why might I need a dental crown?

How long do dental crowns last?

Crowns can last 10–15 years with proper care.

Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges

A bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth.

How do I care for a dental bridge?

Maintain good oral hygiene and clean under the bridge with floss or special cleaning tools.

Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

Implants are titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone to support artificial teeth.

How long do dental implants last?

With good care, implants can last a lifetime.

Partials & Full Dentures

What is the difference between partial and full dentures?

Partial dentures replace some missing teeth, while full dentures replace all teeth in an arch.

How do I take care of my dentures?

Clean them daily and remove them at night for proper maintenance.

Dental Bonding

What is dental bonding?

Bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to repair chips, gaps, or discoloration.

How long does dental bonding last?

Bonding can last 5–10 years with proper care.

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