Q. At what age should I bring my child for their first appointment?
A. Your child should be checked by a dentist as soon as they have teeth. After all, any tooth can get a cavity, regardless of age. Additionally, bringing your child to the dentist early and often helps create a positive association with dental and oral care, even making it easier to get kids to brush their teeth.
Q. Is dental X-ray radiation dangerous?
A. According to the American Dental Association, dental X-ray exams are safe. However, because they require very low levels of radiation exposure, there is a minimal risk of potentially harmful effects. Dental X-ray techniques and tools are designed to limit the body’s exposure to radiation, and we take every precaution to ensure radiation exposure is “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” (the ALARA principle). Leaded aprons minimize exposure to the abdomen and may be used when they won’t interfere with the acquisition of dental radiographs. Additionally, a leaded thyroid collar can protect the thyroid from radiation and should be used whenever possible. The use of a leaded thyroid collar is recommended for children, women of childbearing age, and pregnant women.
Q. Why do perform X-rays so often?
A. Dental X-rays are a useful diagnostic tool to help dentists detect disease and damage not visible during regular dental exams. How often X-rays can be performed depends on your present age, oral health, risk for disease, and the presence of any symptoms or signs of oral disease. For example, children may require X-rays more frequently than adults because their jaws and teeth are still developing, and their teeth are more likely to be affected by tooth decay than adult teeth. Your dentist will review your history, examine your mouth, and decide whether you need X-rays.
Q. Why doesn’t my insurance pay for this?
A. The majority of dental plans are a contract between an insurance company and an employer. Your insurer and employer agree on which procedures are covered and the amount your plan will pay. However, you may encounter a dental care procedure that is not covered by your plan, as employers typically choose to cover some but not all employee dental costs. Let your employer know if you are unsatisfied with the level of your insurance coverage.
Q. What is the difference between cosmetic dentistry and prosthodontics?
A. The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to make your smile look its best, whereas prosthodontics is primarily concerned with rebuilding structures inside your mouth for optimal function. These two worlds often collide, which is why you see prosthodontists performing cosmetic techniques and cosmetic dentists performing prosthodontic work.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. Dental implants are designed to blend in with natural teeth, making them an effective and popular method for replacing missing teeth. They are a fantastic long-term option for anyone looking to restore their smile. In fact, the use and development of implants is one of the biggest advances in the dentistry industry in the past four decades.
Dental implants are made of titanium and other materials compatible with the human body. Each implant is a post that is surgically placed in the lower or upper jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.
Q. Why do I need a crown?
A. Crowns are used in a range of situations, including on cavities that are too large for filling and on teeth that are cracked, worn, or otherwise weakened. Additionally, crowns can be used to protect the restored tooth after a root canal. Crowns are also useful for improving your smile by covering discolored or misshapen teeth.