FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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| Q: |
Why does my tooth hurt? |
| A: |
Toothaches can range from mild sensitivity to severe discomfort. Tooth pain may be caused by dental decay, infection, fractured tooth structure, sinus problems, neuralgia and etc. |
| Q: |
What causes tooth decay? |
| A: |
Dental caries, also known as tooth decay is the softening and eventual breakdown of tooth structure caused by the bacteria and acids in dental plaque. Dental decay is irreversible, meaning the tooth can never heal itself. The good news, however, is that most dental decay is preventable with good home care. Tooth decay can be treated if found early by your dental professional. |
| Q: |
What options are available for making my teeth look better? |
| A: |
Recent advances in dental techniques and materials have given us many options for improving the appearance of our teeth. Simple bleaching to advanced cosmetic veneering procedures are available to brighten and improve the appearance of your smile. |
| Q: |
What is the purpose of "deep cleaning"? |
| A: |
Routine cleaning may not be sufficient to maintain good periodontal (gum) health. If you are susceptible to gum disease, or have not had your teeth cleaned for a long period of time, the hygienist and/or Dr. Craig may recommend that more advanced treatment be done to insure maintenance of good dental health. |
| Q: |
Why do I have sharp pain when I chew on something hard? |
| A: |
Sharp pain experienced with biting pressure usually indicates that a tooth has a structural crack or fracture. Dr. Craig can determine what the appropriate treatment is to insure you do not lose your tooth. |
| Q: |
Why do I need a crown? Won't a filling do? |
| A: |
When damage from decay, cracks or fractures becomes extensive often a filling will not be sufficient to adequately repair a tooth. Fillings depend upon the strength of the remaining tooth structure to support them, therefore if the remaining structure is weak, the filling will be weak. A more permanent restoration can add strength to the tooth, as well as beauty. |
| Q: |
What is a root canal? |
| A: |
Root canal treatment is a procedure that removes the nerve and the discomfort from a tooth that is abscessed or chronically uncomfortable. In most cases, root canal treatment can be done comfortably under local anesthetic. |
| Q: |
Will I need to have my wisdom teeth taken out? |
| A: |
Wisdom teeth (third molars) usually erupt in the late teen years and can create some significant problems. It is rare that there is adequate space in the mouth for these molars. With appropriate x-rays Dr. Craig can determine if the teeth need to be removed and give you the options for doing so. |
| Q: |
Why do my jaw joints make clicking and popping noises and hurt sometimes? |
| A: |
Clicking and popping noises associated with jaw movement are a warning sign that the Temporal-Mandibular joint (jaw joint) is experiencing some difficulty. The TMJ is a very complex and unique joint and may require treatment if soreness develops. Joint problems can often be treated conservatively. |
| Q: |
How much assistance can I expect from my insurance? |
| A: |
There is a wide variation in the amount of assistance our patients receive from their dental insurance carriers. It is safe to say that nearly all the policies require a co-payment and limit the benefit to a predetermined amount per year. We have sophisticated electronic links to some of the larger companies to check on your benefit package and what portion of your benefit remains for a given year.
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