Hello, I'm Dr. Samuel here at Montpelier Family Dentistry. We get a lot of questions about dental services. Today, I'm going to answer the most common questions on this topic to give you a better understanding of what to expect from your next visit.
What is dental care and why is it important?
Dental care is kind of like maintenance for your car. You want to maintain yourself, so you should go to the doctor once a year and to the dentist twice a year. The purpose of this is to catch anything before you have a problem. We don't want to see you coming in with pain or emergency issues. We want to catch things ahead of time.
What are some good practices for having healthy teeth?
Good practices for having healthy teeth include regular dental visits and good home care, according to what your dental provider recommends.
How often should a dentist check my teeth?
The minimum should be at least twice a year. X-rays are usually taken once a year so the dentist can use them along with looking inside your mouth to examine and diagnose any issues.
What are the signs of unhealthy teeth?
One main sign would be pain, really bad breath, bleeding gums when brushing or just doing simple things like taking care of your teeth, and possibly sensitivity. Coming in to find out from us to help you diagnose would be the best.
What is involved in a dental cleaning?
The hygienist will examine you on the outside and inside of your mouth. They don't diagnose cavities but take a look around and give the dentist any pointers or ideas of what to double-check. They also check your gum health, remove any buildup from below and above the gum, polish your teeth, and go over home care with you.
What are the most common dental treatments?
The most common dental treatments are as follows: dental exams where the dentist checks all your teeth, possibly using x-rays to diagnose; dental cleanings where the hygienist cleans your teeth and takes measurements; fillings done by a dentist to clean out and fill cavities; root canals for when the cavity has grown very large and infected the nerve; extractions for removing a tooth that cannot be saved or a wisdom tooth; Invisalign treatment to align teeth; occlusal guards or night guards for clenching; and dentures or dental implants for missing teeth.
When might a dentist recommend major dental services?
Major dental services may include replacing multiple teeth with implants, partial dentures, or full dentures. Other major procedures include Invisalign treatment, veneers for multiple teeth, and multiple crowns to correct issues such as color, shape, or bite.
Are dental services painful?
Our goal here at Montpelier Family Dental is to make sure that you are comfortable and completely numb for any procedure that requires it. Regular exams and cleanings are very minimally invasive and not painful.
What options are available to help me afford the dental services I need?
One main option we use here is called Cherry, and you can talk to our front staff about it when you come in. Another option is Care Credit. These are payment arrangements made with a third party that help split up your payments into smaller, more affordable payments spread out over time.
How can I schedule an appointment for dental services?
You can call us and make an appointment with any questions you may have.
I hope I've been able to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about dental services. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact us and call our office at (301) 812-4599 or visit our website at www.thelauraldentist.com.
Montpelier Family Dentistry Is a Full-Service Dental Practice
At Montpelier Family Dentistry, we are here to provide top-quality dental care for you and your family. If you are in the Laurel area and are looking for a caring dental team to keep you in good oral health, we are nearby and ready to help.