Dental Office FAQs | Hebron Family Dental

Dental FAQs in Carrollton, TX

Read answers to commonly asked questions our patients have about their dental care:

What should I do if I have bad breath?

Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. We may not realize we have bad breath, but everyone has it occasionally, especially in the morning.

You may have bad breath for multiple reasons. In healthy people, the main reason for bad breath is microbial deposits on the tongue. Some studies have shown that brushing the tongue reduces bad breath by as much as 70 percent.

How often should I brush and floss?

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. Floss once a day to remove food and plaque between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Brushing and flossing regularly helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Are amalgam (silver) fillings safe?

Over the years, there has been some concern about the safety of amalgam (silver) fillings. An amalgam blends copper, silver, tin, and zinc bound by elemental mercury. Dentists have used this blended metal to fill teeth for over 100 years. The controversy is due to claims that exposure to the vapor and minute particles from mercury can cause various health problems.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), up to 76% of dentists use silver-containing mercury to fill teeth. The ADA also states that silver fillings are safe and that studies have failed to find any link between silver-containing mercury and any medical disorder.

How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?

Your teeth should be checked and cleaned at least twice yearly. However, we may recommend more frequent visits.

Regular dental exams and cleanings prevent dental problems and keep your teeth and gums healthy. During these visits, we clean your teeth and check your cavities. We also monitor other dental issues to help keep your smile in good shape.

How can I tell if I have gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease)?

Four out of five people have gum disease and don’t know it. Most people are unaware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, you can have gum disease without noticeable symptoms. Regular dental check-ups and examinations will help detect problems.

Why should you use dental floss?

Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces except between teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach areas highly prone to decay and gum disease.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces but also disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bones.

How can cosmetic dentistry help improve the appearance of my smile?

If you’re feeling a bit self-conscious about your teeth or want to improve your smile, cosmetic dental treatments could help.

Cosmetic dentistry has become more popular in recent years because of advances in dental procedures and materials. Today, more people are focused on improving their smiles and overall health. This includes dental prevention and having a healthier, whiter, more radiant smile.

What are porcelain veneers, and how can they improve my smile?

Porcelain veneers are fragile shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are individually crafted to cover the fronts of teeth. They are very durable and will not stain, making them a popular solution for those seeking to restore or enhance the beauty of their smile.

What can I do about stained or discolored teeth?

Professional teeth whitening is a simple and safe dental treatment that changes the color of your natural tooth enamel. While over-the-counter products are available, they are less effective than professional treatments. They also may not be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

As we age, the enamel on our teeth wears down, revealing a darker or yellowish shade. Our teeth can also darken from the inside over time. Habits like smoking or drinking coffee, tea, or wine can also cause stains, making teeth look yellow or dull. Sometimes, childhood medications or too much fluoride during tooth development can discolor teeth.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

TMJ problems can cause head and neck pain that is often hard to diagnose. The TMJ is located near your ear, where the lower jaw meets the upper jaw at the base of your skull.

The TMJ is subject to inflammation and other chronic joint problems like all other joints. Teeth clenching and grinding can cause these problems. These actions cause pressure on the joint, which leads to inflammation and general breakdown of the joint.

TMJ problems are challenging to diagnose and treat because the symptoms vary widely in location and severity. Symptoms can range from a slight clicking in the jaw with no pain to severe head and neck pain not relieved by medication.

Once diagnosed, treatments include nightguards that prevent pressure on the joint. In the most severe cases, you may need surgery.

What does Malocclusion of Teeth mean?

Malocclusion means the teeth are not aligned properly. Occlusion refers to the alignment of teeth and how the upper and lower teeth fit together (bite).

All upper teeth should fit slightly over the lower teeth. The points of the molars fit the grooves of the opposite molar. The upper teeth keep the cheeks and lips from being bitten. Lower teeth protect the tongue.

Malocclusion is often hereditary, which means the condition is passed down through families. There may be a difference between the size of the upper and lower jaws or between the jaw and tooth size. This can result in overcrowding of teeth or abnormal bite patterns.

Variations in size or structure of either jaw may affect its shape. Congenital disabilities such as cleft lip and palate can also affect jaw shape. Other causes of malocclusion include:

Childhood habits include thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, pacifier use beyond age 3, and prolonged bottle use.
Extra teeth, lost teeth, impacted teeth, or abnormally shaped teeth.
Ill-fitting dental fillings, crowns, appliances, retainers, or braces.
Misalignment of jaw fractures after a severe injury.
Tumors of the mouth and jaw.

There are different categories of malocclusion.

Class 1 malocclusion is the most common. The bite is normal, but the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth.
Class 2 malocclusion, called retrognathism or overbite, occurs when the upper jaw and teeth severely overlap the bottom jaw and teeth.
Class 3 malocclusion, called prognathism or underbite, occurs when the lower jaw protrudes or juts forward, which causes the lower jaw and teeth to overlap the upper jaw and teeth.

Symptoms can include:

Abnormal alignment of teeth
The strange appearance of the face
Difficulty or discomfort when biting or chewing
Speech difficulties (that is rare), including lisp
Mouth breathing (breathing through the mouth without closing the lips)

A dentist discovers most problems with teeth alignment during a routine exam. The dentist may pull your cheek outward and ask you to bite down to check how well your back teeth come together. If there is any problem, the dentist will usually refer you to an orthodontist for diagnosis and treatment.

If there is any problem, the dentist will usually refer you to an orthodontist for diagnosis and treatment. You may need dental, head, skull, or facial X-rays. You may also need plaster or plastic molds of the teeth.

How do amalgam and composite fillings differ?

Dental amalgam is the most thoroughly researched and tested restorative material among all those in use. Dentists have used this material for over a century.

It is durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear, and relatively inexpensive compared to other materials. For those reasons, it remains a valued treatment option for dentists and their patients.

Dental amalgam is a stable alloy that combines elemental mercury, silver, tin, copper, and possibly other metallic elements. Although it continues to be a safe, some concern has been raised because of its mercury content. However, the mercury in amalgam combines with other metals to render it stable and safe.

Some concerns have been raised about the safety of dental amalgam because of its mercury content. However, major health organizations, such as the National Institutes of Health, the CDC, the FDA, and the World Health Organization, agree that dental amalgam is safe, reliable, and effective for use in dental restorations.

Because amalgam fillings can withstand biting and chewing, dentists recommend them for the molars.

They are also helpful in areas where a cavity preparation is difficult to keep dry during the filling replacement, such as deep fillings below the gum line. Patients tolerate amalgam fillings well, as they are biocompatible, with only rare allergic reactions.

However, patients who get metal fillings may have short-term sensitivity to hot or cold. The silver-colored filling is not as natural looking as tooth-colored. When the restoration is near the front of the mouth, and shows when the patient laughs or speaks. Dentists also must remove more tooth structure to accommodate an this filling.

Composite fillings, or filled resins, are glass or quartz fillers in a resin medium. They are tooth-colored fillings. They are strong and in small-to-mid-size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure.

When we prepare the tooth, we remove less tooth structure. This may result in a smaller filling than an amalgam. We can also bond or hold these fillings with adhesive in a cavity. It allows for more conservative treatment.

The cost of these fillings depends on the filling size and technique. It generally takes longer to place a composite filling than required for an amalgam filling. Composite fillings require a cavity that can be kept clean and dry. They are subject to stains over time.

How will crown lengthening improve my smile?

Periodontal procedures can stop further dental problems and gum recession and improve your gum line’s aesthetics.

Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. You may want to cover one or more of these roots that make your teeth appear too long. Exposed roots are also sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids.

Your gums may have receded for various reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or gum disease. You may not be in control of what caused the recession

However, we can find the factors that contribute to the problem before treatment. Once under control, a soft tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent more recession and bone loss.

Soft tissue grafts can cover roots or develop gum tissue absent due to excessive gingival recession. During this procedure, we take gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. We can treat one or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.

A soft tissue graft can reduce further recession and bone loss. It can sometimes cover exposed roots to protect them from decay. This may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve the aesthetics of your smile. Whether you have a soft tissue graft to improve function or aesthetics, you often receive the benefits of both.

These include a beautiful new smile and improved gum health. You can eat and speak with comfort and confidence.

Why are dental implants necessary?

Dental implants are a significant advancement in dentistry. They permanently replace missing teeth in a way no previous dental technique could accomplish.

Implants are anchors made of the strongest titanium materials. We place them into the jaw bone and then covered with a cap or denture. They are stronger than a natural root and will never require a root canal or filling. An implant will help maintain the health and shape of the bone in the jaw area. We also do not have to file down neighboring teeth to make room for it.

The dentist performing the implant must be experienced and skilled in all the proper techniques of Implant dentistry. When done successfully, an implant will result in a comfortable and natural-looking tooth, providing a permanent solution to a missing tooth.

When do I need soft tissue grafts?

Periodontal procedures are available to stop further dental problems and gum recession and improve your gum line’s aesthetics.

Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession. Perhaps you wish to enhance your smile by covering one or more of these roots that make your teeth appear too long. Or, maybe you’re not bothered by the appearance of these areas, but you cringe because the exposed roots are sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids.

Your gums may have receded for various reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease. You may not be in control of what caused the recession, but your periodontist can help you identify the factors contributing to the problem before treatment. Once these contributing factors are controlled, a soft tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss.

Soft tissue grafts can cover roots or develop gum tissue absent due to excessive gingival recession. During this procedure, your periodontist takes gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.

What are the facts about fluoride?

The dental community has regarded fluoride as an essential mineral for decades. It helps prevent the decay of tooth structures.

In nearly every U.S. community, sodium fluoride supplements public drinking supplies. The practice is safe and effective in fighting cavities. Some private wells may contain naturally fluoridated water.

Fluoride is a safe compound found throughout nature-from the water we drink and the air we breathe to many kinds of foods.

When absorbed, fluoride can make teeth stronger and more resistant to fractures. A process in your body called “remineralization” uses fluoride to repair damage caused by decay.

Just drinking public water will provide a certain measure of fluoride protection. For years, health professionals have recommended adding fluoride through certain foods, toothpaste, and rinses.

Some drinks, such as tea and soda, may also contain fluoride. You can also use varnishes and gels on your teeth to boost fluoride intake.

At each dental visit until age 18, our dentist or hygienist will apply fluoride treatment to your teeth. This concentrated fluoride should remain on your teeth. We will recommend that you not rinse your mouth for at least half an hour. This fluoride will strengthen the enamel and make your teeth more decay-resistant.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of children’s back teeth from decay (cavities). These surfaces are rough and uneven because they have small pits and grooves.

Food can stay there if toothbrush bristles cannot brush them away. Sealants fill in the grooves and keep the food out.

Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as they come in and before decay attacks the teeth. In addition to sealants we recommend that you help your child brush and floss every day. We also recommend that children drink fluoridated water, and go to regular dental check-ups. They are the best defense against tooth decay.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the pharynx (the back of the throat). Oral cancer accounts for roughly two percent of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States. Approximately 35,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer yearly, and about 7,600 will die. On average, 60 percent of those with the disease will survive more than five years. Oral cancer most often occurs in people over 40 and affects more than twice as many men as women.

Tobacco and alcohol use can put you at risk. Most cases of oral cancer are linked to cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol use, or the use of both tobacco and alcohol together. Using tobacco plus alcohol poses a much greater risk than using either substance alone. The HPV 16 type is linked to a subset of oral cancers.

Risk also increases with age. Oral cancer most often occurs in people over 40. Cancer of the lip can be caused by sun exposure. A diet low in fruits and vegetables may affect oral cancer development.

See a dentist or physician if any of the following symptoms lasts for more than two weeks:

A sore, irritation, lump, or thick patch in your mouth, lip, or throat.
A white or red patch in your mouth.
A feeling that something is caught in your throat.
Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue.
Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth.
Swelling of your jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.
Pain in one ear without hearing loss.

Finding oral cancer as early as possible is essential when it can be treated more successfully. An oral cancer examination can detect early signs of cancer. The exam is painless and takes only a few minutes. Your regular dental check-up is an excellent opportunity to have the exam. During the exam, your dentist or dental hygienist will check your face, neck, lips, and entire mouth for signs of cancer.

Can periodontal surgery help me?

We may recommend gum surgery if you have gum disease. You will need surgery if we cannot repair your gum tissue with non-surgical treatment like pocket depth reduction.

When infection destroys the tissue and bone, it forms pockets around the teeth. Your bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around your teeth like a turtleneck around your neck.

Over time, these pockets become deeper and provide a larger space for bacteria to live. As bacteria develop around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue. These deep pockets collect even more bacteria, which results in further bone and tissue loss. Eventually, if too much bone is lost, you will need teeth removed.

Carrollton, TX, Dentist FAQs