Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is tooth decay?
Dental bacteria cause teeth to become soft & rotten. The rotten part of the tooth is called "decayed tooth structure".
Q: How does a tooth get an abscess?
When a tooth is decayed and the dental bacteria enters the most inner layer of the tooth, the blood vessels and nerves of the tooth "die" which results in abscess formation.
Q: What causes bad breath ("halitosis")?
Halitosis is most commonly caused due to poor oral hygiene, dry mouth or specific types of foods to name a few. In certain cases it may be linked to systemic diseases.
Q: How often should I floss?
At least once a day, between all the teeth.
Q: It has been long since I have seen the dentist. What should I do?
Schedule an appointment with your dentist to have a full oral health assessment done. This way a holistic treatment plan can be set-up for your dental needs in order of priority..
Q: How long are oral health assessment appointments?
45-60mins. This includes a full examination, intra-oral photos, radiographs (as needed) and a discussion to inform you of your dental needs.
Q: How often should I go for "check-ups" & dental cleanings?
It is important to have dental check-ups once a year for you and your family, as well as 6x monthly cleanings.
Q: How long are cleaning appointments?
It takes 45-60 minutes to do a proper full fine scale and polish, as well as oral health education. It is very important to ensure your brushing and flossing techniques are correct.
Q: If I have had a filling/crown/bridge/any restorative dental work done, does that mean my tooth has been cured for life?
No. Any restorative work in dentistry is but a repair. Nothing in the world will replace your natural teeth or toothstructure. Furthermore, no dental material will last in a mouth with poor oral hygiene. Therefore, any restorative work done correctly in dentistry will have a long-term result provided the patient maintains good oral hygiene and goes for his/her routine dental check-ups and oral hygiene appointments.
Q: What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is a safe, effective treatment alternative to removing an infected tooth. It involves treating an infected tooth by removing the nerve and blood vessel system of the tooth, as well as the bacteria within this system.
FACTS vs MYTHS:
Myth: Teeth get damaged by scaling & polishing.
Fact: Scaling and polishing removes calculus and plaque from your tooth surfaces, which help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Myth: If your gums are bleeding then don't brush or floss them.
Fact: If your gums are bleeding, you already have moderate to severe gum disease. Get to a dentist/oral hygienist as soon as possible. Brush & floss your teeth as well as possible in the meantime!
Myth: Your child only needs to see a dentist when the adult teeth come out.
Fact: As soon as the first "baby/milk tooth" erupts, your child is ready to go for regular dental check-ups. This will help him/her get used to the dental environment, allow the dental team to educate parents adequately as well as keep a close eye on the growth and development of your child's teeth & jaws.
Myth: Rub aspirin paste on your tooth if you have toothache.
Fact: Do you rub aspirin paste on your head when you have headache? The aspirin will cause a chemical burn on your gums. Pain relief is achieved due to the aspirin paste being swallowed.