Do you have general questions about your dental care? Our office can help. We offer routine dental cleanings, exams, and general dental treatments to help patients maintain their smiles.
We are dedicated to providing high-quality, comfortable general dentistry treatments for patients in Fallston, MD. Discover more about your treatment options as we answer questions about general dental care.
General Dentistry FAQs in Fallston, MD
Discover more about general dental care with answers to these popular questions:
How often should I schedule a dental cleaning?
We recommend that patients visit the dentist once every six months or bi-annually for dental cleanings. Our dental hygienists use stainless steel dental tools during these routine appointments to remove bacteria buildup from the smile.
Removing plaque and calculus prevents the spread of decay and keeps the teeth and gums healthy. We also look for emerging signs of dental problems and take dental X-rays at regular appointments.
When do you need a root canal?
Patients need root canal treatment when a dental infection affects the inside of a tooth. Root canal treatments remove infected dental pulp. The dental pulp comprises blood vessels, nerves, and cells that keep teeth alive. We will need to remove the infected pulp to save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction.
What type of dental filling will I need?
Dental fillings can be made from composite or metal amalgam. We will recommend amalgam materials that use multiple metals to strengthen the tooth. Amalgam also benefits patients with cavities near the back of their mouth because the molars take the majority of pressure from the bite.
Why are cavities common among children?
The primary or baby teeth do not have as much enamel as adult teeth, which can be one reason why caivites are common among children. Too many sugars and starches in a child’s diet and not enough fluoridated water can also contribute to tooth decay.
It is important to establish an oral health routine for your child early on, even before their first teeth emerge. You can wipe your child’s gums to remove food using a damp clean cloth.
When their first teeth emerge, use an infant toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste to gently brush their teeth. Bring your child to regular dental visits after their first birthday. At these visits, our team will examine their smile and give oral hygiene tips.
What are the early signs of gum disease?
Gum disease begins with gingivitis, or gum inflammation. Gingivitis is marked by red, swollen, irritated, and bleeding gums. To combat gingivitis, we recommend that patients continue to brush and floss. Flossing at least once a day before brushing can help minimize bleeding caused by gum inflammation.
If these symptoms persist, patients can develop moderate to severe gum disease which can loosen permanent teeth and destroy healthy gum tissue.
Do you have more questions for Harford County Dentistry? Contact our office today at (410) 994-2627. You can also schedule a dental consultation with our team on our website and we will be happy to help.