The
last time I went to a dentist, he told me I needed five fillings and
two crowns. I'm not going back, because I don't think I need all that
work. Shouldn't I be in pain if I need so much?
We see patients
everyday at Ridgepointe Dental who have cavities they are not aware
of. Cavities don't usually cause pain until they are very deep. If you
wait for pain, a tooth that may only need a simple and inexpensive filling
now may require a root canal or extraction later. So, waiting for treatment
due to lack of pain is foolish.
Broken or fractured
teeth can also be present with no obvious pain. An extensively damaged
molar, for instance, or a tooth with a large broken filling may require
a crown. Crowns fit over the damaged tooth and restore the strength
and appearance. On occasion, we can use an onlay to repair those teeth.
I
haven't been to the dentist for a long time...longer that I'd like to
admit...I know I should go regularly, but I'm uncomfortable in the dentist
office. I'm also apprehensive that the hygienist or the doctor will
scold me for not taking better care.
I can assure you
that no one will scold you for neglecting your teeth. We aren't here
to browbeat you, but to help, support, and educate you. You needn't
worry about getting a lecture! We believe what's important is what you
do from now on, not what you have or haven't done in the past.
We'll do everything
we can to make your visit comfortable. If necessary, the doctor can
prescribe a mild sedative before treatment, or you may be given nitrous
oxide (laughing gas) during a procedure. This is not uncommon and it
works well with many patients.
The most important
way to overcome your fears is to speak honestly and openly with your
dentist. We all try our best to be sensitive to your needs and to take
your fears seriously. Once you find that you can trust us, fear virtually
disappears. Very rarely we see a patient who must be referred to another
dentist who uses IV sedation or general anesthesia, despite the increased
risk and expense.
Do
whitening toothpastes really work?
Yes, over very long periods of time but they may only whiten
your teeth one or two shades! We use Zoom! Whitening System,
as used on the ABC-TV hit program, Extreme Makeover. It is far
more effective, whitening as much as 8 to 10 shades, is safer because
we provide dental supervision, and is much faster, requiring only about
90 minutes of your time in the office.
Why
are there so many toothpastes? Which one should I use? Why?
Great question!
Your dentist or hygienist can recommend the toothpaste or gel depending
on the condition of your mouth. Although toothpaste is important, it
is much more critical to your overall dental health to brush frequently,
floss regularly, and see your dentist on schedule.
I'm
pregnant and my mother-in-law says I should get my teeth cleaned. Is
this true? I thought it might be wrong to see the dentist while I'm
expecting.
Your mother-in-law
is right! Hormone changes can lead to inflamed gums, among other problems.
You should have your teeth cleaned at least twice during your pregnancy.
We prefer to avoid x-rays during pregnancy, but if necessary, our low-dose
radiation digital x-rays coupled with protective lead aprons offer the
safest alternative.
My
dentist has recommended several extractions before doing a partial denture.
I'm a chain smoker and he says I can't smoke for awhile after the extractions.
This is going to be very difficult for me. Will a couple of cigarettes
be a problem?
Yes, even a couple of cigarettes can lead to serious complications,
including increased bleeding, or a painful condition called dry- socket.
Perhaps a nicotine patch would suffice for a couple of days. Or, this
might be a good time to consider quitting smoking altogether to avoid
greatly increased risk of oral cancer.
My
children really don't like the fluoride treatments. They are 8 and 10
years old and the dentist says they should continue until they are 14.
Can we stop now?
I certainly would not recommend it! These professional
treatments are absolutely important for strengthening teeth and preventing
cavities in the future. You should ask your hygienist if other flavors
are available.
I
want to do something to get my teeth in a little better shape before
I go to the dentist...for the first time in many years. What can I do?
This is embarrassing!
Unless your teeth resemble those of a zombie, you can't
shock a dentist! We see patients every day that fear we are going to see
the worst teeth ever. Believe me, that isn't true. Our job is not to embarrass
you, but to treat whatever conditions you have and to make you look better!
Don't be afraid! Get in and get going.
Is
drinking a lot of soda bad for the teeth?
Soda, sweet iced tea, coffee with a lot of sugar greatly
increases the exposure to tooth decay. If you drink it in small sips
throughout the day, instead of drinking it all at once (in one sitting)
it is much more harmful. When the sugary solution is in contact with
your teeth, it serves as "food" for the bacteria in your mouth
and creates damaging plaque acids. It is this acid that causes cavities.
If you drink sugared drinks, you should brush your teeth immediately
after, or at the very least, rinse with water.
I
don't understand what my hygienist is telling the dentist. What do all
those abbreviations mean?
You're sitting
in the chair, the hygienist calls the doctor in for his exam, and
they start speaking something that isn't any language you've ever
heard!! It's Dental-Speak! Most dental patients have experienced this
to one degree or another. Let us assure you that at Ridgepointe Dental
we'll educate you to know what we are saying, and when it comes to
the diagnosis, we'll speak in plain English. We try very hard to not
use "doctor words," but easy-to-understand, simple terms.
At any time, if you do not understand something said, please ask for
an explanation.
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