Question 1

WHAT KIND OF TOOTHBRUSH SHOULD I BE USING?

Accepted Answer

We recommend using a soft toothbrush that has a small head. Toothbrushes with medium or hard bristles can be too harsh on the gums, while a large brush head makes it more difficult to maneuver the brush around the teeth. We also tell patients to use a light hand when brushing. As long as you are brushing your teeth at least twice daily and going to the dentist for cleanings at least two times a year, a gentle brushing will be enough to remove plaque and food buildup.

Question 2

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A TOOTHPASTE?

Accepted Answer

We advise you to use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth, protecting them against decay. Also make sure your toothpaste is ADA-approved!

Question 3

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE FLOSSING MY TEETH?

Accepted Answer

It is best to floss your teeth once a day, to remove plaque and food from between the teeth that regular brushing can’t remove. This helps prevent cavities from developing. Flossing is also good for your gums!

Question 4

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SILVER AND TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS?

Accepted Answer

Silver fillings are made of a silver amalgam material and is best for larger cavities, as it is more durable. However, tooth-colored fillings more effectively maintain tooth strength, and they are not noticeable in the mouth. Our doctors can work with you to determine the filling option that is best for your individual needs. However, if the cavity is too large for both a silver and tooth-colored filling, we will provide a crown.

Question 5

ARE A “CROWN” AND A “CAP” THE SAME THING?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A crown, or a cap, is a covering that we create for a tooth that has had a large cavity removed or is broken. The crown helps to restore strength, function and aesthetics to the tooth. Crowns can be created out of gold, stainless steel, porcelain, or composites. Usually, tooth-colored crowns are called “caps,” while the gold or stainless steel options are referred to as “crowns.”

Question 6

IF I NEED A CROWN, DO I ALSO NEED A ROOT CANAL?

Accepted Answer

No. Even though we restore most root canals with a crown, not every patient who needs a crown also needs a root canal. We provide crowns for more severe cavities as well as for teeth that have been broken.

Question 7

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A “PARTIAL DENTURE” AND A “BRIDGE?”

Accepted Answer

While both partial dentures and bridges are used to replace missing teeth, a partial denture is removable, whereas a bridge is cemented to the teeth. For this reason, patients usually prefer the security of bridges.