How safe are dental x-rays?

You receive less radiation from 4 dental x-rays than from watching television for 30 minutes! X-rays are a very important part of maintaining your dental health. They allow us to confirm the presence of cavities, bone infections, cysts and other abnormalities that visual examination may not reveal. Be assured, your safety is our number one concern. Minimizing your exposure to x-ray is the reason we ask you to wear a lead apron, why we focus on one small area at a time, and why we use the fastest x-ray film available.

My 15-year-old daughter drinks 7 to 8 sodas a day. Shouldn't she "cool it?"

Without question! This is a common problem among young people, particularly since high school campuses have soft drink machines around every corner. But drinking soda can lead to weakened and worn enamel. Bacteria that is always present in the mouth feed on sugar and create an acid that dissolves tooth enamel.By the way, sugar-free diet soda is still a cavity culprit because of its acid content. The good news is that rinsing your mouth with water right after drinking a soda can cut the strength of the acid in half!

What are dental sealants-and are they just for kids?

Dental sealants are a coating of resin, applied on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This coating creates a barrier between your teeth and plaque - the sticky, decay-causing film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. Sealants make it harder for plaque to adhere to the small grooves on tooth surfaces. This, in turn, reduces your risk of getting cavities. Sealants are also a cost-effective way to keep your teeth healthy, by possibly reducing the need for fillings! Dental sealants appear to be most effective on newly erupted teeth. However, we evaluate each case individually to see if sealants are right for you.

Is "tooth whitening" safe?

Bleaching procedures are safe and approved by the American Dental Association. Bleaching does not wear away any tooth structure or make a tooth more susceptible to staining.

Is it OK to have dental treatment while I'm pregnant?

Generally, unless you have an emergency (toothache, broken tooth, infection, etc.) most dentist will restrict treatment during your first trimester, you can have other dental treatment done, but I would keep x-rays to an absolute minimum and always be well covered with a lead drape when they are taken. You may want to delay extensive treatment until after you have the baby for two reasons: You'll be more comfortable sitting in the dental chair for a long appointment and you eliminate the possibility of having to suspend treatment right in the middle when you have your baby.

Is it possible for babies to get cavities?

Most definitely! Contrary to what you may think, as soon as your child's teeth come in they are susceptible to decay. In fact, "baby bottle tooth decay" is a destructive decay that occurs when a child is given a bottle of milk, formula or fruit juice during naps or at night. If these sugary liquids pool around your child's teeth for long periods of time, they can cause serious decay. Although children will eventually lose their "baby" teeth, "baby bottle tooth decay" may have an effect on your child's permanent teeth below the gumline. Ask us about the ideal age to bring your child in for a visit.

What is Scaling?

A treatment for gum disease involving removal of hardened plaque (tartar or calcus) from teeth. Performed by a dental hygienist during a routine cleaning, or in more extreme cases by periodontist.

How does menopause affect my teeth and gums?

During menopause, when estrogen levels drop, it's not uncommon for your gums to hurt, become inflamed or even bleed. You may also experience tooth sensitivity, dry mouth and an altered sense of taste.Although estrogen supplements may ease your symptoms, diligent home care, frequent check-ups and regular professional cleanings will reverse these problems and help you keep your youthful smile.

Are check-ups really necessary?

If a cavity is detected while it is small it can be repaired with a small restoration. Catching dental decay in its beginning stages will be less costly and take less time in the dentist's chair. Larger decayed areas require more elaborate repair methods, such as porcelain crowns or root canal therapy, these procedures take more time and are much more costly than a simple filling. Save money and time, have your teeth examined and cleaned on a regular basis.

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