Patients who are going or about to go to the dentist usually have a lot of questions they want to ask. And that’s perfectly natural. So we decided to compile some of the most commonly asked dental questions and give detailed answers.
Dental FAQ
1. How long will my first dental appointment last?
It varies, but expect to spend around an hour or more at your first visit where each treatment, its benefits, and the fees will be discussed. We’ll take some time to get to know you, and make sure everyone is on the same page regarding your oral wellness and care.
2. How often should I go to the dentist?
The general rule is that you schedule a visit with your dental professional every six months for a checkup and cleaning. However, if you are prone to or have a history of gum disease, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits.
3. What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?
Go with toothbrushes that have soft bristles. You may think that hard bristles will clean your teeth better, but these can damage sensitive gum tissue, the tooth enamel, and root surfaces.
As for toothpaste, the American Dental Association recommends toothpastes with fluoride to help protect your teeth better. If you want a non-fluoride option, your dentist can recommend one that’s right for you. Meanwhile, you can also check out what ingredients you should avoid in toothpastes here.
4. When is a dental extraction needed?
When a tooth becomes too damaged for restoration or repair, or if it has become too infected, the dentist may recommend its removal. There are also other times when your dentist may suggest dental extractions. These are:
- To remove wisdom teeth
- To make room for teeth that are being moved by braces
- When baby teeth still have not fallen out in time to allow permanent teeth to come in
5. Does a root canal hurt?
No. One of the biggest misconceptions about the root canal procedure is that it hurts. You should experience little to no pain during the treatment because the root canal removes the source of pain — the infected and decayed parts of your tooth. You will be under local anesthesia during the procedure so you should feel comfortable throughout.
6. What’s the best way for teeth whitening?
It depends on the level of whiteness you want to achieve. In-chair treatments provide faster and better results, but you can also safely whiten your teeth from the comforts of your home through customized at-home whitening kits you can get from your dentist.
Over-the-counter products won’t be as reliable because only dental practitioners can administer professional-strength whitening products.
7. Will my insurance cover that treatment?
Each dental insurance plan is different and what they cover may vary a lot from one another. However, many will cover preventive care procedures such as cleanings.
At White Dental Studio, we have treatment coordinators who will assess your insurance benefits and do their very best to provide an estimation of coverage. We do everything we can to help you understand the benefits, advantages, and limitations of your insurance before starting treatment.
Do you have other dental questions?
Ask us by submitting your question below. Or you can also speak with us by calling 541-708-6288. We’d love to hear from you!
Recent Comments