At West Lakes Dentistry, we want to provide great value to our patients by answering questions you might have about dental procedures or dentistry in general. “What do you fix bad breath?” “What causes tooth discoloration?” Learn all this and more by reading through a list of our most Frequently Asked Questions below.
What do I do if I have a dental emergency?
Accidents can happen at any time. It’s important that you know when you can take action at home or when you need to visit the dentist as soon as possible because it can mean the difference between losing or saving your tooth. Here are some helpful guidelines for what to do in different dental emergencies:
Rinse your mouth with warm water to get rid of any food or debris. If there is anything stuck between your teeth, floss to remove it. You can take an over-the-counter pain medication, but don’t apply medication directly to your teeth or gums. Schedule an appointment at West Lakes Dentistry if the pain does not go away.
Save any of the pieces of the chipped tooth that you can and rinse them thoroughly. To prevent swelling, apply an ice pack or cold compress to the swollen lip or gum tissue near the chipped tooth. This will help prevent swelling. If the area is bleeding, apply gauze for ten minutes, or until the bleeding has stopped. Schedule an appointment at West Lakes Dentistry ASAP.
Please call our office immediately. Thanks to recent advancements in dentistry, our dentists might be able to create a dental crown that will “grab onto” the broken tooth if there is enough remaining healthy tooth structure. This is a treatment called crown lengthening, and it depends on how severe the break is. We will consider all options before resorting to removing the root.
Hold the knocked-out tooth by the top (or crown) only. Briefly, rinse it with warm water. If possible, you can try to gently reinsert it back into the socket and keep it in place by biting down on gauze or cloth. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, place it in a cup or container with mildly salty water. See Dr. Miner or Dr. Boeckermann as soon as you can. There is a higher chance of saving the tooth if it is treated within two hours.
Rinse with warm salt water and apply gauze or a moistened towel for 15 to 20 minutes to help control any bleeding. You can then apply a cold compress to the mouth to reduce swelling and stop the residual bleeding. If you are bleeding profusely or the damage looks severe, keep applying pressure and go to your nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
Why does a filling need to be replaced if it‘s still there and my tooth doesn’t hurt?
Even if your filling is still in place, it can get worn down, chipped, or cracked from regular chewing and grinding/clenching. When this happens, the seal between your tooth and the filling isn’t as strong, and it can allow food particles and bacteria in, which increases the risk of developing tooth decay. When tooth decay is left alone, it can result in infections, an abscess, or even the loss of a tooth if it becomes that severe. And if a filling is particularly large, or if the decay is extensive, we might not be able to put in a replacement filling because there won’t be enough healthy tooth structure for support. In situations like these, we would consider other options, such as a natural-looking dental crown. We want to continually monitor areas of concern like this with regular dental checkups so we can make sure your teeth are protected.
How do I know if I’m at risk for gum disease?
There are a few symptoms you can look out for to determine if you have periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease. The most common symptoms are tender or swollen gums, gums that bleed easily, sensitive or loose teeth, and persistent bad breath. Your risk for gum disease increases as you get older. This is because as we age, our teeth wear down and our gums naturally recede. Certain medications can also result in changes to your oral health. If you notice any of these common symptoms or you are concerned that you might be at risk for gum disease, we advise you to come in for a consultation with one of our dentists. At West Lakes Dentistry, we firmly believe that healthy gums are essential to your overall wellness. Before, gum disease often necessitated surgery for treatment, but now we can help many patients with deep cleanings, local antibiotics, and special rinses. Let us help you treat gum disease and keep you healthy!
I have pain where my jaw meets my temple, and sometimes my jaw clicks when I chew. What’s the problem?
It’s possible that you have temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly referred to as TMD. This disorder affects how your temporal jaw joint and the surrounding muscles function, which can cause severe pain when biting, speaking, and chewing. Common symptoms of TMD include headaches, toothaches, and jaw clenching, popping, or locking. There are a variety of causes of the disorder. One of the most common is a misaligned bite, which results in pressure on the jaw joint so that your muscles have to work harder to correctly align the upper and lower jaws. Another is a face injury, resulting in a damaged or repositioned jaw. If you think you might have TMD, we ask that you visit our office to see Dr. Miner, Dr. Boeckermann, or Dr. Pendleton. Our dentists will be able to pinpoint the specific cause of your pain and then provide the appropriate treatment. Depending on the severity of the issue, that could mean a mouthguard that adjusts how your jaws meet or it can mean surgery.
How do I fix bad breath (halitosis)?
There are many different causes of bad breath, and we can help pinpoint what’s leading to your condition. Some of the most common culprits behind bad breath are eating foods like garlic, onions, and peppers; not maintaining good oral health habits; gum disease; dry mouth; reduced saliva flow during sleep; tobacco; dieting; dehydration; and certain medical conditions like sinus infections and diabetes. One of the easiest things you can do is to simply brush your teeth every morning and night and floss at least once a day. If you can brush after each meal, that’s even better. Mouthwash is helpful as well, and we can recommend specific rinses that actually kill the germs rather than just mask the smell. You can also chew sugar-free gum between meals since that can loosen food particles from between your teeth, which might otherwise cause bad breath. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too! We recommend that you replace your toothbrush every three months as well. If you have dentures, you should take them out at night and clean them before putting them back in in the morning.
Is there anything that can calm my nerves during an exam?
West Lakes Dentistry has nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, available. Nitrous oxide is one of the safest and most frequently used anesthetics in dentistry. We administer it through a comfortable mask, and as you inhale the blend of oxygen and nitrous oxide gases, you’ll soon feel a deep sense of relaxation. Throughout its use, you will remain fully conscious. There are very few side effects and risks involved with nitrous oxide, which is part of the reason why it is so commonly used. When your treatment is over, just a few minutes of regular breathing of pure oxygen will reverse the effects. You’ll be able to leave the office feeling back to normal! Overall, nitrous oxide can help patients who have dental anxiety or fear get through their appointment with ease. It also works well for children, patients with strong gag reflexes, and patients who have mental or physical disabilities. We would not recommend nitrous oxide for patients who suffer from claustrophobia because of how the gas is administered through a mask.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
In general, if you are dealing with severe tooth decay or mouth trauma, or you are missing one or more teeth, then we suggest you consider dental implants. They are a durable, long-lasting tooth replacement option, and they look and feel just like natural teeth. With dental implants, you can get back to chewing, talking, and smiling with ease. They even help prevent bone loss! To learn more about dental implants, visit our Dental Implants page. While it’s best to come in for an evaluation by Dr. Miner, Dr. Boeckermann or Dr. Pendleton, there are a few other factors you can take into consideration. Dental implants are more successful when placed after adolescence. By that time, the teeth and jawbone have fully developed. If you have gum disease, active diabetes, or immune deficiencies, then the dental implant procedure might be more complicated. This applies to patients who smoke as well. If we determine that dental implants might not work for you, there are still other restorative dental treatments that can help you, including dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. Our dentists are happy to sit down with you and discuss your options, so you can find one that’s right for you.
How can cosmetic dentistry help me?
Studies show that having an attractive smile can boost your self-esteem and help you make better first impressions. We’ve seen how a new and improved smile can truly change a patient’s life. Everyone has different concerns with their teeth and ideas about how they would like to change their smile. West Lakes Dentistry offers a variety of cosmetic treatments, from the subtle to the dramatic, so Dr. Miner, Dr. Boeckermann and Dr. Pendleton can provide a custom makeover for the smile of your dreams. We offer professional teeth whitening to brighten your teeth, porcelain veneers and dental crowns to fix a wide range of imperfections, and Invisalign® aligner therapy to straighten teeth. We can also replace silver, or amalgam, fillings with tooth-colored fillings so they better blend in. Still wondering if cosmetic dentistry is right for you? Take our Smile Analysis to help you decide!
What causes tooth discoloration?
First off, we should explain that there are two main types of tooth discoloration. One is extrinsic, which deals with external/surface stains, and the other is intrinsic, which is internal stains. External stains can arise when your tooth comes into contact with things like red wine, coffee, tea, or tobacco products. Internal stains are a result of the actual condition of your tooth. Specific treatments, excessive exposure to fluoride, and certain antibiotics can cause intrinsic discoloration. If you are dealing with discolored teeth, we offer professional teeth whitening as well as cosmetic veneers. You can schedule a cosmetic consultation with either Dr. Miner, Dr. Boeckermann or Dr. Pendleton, and they’ll determine what kind of discoloration you have and which whitening method will work best to give you brighter, whiter teeth.
What is comprehensive dental care?
Comprehensive dental care means that instead of just treatment treating dental concerns, we also pay close attention to how we can prevent those issues from arising in the first place. We want to get to know your patient history and unique needs so that we can create personalized treatment plans that keep your teeth and gums healthy and help you avoid serious or expensive treatments in the future whenever possible. In simple terms, comprehensive dental care means that we are dedicated to helping your smile be healthy and beautiful both today and tomorrow. Our services span from preventive care, like routine teeth cleanings, to life-changing restorative and cosmetic treatments, like dentures and Invisalign®. With this array of procedures, we can help you get an attractive, long-lasting smile in a way that fits your needs and budget.
I need a root canal. What should I know about this procedure?
First, we want you to know that while root canals have gotten a bad rap over the years, advancements in modern dentistry have made the procedure quite routine and highly successful. In fact, the pain you’re feeling from having a decayed tooth is probably much worse than anything you’ll feel with the treatment. Root canal therapy is necessary when excessive decay or physical trauma have caused damage to the nerve within your tooth. This damage can cause an abscess to form. With a root canal procedure, we are able to remove the decay, help save your natural tooth, and most importantly for you, relieve you of the pain. We also have sedation and anesthesia options available, including nitrous oxide, to ensure that you don’t experience discomfort during the procedure. We will also walk you through the proper post-treatment care. Don’t suffer from severe toothaches or sensitivity! We can help you get back to a healthy smile.
What are the benefits of X-rays?
X-rays are extremely useful in dentistry. They are safe for patients of all ages, and we take them every few years to stay updated. X-rays can reveal:
In other words, an X-ray examination can highlight problems with the teeth, gums, and bone that would be hard to see with the naked eye. The sooner we spot these issues, the sooner we can start treatment, saving you time, money, and discomfort. They’re essential diagnostic tools for dentists, and they allow us to provide you with a high standard of care.
Why is fluoride good for teeth?
Food and acids lead to bacteria in your mouth, which can turn into plaque. Plaque causes a process called demineralization, which is essentially the wearing away of your tooth’s enamel. With fluoride, we can help promote the exact opposite (remineralization), protect your teeth from decay, and strengthen your teeth. Both children and adults benefit from fluoride. There are many toothpaste brands that have fluoride in them, and your city’s public water supply probably has fluoride as well. If Dr. Miner, Dr. Boeckermann or Dr. Pendleton determine that you need additional fluoride treatment to maintain healthy teeth, we can provide in-office fluoride treatment as well as recommendations for specifics gels and rinses.
I know some foods are bad for my teeth, but are there any that are good for them?
Yes! Milk, cheese, nuts, and chicken all have calcium and phosphorous, which help strengthen bones and protect enamel. Essentially, calcium promotes bone development, which means you’ll have a stronger jawbone. That leads to healthy gums, which make for healthy teeth! We’re sure you know that fruits and vegetables are good for your body, but did you know they’re good for your teeth too? Fruits and vegetables with a high water content, such as apples and pears, are particularly good. This is because water rinses away food particles in your mouth, which might otherwise cause decay. They also keep your mouth moist so you can help prevent dry mouth, which can lead to bacterial growth and bad breath. The best advice we can give is to regularly brush your teeth, really after each meal if you can. If you snack between meals, especially on foods that are starchy or sweet, drink plenty of water or chew gum to get rid of any particles or residue. You can also chew sugar-free gum!
How does diabetes affect oral health?
Having diabetes doesn’t automatically put your oral health at risk, but it can make you more vulnerable to certain conditions. Uncontrolled diabetes results in high glucose levels in saliva, which can in term cause bacteria growth in your mouth and lead to cavities. Diabetes also lowers your resistance to infection, making it more likely that you might develop gum disease. If you have diabetes and would like to know more about how best to maintain your oral health, please contact us. Dr. Miner, Dr. Boeckermann or Dr. Pendleton can sit down with you for a consultation and give you recommendations for how to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Should I have my bite evaluated?
We are happy to have you visit our office so we can examine your bite. We’ve put together a few common issues that might signal that it’s time to have your bit analyzed:
