Dentist FAQs

No, we ARE NOT a corporate office. We DO NOT have pre-set guide lines or quotas. We treat each patient as an individual meeting their wants and needs, going at THEIR own pace. We do not believe in pushy high sales tactics, over diagnosing, or over treating. Come see what sets us apart from others. You can be confident in sending your friends and family. Call today for a tour of our dental office in Easley, SC, meet our staff!

Many people do not see a dentist on a regular basis. They only go when they have a problem. This is known as "crisis treatment" versus "preventative treatment." While these patients may feel they are saving money, it often ends up costing much more in dollars and time. This is because many dental problems do not have symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process. An example is tooth decay. It is typical to hear, "Nothing hurts...I don't have any problems." Tooth decay often does not hurt until it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a huge cavity who has never felt a thing. The dentist can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it develops any symptoms. This early detection can help you prevent root canal treatment.

- Brush at least twice daily with a soft bristled toothbrush. - Floss at least once daily, generally in the evening, with an easy glide floss. - Use mouthwash once daily after brushing and flossing. - Limit sugary foods and increase your fruit and vegetable intake and make sure you are getting enough calcium. - Stay ahead of dental problems by visiting your dentist regularly; every 6 months is recommended.

Flossing reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth. There are millions of these microscopic creatures feeding on food particles left on your teeth. These bacteria live in plaque which can be removed by flossing. Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing gets rid of the bacteria the toothbrush can't get to. That's the bacteria hiding in the tiny spaces between your teeth. If you do not floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth. Eventually it hardens into tartar. Plaque can be removed by brushing. Only the dentist can remove tartar.

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when the dentist examines the mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal: • small areas of decay between teeth or below existing restorations (fillings) • infections in the bone • periodontal (gum) disease • abscesses or cysts • developmental abnormalities • some types of tumors Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and often unnecessary discomfort. X-rays can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. if you have a hidden tumor, X-rays may even help save your life. Dentists will evaluate your need for X-rays based on the conditions present in development. There are many benefits to having X-rays taken. Any additional questions or concerns should be discussed with your dentist.

Sensitivity toothpaste, which contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate are very effective in treating sensitive teeth. After a few weeks of use, you may notice a decrease in sensitivity. Highly acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons, as well as tea and soda can increase tooth sensitivity, and work against sensitivity toothpaste. If you do not get relief brushing gently and using desensitizing toothpaste, see your dentist. There are special compounds that can be applied in-office to the roots of your tooth to reduce - if not eliminate - the sensitivity. High-fluoride containing home care products can also be recommended to help reduce tooth sensitivity.

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone structure, which if left untreated, can cause permanent jaw bone destruction and possible tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, low birth weight babies, pre-term delivery, respiratory diseases, and prostate cancer. An advanced stage or periodontal disease exhibits inflamed gums pulling away from your bone and teeth. Other signs of periodontal disease include: • Bad breath • Red or swollen gums • Loose teeth or teeth that have moved • Sensitive teeth • Pus coming from around the teeth • Pain when chewing • Tender gums • Bleeding gums

Commercial whitening toothpastes vary greatly in their ability to whiten teeth. They work by removing surface stains from the teeth with the sue of mild abrasives. However, unlike professional whitening, some whitening toothpastes do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth. Toothpastes that are effective in removing stains can also destroy tooth enamel in the process. These toothpastes use harsh abrasives. With repeated use, harsh abrasives begin to damage tooth enamel and can contribute to increased tooth sensitivity. If you would like to try a whitening toothpaste, consult with your dentist first.

Smokeless tobacco may be smokeless, but it isn't harmless. These are some of the potential hazards: • A sore that does not heal • A lump or white patch • A prolonged sore throat • Difficulty in chewing • Restricted movement of the tongue or jaw • A feeling of something in the throat • Pain is rarely an early symptom. All tobacco users need to see their dentist regularly.

There are certain conditions that require pre-medication with an antibiotic prior to dental treatment to prevent adverse effects and infection that can be caused by bacteria that enter the blood stream during certain treatment. you will want to consult with your dentist about this prior to treatment.

Poor oral health allows bacteria to breed increasingly which increases the chances of bacterial infection and, in turn, those bacteria could find their way into the blood stream and, consequently, the heart vessels. Once the bacteria reach the heart, they can then cause infection resulting in chronic heart problems. Other cardiovascular diseases such as a heart attack, stroke have also been connected to infection caused by oral bacteria.

Chemotherapy and Radiation cause a number of problems in the mouth, some of which might include: mouth sores, infections, dry mouth, bleeding of the gums and lining of the mouth and general soreness and pain of the mouth. It can be harder to control these things while undergoing treatment as the immune system is generally compromised as a result of the treatment. There are some special mouth rinses that can be prescribed to hep with discomfort during treatment. It is very important to see your dentist before treatment begins and then to continue with recommended follow-up care. These treatments can cause dry mouth, and recommendations might be made for additional care both in-office and at home.

Visits to the dentist include more than just "checking teeth." While patients who wear dentures no longer have to worry about dental decay, they may have concerns with ill fitting appliances or mouth sores to name a few. Annual visits to the dentist (or sooner if soreness is present) is recommended. During these visits, an oral cancer screening and head and neck exam will be performed as well as an evaluation of the fit or need for replacement of the existing appliances. Regular visits can help you to avoid more complicated problems down the road.

With the right vitamin and mineral consumption and effective dental care, your oral health could be significantly improved. Try to increase your intake of the following: - Calcium - It’s essential that your diet is packed full of dairy products, tinned salmon, almonds and dark green leafy vegetables. - Vitamin D - Your intake of Vitamin D helps the body's absorption of Calcium, making it equally as important. Moderate sun exposure, nutritional supplements, fatty fish, and foods which have been fortified with vitamin D such as cereals and egg yolks. - Phosphorus - Food rich in this essential mineral include turkey, tuna, and sunflower seeds. And since these foods are high in protein, the absorption of this vital mineral is highly successful. In order to keep your oral health on track - strong, pearly white teeth - calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus are essential.

Hydro Floss oral irrigator - Benefits to Oral Health

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