Frequently Asked Questions
First and foremost, questions are important. We encourage any and all questions that enable patients to get a thorough understanding of dentistry and more specifically, make informed decisions regarding their own personal dental care. There are many questions we field regarding dental care. Listed below are some of the more general questions that are asked; however, it goes without saying, we answer many more questions tailored to each patient's individual needs.
Are x-rays (radiographs) necessary?
Yes, radiographs give us information we cannot normally visualize with our eyes and are a valuable component of an examination. They show the condition of underlying bone supporting teeth, internal and interproximal aspects of teeth, and overall status of the jaw bone(s), allowing us to detect cavities, periodontal problems, tumors, abcesses and developmental abnormalities... just to name a few. An effective anology _ Radiographs (x-rays) to a dentist are as similar as radar is to an airline pilot. Would you fly in a jet without radar?
Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
Insurance policies vary widely in the scope of coverage they provide _ the amount paid by the insurance company may be affected by such factors as annual limits, percentages, non-coverage of certain procedures, etc...
We need to be realistic about the limits of insurance, rarely will it cover 100% of your treatment. It is best to view insurance as an aid to you in your dental care and remember your dental plan is not a treatment plan. You should not allow your insurance to dictate your care as there is no correlation between the treatment you require and what insurance will pay for. Only you and your dentist can decide the treatment that best meets your specific needs. If you have a dental benefits plan, that's great as it will help defray the costs associated with quality dental care. The degree to how well your plan does this is dependent on the type of plan you have.
How often should I visit the dentist and why?
If you are in generally good dental health, a good rule of thumb is to visit your dentist every 6 months. If you have an unstable condition or periodontal disease it is advisable to schedule appointments on a more frequent basis (often every 3-4 months, depending on your individual status) to maintain your condition, prevent relapse or most importantly improve your dental health.
Is preventive care really that important?
It is extremely important and involves two simple steps.
1. Regular home care_ brushing and flossing.
2. Regular dental check-ups. Once your dental health is healthy and stable, preventive care identifies problems early allowing easier, less invasive and complicated treatment.
It is the most cost effective and comfortable way to maintain your health.
What is Periodontal Disease?
The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gum and the bone that supports the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris and bacteria. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen and bleeding gums.
Approximately 85% of the adult population has periodontal disease and don’t know it. Most people are unaware of it because it is usually painless in the early stages.
In addition to being the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, bacterial pneumonia and increased risk during pregnancy.
Research is ongoing with respect to how the bacteria and inflammation associated with periodontal disease affects these systemic conditions and our overall health.
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet and regular dental visits help reduce your risks of developing periodontal disease.
Why does it hurt when my teeth are cleaned?
One of the most common reasons for sensitivity or pain after a "cleaning" is due to the fact that there is a lot of deposit (tartar) present on the teeth above and below the gums. In addition to the deposit harbouring harmful bacteria, it also acts as a physical irritation to the gums, thus its removal can cause increased sensitivity to already irritated gums, especially if there is a significant amount of deposit below the gums. Other factors such gum recession or pre-existing tooth hypersensitivity can also have an effect. In the majority of cases, once your teeth and gums are restored to health and proper home care maintained in conjunction with regular dental care, this type of sensitivity is much less of a problem.
As a new patient, will I get my teeth cleaned at my first appointment?
The answer to this question is different for each individual and is based upon the complexity of the case, your current state of dental health, and amount of deposit (tartar) on your teeth. Please understand, it is in your best interest and a necessity for us to gain fundamental knowledge about your condition first and foremost, then begin treatment. We will endeavour to initiate preventive/ hygiene care (cleaning) and maximize your time in the office; however, completing your cleaning is not always possible on your initial visit. Thank you for your understanding.
What About Bad Breath?
In most cases it originates from the gums and tongue. The odour is caused by bacteria from the breakdown of food particles, other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene. The breakdown and debris produce a sulfur compound that causes the unpleasant odour. Some strong foods, such as garlic and onions are notorious for producing bad breath and there is not much you can do other than mask it until the body completely processes the food.
Bad breath can come from other sources than the mouth and may occur in people who have an infection, gum disease, diabetes, kidney failure, or liver malfunction. Xerostomia (dry mouth) and tobacco also contribute to this problem. Even stress, dieting,snoring, age and hormonal changes can have an effect on your breath.
How do I control bad breath?
It is important to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. To alleviate odour, clean your tongue with your toothbrush or even better a tongue scraper (a plastic tool that scrapes away bacteria that builds on the tongue). Chewing sugar-free gum may also help control the odour. If you have removable appliances such as mouthguards, retainers or dentures clean them regularly before you put them back in your mouth. Before using any rinses or sprays talk with us because these products only mask the odour temporarily and some products work better than others.
How long will my restoration last?
Nothing man-made, no matter how technically perfect or artistically balanced, will replace the healthy natural-looking tooth that mother nature provided. With that being said, even healthy natural virgin teeth are prone to decay and breakdown. What prevents this deterioration is proper maintenance with good oral hygiene and dental care. The better the maintenance of your restoration, the longer it will last. Other factors that contribute to longevity are: degree of tooth structure affected, destructive habits, poor bite, diet and choice of materials. So the answer to the question is ultimately up to you. It is not possible provide a ‘one-size fits all’ answer. Each individual has a different set of variables and circumstances; therefore, the longevity of your restoration is dependent on these and the choices you make, it can last a long time or short time.
Do you accept referrals?
We gladly accept referrals. It is the highest compliment a patient can share with us and is how most new patients discover our office.
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