FAQs

Both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective for cleaning teeth. Electric toothbrushes offer particular advantages over their manual counterparts, such as a more thorough cleaning and ease of use for people with limited manual dexterity. That said, manual toothbrushes are considerably cheaper than electric ones. Ultimately, the best type of toothbrush is one that you can use consistently and effectively for cleaning your teeth and gums.

The American Dental Association recommends that everyone visit their dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can catch the early signs of dental issues like cavities during these visits allowing you to get early treatment. The frequency of your dental visits may vary based on your individual needs, oral health status, and risk of dental problems.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child have their first dental visit by age one or within six months after the first tooth appears. Early dental visits can help establish a foundation for good oral hygiene, prevent cavities and gum disease, and familiarize children with the dental office. It also allows the dentist to monitor the growth and development of the child's teeth and jaws.

A good candidate for dental implants is someone who has healthy gums and sufficient jawbone to support the implant. Candidates should also have good overall health, as certain medical conditions may affect healing after surgery. You should be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene following the procedure. An evaluation by a dentist or an oral surgeon can determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.

The success rate of dental implants is generally high, with most studies reporting a success rate of up to 98%. Factors such as proper placement, quality of the implant, and post-operative care can impact the success of the implant. Dental implants have a very high success rate when performed by a qualified and experienced dental professional like our Greenlake Dental dentist and when proper aftercare is followed.

A dental implant has two parts- a titanium screw drilled into your jawbone and an artificial dental prosthetic called the crown. Once the titanium post fuses successfully with your bone after the surgery, it can last a lifetime, assuming you get regular dental checkups every six months. However, the crown can last for about 10-15 years, after which it needs to be replaced with a new one.

Dentists who can perform dental implant surgery need to undergo specialized training. While most dentists are trained to perform dental implant surgery, periodontists and oral surgeons have more thorough training, making them ideal for dental implant surgeries. General and cosmetic dentists generally don't perform dental transplant surgery. Several dentists with years of experience can also be great at dental implants.

When performed by a highly trained and experienced dentist, dental implant surgery is relatively safe and has a 95-98% success rate. Implants are made from biocompatible materials like titanium and high-quality porcelain, making them very safe for surgical implantation into your jawbone. If you follow a proper oral hygiene routine, have regular dental checkups, and take the necessary precautions, you can enjoy using your implants for a long time.

It is essential to care for your implants if you want to enjoy them for a long time without complications. It would be best if you took care of your implants similarly to your natural teeth. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing once daily around the implant is essential. You should also avoid chewing hard foods and follow the recommendations given by your dentist to prolong the life of your implants.

The length of a cosmetic procedure depends on several factors, including the nature of the treatment and the type of damage that needs fixing. For instance, cosmetic teeth whitening can be accomplished in a single session by an experienced cosmetic dentist, but other procedures like dental crowns and bridges can take significantly longer. Straightening your teeth with braces and Invisalign® can take multiple sessions with your cosmetic dentist.

Cosmetic teeth whitening is an entirely safe dental procedure when done under the supervision of an experienced dentist. Most people have no long-term side effects from the procedure. However, you may experience short-lived sensitivity and gum inflammation that should go away in a few hours after the procedure. Some individuals might experience allergic reactions, but these are very rare. Also, remember that teeth whitening treatments are meant for dental restorations.

Cosmetic dentistry can fix several aesthetic issues with your teeth and gums, including misaligned, crooked, and stained teeth and a gapped and gummy smile. It can improve the appearance of your face by creating a harmonious, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing smile. Apart from aesthetic enhancements, cosmetic dentistry procedures improve oral health by making it easier to care for your teeth and gums, replace missing teeth and balance your bite.

While periodontics and orthodontics are branches of dentistry, they focus on different aspects of your oral health. While periodontics is concerned with the gums and supporting your teeth' structure, orthodontics focuses on correcting bite and jaw problems. Both specialties can improve a person's smile, but orthodontics primarily addresses issues with teeth positioning, while periodontics addresses gum and bone tissue issues.

Traditional and Invisalign Braces are mainly prescribed if you have crooked or misaligned teeth. Conditions other than misaligned teeth can also necessitate braces. For example, if you have a smaller jaw and, as a result, your teeth have started overlapping, braces can help correct this problem. Similarly, if you have an over or an underbite, braces can help fix it and improve the functionality of your teeth.

Periodontal disease can sometimes need surgical intervention. Whether you need gum surgery depends on several factors, including the severity of the disease. Scaling and root planting is sometimes enough to treat minor periodontal issues. Surgery may be necessary in more advanced cases to restore gum health and prevent tooth loss. If you are experiencing red, swollen, or bleeding gums, seek dental care immediately.