6 Questions To Ask Your Dentist

You see your dentist roughly twice a year. You want to make the most of these visits so try to be prepared with a list of questions for your dentist and hygienist at your next appointment

• What’s my overall oral health status? Think of this as your tooth report card. This covers the basics and opens up a detailed conversation about any concerns your dentist has about your oral health. 
• Do I need to alter my oral care techniques? Piggybacking off of the last question, your dentist may say that you brush too hard, don’t floss enough, or need to alter some other part of your routine. He or she can give you better techniques to make sure you’re doing the best for your teeth.
• What can I do at home to help whiten my teeth? There are many at-home and in-office procedures for whitening teeth and your dentist knows the best and safest ones. Ask about different brands he or she trusts or if they think you might be better off with a professional procedure in their office.
• Why are x-rays important? If it’s time for your yearly x-rays, you might be wondering why they need to be taken at all. Have your dentist explain what exactly they do with your x-rays and how they use them to care for you.
• How do I prevent cavities? You may know some of the common tips, like avoiding sugar and brushing regularly but your dentist is always learning and discovering the latest ways to improve your oral care. See if he or she has any additional advice that could help you in your day to day life.
  
• Why are my teeth sensitive? If you’re feeling tooth sensitivity after eating cold or hot food or sweet things, be sure to tell your dentist. Your dentist can help you determine the cause of your sensitivity and give you tips on keeping the pain at bay.

Take the time during your next dental visit to get all the answers. Make a list of these questions or others you may have and use the opportunity to enhance your oral care knowledge and get the most out of your appointment!

Dental Implants

George Washington’s famously uncomfortable dentures robbed him of his smile and made it difficult for him to eat and speak normally. Thankfully we have better options to replace teeth lost through tooth decay, disease or injury.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots in the shape of a posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium, a metal that is well-suited to pairing with human bone. The post then provides a strong foundation for replacement teeth that are designed to blend in with your natural teeth, providing you with an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

There are numerous advantages to dental implants. Most patients find dental implants to be more durable, stable, and comfortable that other tooth replacement options such as dentures and bridges. Additionally, dental implants prevent bone loss and support your other natural teeth, but perhaps the most important benefit is the restoration of your confidence and well-being found in knowing that you can eat, chew, smile, talk, and look completely natural.

What is involved in getting dental implants?

Once the dentist has made an evaluation of your mouth and teeth, there are three general phases to getting an implant:

• First, the dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone.
• Next, the bone around the implant heals. This process generally takes between two to six months as the bone actually grows around the implant and holds it in place.
• Finally, the dentist will place the artificial tooth on the implant.

Are you a candidate?

Most people who have lost a tooth are good candidates for implants. Ideal candidates for dental implants are non-smokers who have good oral health, including sufficient amount of bone in the jaw and healthy gums with no sign of gum disease.

Let the trained professionals at Dr. Roberts Family Dentistry help you determine if dental implants can help you rejuvenate both your smile and your oral health.