In an ever-evolving world, dental treatment is always changing and updating. Research reveals new findings, new techniques, new materials, and more every day. For this reason, dentists change their perspectives on different treatments. Similarly, it helps patients to be up to date. With access to the internet and social media, and the abundance of information available online, you as a patient are bound to have questions on specific treatments or techniques, and rightfully so. So, let’s try to ease your mind and explore 5 dental treatment frequently asked questions.
Knowledge is Key
All physicians – dentists included – should strive to give as much information as possible to their patients regarding their treatment. That has been the case since the dawn of modern medicine, where proper information is necessary to give consent and agree on specific treatments.
The difference is that nowadays, with the huge access to information, the questions have increased. They’ve also become more elaborate from patients seeking to ease their fears. As dentists, our aim should be to answer as many questions as we can about our patient’s health. Not only is it necessary to give consent, but to put their minds at ease. This, in turn, makes the treatment go smoothly and quickly.
5 Dental Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Tooth Colored Fillings Better than Silver Fillings?
For a long time, silver fillings – known as amalgam – were the gold standard of dental fillings. They lasted years and were very strong and durable. Modern research reveals that these fillings can now be sometimes hazardous to your health, which is why most clinicians opt for tooth-colored fillings instead.
2. How Long Do Fillings Last?
There really isn’t a model answer to this question. A lot of factors go into the answer. The size of the cavity, the type of filling, the diet you consume, and more all go into deciding. On average, tooth-colored fillings last about 5 years before needing repair or replacement.
3. How Often Should I Have My Teeth Cleaned?
Dental cleaning is the most common dental procedure to be performed. Its main aim is to keep the health of the gums intact. This then helps to keep the teeth and all other structures healthy. As to how many times should you clean your teeth, again it depends on the specific situation. Some people are genetically more prone to plaque and tartar buildup and therefore need cleaning every 3 or 4 months. However, others are less prone to plaque and tartar and may need only one cleaning per year. On average, 6 months is usually the timeframe between cleanings. This is what we recommend.
4. Do Root Canals Hurt?
Root canals are common procedures needed when the nerve of the tooth is inflamed. With sufficient anesthesia, pain control should be achieved, and you would feel no pain at all during the process. In cases of severe nerve inflammation, a slight twinge is expected at first even with anesthesia. However, that is momentary and soon subsides.
5. Should I Get a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are needed to protect the tooth from harm. This means they are needed in situations such as trauma and fracture, after root canals, and when the cavity is so large that a simple filling won’t be enough.
There are a lot more than these 5 dental treatment frequently asked questions. Ask us at your next appointment! We’re here to answer every one of them to put your mind at ease.
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