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frequently asked questions
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HOW LONG WILL MY FIRST DENTAL APPOINTMENT LAST?
Appointments usually last about 1.5 hours, but times may vary depending on your treatment.
First appointments typically a longer the following appointments because we need to perform thorough exam, x-rays, create a treatment plan, and take pictures of your mouth, teeth, and gums.
HOW MUCH DO BRACES AND INVISALIGN COST?
Please check out our orthodontics page for cost breakdown.
DO YOU ACCEPT MOST INSURANCE PLANS?
Yes, we accept all insurance plans and we will assist you with the paperwork to ensure you’re reimbursed quickly.
HOW CAN I FIX MY TEETH AND SMILE?
Send us a picture of your smile and we will gladly make a mock-up for you. Just upload a picture and tell us a little about what you’d like as a result. We are here to offer you the best long term solution for your budget.
Click the here and follow the instructions. It takes less than 1 minute and its absolutely FREE.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DEDUCTIBLE AND COPAY?
Deductibles and co-payments are two methods of cost-sharing related to your dental insurance plan. All dental insurance plans are different, and you should call yours before going to any dentist. It’s important to understand your coverage, however my team can assist and explain in further detail for you.
A deductible is the fixed amount you must pay out of pocket annually before your health insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if your plan has a deductible of $50, your coverage will kick in only after you’ve paid that amount on your own each year.
A co-payment is the fixed portion of each dental bill that you need to cover for each visit. For example, your insurance provider may require a co-payment of 20% every time you visit the dentist, while they cover the remainder of the bill.
HOW CAN I PREVENT CAVITIES?
You can prevent cavities by brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash. Your nutrition is also important. Snacking on sugary and starchy foods can leave acids on your teeth that will lead to tooth decay if you don’t practice the above oral hygiene routine regularly.
Visiting your dentist twice a year will also go a long way in preventing cavities as professional dental cleaning will keep your teeth in pristine condition by removing any extra plaque and built up tartar.
WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?
A procedure that repairs a tooth that is greatly infected or damaged is known as a root canal. During the appointment, your dentist will remove the infected or damaged portion of the tooth (known as the pulp). He or she will then clean, disinfect and seal it. The term “root canal” refers to cleaning the deep roots within the tooth. This procedure is often warranted when a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, which can expose the tooth to inner infections.
HOW MANY TIMES A YEAR SHOULD I GO TO THE DENTIST?
Everyone has different oral health needs, so the frequency of your dental visits may vary. For most people, a dental exam every six months will be sufficient in order to prevent dental issues and diagnose any problems in their early stages. Depending on your unique situation, we may advise you visit more or less often.
HOW MANY TIMES A DAY SHOULD I BRUSH MY TEETH?
We recommend to our patients to brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
IS FLOSSING IMPORTANT AND HOW MANY TIMES A DAY SHOULD I DO IT?
There is no getting around flossing, it is extremely important step in your daily oral hygiene routine. We recommend to our patients to floss at least once a day to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy. Flossing clears food and plaque from between teeth and the gumline. If you don’t clear food particles, plaque hardens into tartar, which widens the space between teeth and gums, causing deeper pockets. Over time, gums will pull away and loosen teeth and may even cause tooth loss.
WHAT DOES FLUORIDE DO?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in water sources that can reduce cavities and repair the early stages of tooth decay.
How? Every day, your teeth lose minerals, but too much loss without replenishment can lead to tooth decay. Fluoride absorbed from water and other sources can strengthen your teeth so that they’re less susceptible to damage. Oral fluoride exposure (from toothpaste and other dental treatments) can help to re-deposit much-needed minerals back into your teeth and disrupt the production of damaging acids caused by bacteria in your mouth.
WHY DO MY GUMS BLEED?
Bleeding gums are a sign of an underlying dental hygiene issue. An injury in your mouth, pregnancy, inflammation or even brushing your teeth too vigorously can all contribute to bleeding gums. If the bleeding is accompanied by redness, swelling and tenderness, these can signal a more significant issue such as periodontal disease, gingivitis or even periodontitis caused by too much plaque and improper brushing. If you are experiencing persistent bleeding in your gums, contact us at 647-697-7869.
WHAT ARE EARLY SIGNS OF DENTAL PROBLEMS?
Call us right away should you have any of the issues listed below or notice your child has trouble chewing or complains about soreness:
- Mouth sores
- Jaw pain
- Redness
- Swollen face or gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Broken teeth
- Dry mouth
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Come in regularly prevent more serious problems and infections.
WHAT ARE SIGNS OF GINGIVITIS?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and it has several warning signs. Most often, these include: gums that are red, swollen and sensitive to the touch; receding gums or teeth that appear longer; bad breath; and even bleeding gums. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please contact me at the clinic at 416-742-2300. When left untreated, gingivitis can worsen into periodontitis, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
A dental implant is a titanium post that mimics the root of your tooth. When required, your dentist will surgically position an implant in your jawbone so that a replacement tooth or bridge can be inserted in the area. Dental implants don’t come loose like dentures, and they don’t need to be anchored to another tooth. Healthy gums and bones are necessary to support an implant.
ARE DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURES PAINFUL?
No. Most dental implant procedures take place in a dentist’s office using local anesthesia.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PLACE DENTAL IMPLANTS? AND HOW LONG CAN THEY LAST?
Dental implants can be placed in as little as 30 minutes, depending on where they’re located in your mouth and how many insertions are required. Typically, implants will last for more than 40 years.
SHOULD I BE RINSING WITH MOUTH WASH AFTER I BRUSH?
Rinsing with a mouthwash cannot replace your regular brushing and flossing routine. When used in tandem though, mouthwash can enhance your cavity protection, reduce tooth sensitivity and freshen your breath.
Ask your dentist to recommend the best type of mouthwash for you, along with suggestions on how often you should rinse. Typically, once per day is sufficient.
Please note: children under the age of six should not rinse with mouthwash as they may swallow it by accident.
ARE DENTAL X-RAYS HARMFUL, AND DO I NEED THEM?
Thanks to newer technology, modern x-rays are quite safe. Today’s equipment uses less radiation to obtain the x-ray images. And, with digital x-rays, a simple sensor that’s slipped into your mouth will produce a digital image almost instantly. You no longer have to bite down on a sharp piece of film.
Dentists typically take x-rays during a patient’s first visit to observe the health of their teeth and gums. Moving forward, healthy patients can expect to have x-rays taken about every two years, or more frequently if they have a dental condition that requires monitoring.
WHAT KIND OF TOOTHBRUSH SHOULD I USE?
For most people, a soft-bristled toothbrush will be the most comfortable and safest choice. Medium and hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage your gums and enamel.
ARE ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES BETTER THAN TRADITIONAL ONES?
While traditional toothbrushes are still most affordable and reliable, electric toothbrush bristles vibrate or rotate to help you remove more plaque and buildup from your teeth and gums. For more information about the pros and cons to electric vs manual brushes check out our blog.
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