There are some questions that dentists and their teams hear every day. Although some information is given to the public about these topics, there isn’t always a lot of information to back it, leaving patients wondering if certain procedures are really necessary, or what choices to make regarding their oral health. Here are 5 common dental care questions that we hear often at the office of Thomas Drake, DDS, and hope they are useful when you’re coming by for your next visit.
My tooth doesn’t hurt, so why should I fix it?
Luckily, cavities and broken teeth don’t always hurt. Even some of the most severe tooth trauma can have desensitized nerves that don’t feel pain. However, that does not mean the cavity does not exist! Fixing the tooth as early as possible will keep treatment smaller, less expensive, and save tooth enamel. Not to mention it can keep the issue from turning into something more serious, like a root canal.
How often do I need to have my teeth cleaned?
For most people, cleanings are needed every 6 months. Patients with active gum disease may need to be seen as frequently as every 3 months. These cleanings are essential to removing tartar that isn’t removable at home and would otherwise cause bone loss around the teeth.
Why are X-Rays really necessary?
Clinical examinations cannot see the tight contact areas between the teeth- an area that is one of the first locations to develop cavities (especially if you don’t floss regularly.) They also show the dentist where your bone levels are at.
Do baby teeth need to have their cavities filled since they’re just going to fall out anyway?
Great question! Baby teeth are meant to be guides to developing adult teeth, so premature loss due to cavities can cause orthodontic complications, and even spread infection to permanent teeth that have yet to erupt.
Can a tooth just have a filling instead of a crown?
There needs to be enough healthy enamel to support a filling. When a cavity or fracture takes up too much of the tooth’s surface, a crown will cover the entire tooth and ensure healthy function for years to come.
If you’ve found yourself asking any of these questions, then you’re probably due for a comprehensive care or preventive visit! We invite you to call Overland Park dentist, Thomas A. Drake, DDS and schedule a time at your earliest convenience to help get control back your oral health.
I’d always wondered why my kids need to have their cavities filled, so I’m glad that you answered that question! I was unaware that baby teeth were that important to the development of permanent teeth – especially that they can spread infections to the permanents. I’ll definitely take their cavities a lot more seriously now!
With your teeth, you should always ask questions about them if you are uncertain what is going on. I find it interesting to know that not many people know how often they should get them cleaned. Like you said, it’s usually every six months or so. Of course if you have gum disease or other dental issues, that you should go more often.
Thank you for the post. I had no idea that you should have cavities filled in baby teeth. After reading your post; it seems to be really important that baby teeth are taken care of. I would hate to put my child though that kind of pain. I can see why it is so important that you practice proper oral hygiene
Something I’ve always been self-conscious about is my teeth. I admit that I do not have the prettiest smile. However, I had worked hard to keep a healthy smile. Thank you for mentioning great information, because I agree with all of that.
Thanks for this helpful article. I like that you made sure to answer why it is important to have cavities and broken teeth as soon as possible. I think that it is good to be on a friendly basis with your dentist. That way, you don’t feel uncomfortable asking questions you think are obvious. One way of doing is this is getting to know his family and hobbies.