Question 1

How Can I Improve My Dental Health?

Accepted Answer

During your exam, your dentist will look for and explain areas of future concern as well as any current issues. Pay attention to this information and use it as an opportunity to ask follow-up questions.

Ask your dentist for a summary of your overall dental health, how you can better manage your daily care and any other areas you can improve.

A few specific dental care questions you can ask include:

Am I brushing and flossing correctly?
Can you demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques?
Are the dental tools I’m using the best choice for my teeth?
How do my gums look?
Are there any teeth we need to keep a closer eye on?

In addition to these questions, make sure to mention any problems you’re experiencing, even if they seem minor.

For example, if you have pain, sensitivity, or abnormalities, bring them up! Remember, catching issues early on is the key to successful treatment and the best way to ensure lifelong dental health.

Question 2

Is There Anything I Should Discuss With My Family Doctor?

Accepted Answer

We often tell our patients to think of their mouth as a window to their overall health. This is because a range of whole-body health issues begins by displaying symptoms in the mouth. For example, certain changes in your mouth can be a sign of conditions such as:

Diabetes
Vitamin deficiencies
Osteoporosis

Additionally, research suggests common dental issues like gum disease can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other problems like premature birth.

Your time with the dentist is a great time to ask if you should discuss any dental concerns with your primary care provider. Find out if your dentist needs to know anything from your doctor as well.

For instance, let your dentist know if you recently started taking medication, as it could cause dental complications (like a dry mouth).

Question 3

What Are the Warning Signs of Gum Disease?

Accepted Answer

Left untreated, gum disease can lead to severe infection and tooth loss. It’s also associated with various chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Gum disease is not an issue to ignore, yet most of those who have the disease either haven’t been diagnosed or are not actively seeking treatment.

During your regular dental exam, your dentist will look for gum disease signs and assess your future risk of developing gum disease. Knowing your risk level and how to watch for these signs yourself is also important. Ask your dentist what to watch for and what kind of preventive steps you can take to keep this dangerous disease at bay.

If you are showing symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait to get treatment. Thanks to technological advancements, gum disease treatments today are minimally invasive and stop the disease right in its tracks.

Question 4

When Should Dental Implants Be Considered?

Accepted Answer

Have you chipped or broken a tooth? Are you experiencing weak or decaying teeth? Did you get in an accident and lose a tooth completely? Whether you’re experiencing any of these issues or want to be informed in case of a future issue, talk to your dentist about dental implants.

Dental implants are the best way to replace and restore missing or damaged teeth. Not only will they bring back the natural and healthy functionality of your smile, but they also look and feel just like your natural teeth.

Make sure your dentist offers titanium dental implants and can offer CEREC technology to get the most long-lasting and natural results.

Question 5

Will You Conduct an Oral Cancer Screening?

Accepted Answer

Oral cancer can be a life-threatening disease, so it’s important to be screened regularly. While traditional oral cancer screenings were done with the naked eye, modern dental technology now allows dentists to take a more effective approach.

A minimally invasive and highly thorough tool that allows us to identify oral cancer or precancerous growths accurately. It’s a completely painless process and takes just a few minutes.

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