How often do I actually need to see the dentist?
- Dentists typically recommend coming in every six months for a routine cleaning, exam, and whatever x-rays are necessary. Most insurance plans cover two cleanings per year, some can cover up to four. As we get older it is common for our teeth to need a little extra care, in which case your dentist may recommend to see you every three months versus every six months. Our teeth need just as much care as the rest of our body does! And if you have healthy teeth, you will most likely feel better overall.
How safe are x-rays?
- In the medical and dental field it is necessary to get a glimpse of how our teeth and other bones are changing. X-rays are essential in finding certain diseases and new tooth growth. Do you have wisdom tooth pain? Your dentist will take a panoramic x-ray which shows your entire mouth, and more importantly how the wisdom teeth are coming in. Based on this x-ray they can determine whether or not to pull the teeth. A more common dental x-ray is called a Bitewing. They’re typically taken once or twice a year, depending on your insurance plan and what your dentist recommends. This is the kind of x-ray you bite down on and within seconds it is over!
- When x-rays are being taken, there is no cause for concern. According to www.123dentist.com, “A routine examination with four bitewing x-rays exposes you to roughly the same amount of radiation you will experience during one to two hours on an airplane.” If you are an expecting mother, we typically discourage any dental work during the first trimester. After that, everything, including x-rays, are healthy.
What is the best way to whiten my teeth?
- There is no universal answer that will help 100% of our patients, 100% of the time. It may take a couple tries to find what teeth whitening method works best for you specifically, and at Mount Royal Dental we have a few different ways to help you! One of our more popular options would be the at home whitening trays. You would come in for some quick impressions, we make your trays in office, and before you know it they are ready! We send you home with a gel that goes inside the trays, covering your teeth, and whitening them over time. Give us a call for other whitening options!
What is a cavity?
- A cavity is a permanently damaged/decayed spot on the surface of your tooth. Sometimes it may appear as a small black hole, brown or grey “staining” on the tooth. In some instances, you don’t see them at all, but you can feel them! The most common symptom of a cavity is pain or sensitivity when you’re eating something hot or cold. Cavities sometimes do not show symptoms for a very long time, which is another great reason why our semi-annual dentist appointments are so important. Taking x-rays helps to see the cavities before they become something even more damaging.