Q & A

Dental Cleaning Q&A

A professional cleaning helps remove plaque and tartar buildup that at-home brushing alone cannot clean. Your hygienist will carefully and thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, using a special brush and toothpaste. Your teeth will also be flossed and your mouth will be examined for any signs of decay or infection. A liquid fluoride will then be used to rinse your mouth once cleaning is complete. If gum disease or dental decay is found, your dentist can discuss the best options for treatment.

A professional dental cleaning is a vital part of maintaining a healthy smile! Left untreated, plaque and tartar buildup can contribute to tooth decay or infection. By receiving regular dental cleanings, you can keep your teeth on the right track!

Daily brushing at least twice a day is recommended. A soft toothbrush used with fluoride toothpaste is the best combination for a healthy smile. Flossing daily and using a mouthwash are also great habits for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Keeping up with your regular dental check-ups along with proper at-home dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and other dental problems.

When eating sugary foods, it’s best to brush as soon as possible. Sugar can cause tooth decay when left sitting on the teeth.

If you have trouble with grinding your teeth at night, we can help! Constant grinding can cause dental issues such as loose teeth and toothaches. An oral appliance could help keep your teeth safe while you sleep.

Emergency Dentistry Q&A

Emergency dental visits are scheduled for a number of reasons.

  • Accident
    • Whether it’s during work, sports or an automobile accident, unexpected tooth injuries can occur. If you find yourself with an injured tooth, call your dentist right away! Getting immediate care can sometimes save a tooth from extraction.
  • Toothache
    • There are different reasons someone might experience a toothache. Sometimes a cavity has spread and your tooth is in need of a root canal. Other times infection or inflammation could be causing the pain. If you are waiting to get into our office, there are a few things you can try to relieve your pain. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth can reduce swelling. Taking ibuprofen may help relieve the pain. Also, rinsing with warm salt water can help with infection.
  • Gum Disease
    • Pain from gum disease often occurs because the roots begin to be exposed. Gum disease is caused by infection in the gums. Left untreated, this can lead to severe pain. An abscess is a very painful dental emergency and is caused by a major tooth infection.

If you lose a tooth, keep it safe until your dentist can evaluate your mouth. Never pick a tooth up by the root, only the crown. Use cold water to rinse the tooth and place it back in the socket. A washcloth can be used to keep it in place. If you are unable to hold the tooth in place, store it in milk until you get to your appointment. Our team will do everything we can to save your tooth. If it cannot be saved, we will go over the best options for replacing your tooth.

One of our main goals is to help you manage your pain. Our team will find the cause of the problem and recommend the best possible treatment to resolve your dental emergency. We will also do everything we can to ease your pain when you arrive at our office. We want you to be as comfortable as possible and treat your pain right away.

If you find yourself in a dental emergency or are in need of a professional cleaning, call our office right away! Our team is equipped with the knowledge and the experience to treat your dental health so that you can keep on smiling for years to come!