Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on each individual, but the standard advice of twice a year is still a good rule of thumb to follow. 47% adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease and if you are affected, it is recommended you have maintenance appointments every 3-4 months to help keep the gum tissue and supporting bone healthy. Regular dental appointments ensure that your dentist has the chance to inspect your teeth and gums and catch any serious problems before they start. Depending on your situation, your dentist will let you know how often you should make an appointment. 

Yes. Dental X-rays are considered extremely safe since they use very low doses of radiation. X-rays are a necessary tool to help our dental team diagnose dental problems early, when they are easiest and most predictable to fix.

Yes. There is no need for you to forgo your usual dental check-ups when you are pregnant. It is completely safe to visit the dentist and is actually recommended since hormonal changes can increase the risk of gum disease during pregnancy. Let your dentist know that you are expecting, and they will be able to address any concerns you may have about your check-up.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that naturally forms on your teeth on a regular basis (usually it will begin to appear 4-12 hours after brushing). These bacteria create acids, which can damage the tooth’s enamel as well as cause gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis. In addition, plaque contains bacteria that enter the bloodstream and research has shown links between gum disease and increased risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke. To reduce harmful plaque, is important that you brush your teeth two times a day, floss and schedule regular visits with your dentist for cleaning.

When plaque is not removed regularly it can form into tartar, a calcified form of plaque that coats the exterior of your teeth. Tartar can lead to discoloration of the teeth as well as increase the risk of gum disease. Since tartar has already hardened and attached itself to the teeth, it must be removed by your dentist.

Tooth decay, or “cavities” are caused by a combination of factors involving the bacteria in your mouth and the foods you eat. The bacteria will use the sugars and starches in what you consume to create acids, which then damage the teeth causing decay and cavities. Sugary drinks and foods are the worst culprits and consumption should be kept to a minimum to avoid tooth decay.  If tooth decay is not treated early, it can lead to nerve damage, which can only be treated by root canal or tooth extraction.

If you notice your gums bleeding when you brush your teeth, your gums are inflamed and active infection is present. This is most likely due to a build up of plaque or tartar. Although it can often simply be treated with improved oral hygiene (brushing and flossing), it is important you talk to your dentist since you could be experiencing the onset of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). 

Why are my teeth sensitive to cold?

Teeth can be sensitive to cold (or heat, for that matter) for many reasons.  Grinding and clenching your teeth causes enamel wear, which can expose the nerves and thereby making you feel discomfort or pain. Other reasons could be due to a chip or crack in your tooth, receding gums and root exposures, or gum disease. Talk to your dentist about any discomfort you feel, so they can do a thorough examination. 

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that people develop usually between the ages of 17 - 21. Since they are our last set of teeth to emerge, they have been named wisdom teeth, simply because we tend to be wiser when we get older. Wisdom teeth are often removed because they can cause problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, jaw pain, inflamed gums, or even sinus problems. Whereas our ancient ancestors most likely needed this third set of molars, modern humans have evolved to have smaller jaws, thus not leaving enough room for so many teeth.

Periodontal disease is a serious infection and inflammation of the gums. It damages the soft tissue, and if left untreated, can destroy the bones that support the teeth, thus leading to tooth loss. Periodontal disease often begins as gingivitis before becoming a more serious infection. If you notice any bleeding or pain in your gums, talk to your dentist. If gingivitis is treated early it can be reversible, but if it is untreated it can lead to loose teeth and even tooth loss! 

Although both electric and manual toothbrushes can clean your teeth effectively, electric toothbrushes have been shown to have the upper hand at removing more plaque. The oscillating movements of the electric variety can more easily reach hidden plaque and food particles.

At least once a day. No excuses on this one. Flossing is a very important part of oral hygiene to help eliminate plaque, bacteria, and tartar, all of which could lead to tooth decay and gum disease.  

Teeth grinding (also known as Bruxism) is a common condition and most people have been known to grind their teeth from time to time. Depending on the severity of your situation, your dentist may recommend wearing a mouth guard when you sleep. Many people grind their teeth at night and are therefore unaware they are doing so. A mouth guard can prevent serious damage.  Grinding or clenching your teeth may be related to sleep apnea so it is important to talk to your doctor.

Although CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is the preferred method to treat sleep apnea, many people find the device uncomfortable making it difficult to sleep. If this is the case for you, your dentist may recommend a custom-fitted mouth guard. Mouth guards gently hold the lower jaw in a slightly forward position, which then increases the airway space and can help improve oxygen saturation and improve your quality of life.

A dental crown is a custom-made porcelain cover that is placed over a damaged tooth. They are used to protect a weakened tooth or to restore an already broken one. Spring Hill Dental Center uses CEREC technology, which allows a crown to be molded, customized, and placed all in one visit.

A dental bridge is a custom-made, porcelain replacement piece that literally bridges the gap between one or more missing teeth in order to restore your bite. Bridges are fixed in place and can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years before needing to be replaced.

The biggest benefit of dental implants is that they are the closest you can get to healthy, natural, and functioning teeth. Implants can prevent bone loss, support your bite, prevent your face from “sagging” or “sinking in”, improve your speech, make it easier to eat, and bring back your self-esteem. The fact that they integrated with your jaw bone, means dental implants can last a lifetime (with proper care).

A root canal is a procedure used to save a tooth that is internally infected or suffering from decay. When the tooth becomes deeply infected the inflammation builds from within and therefore causes pain. The root canal procedure is designed to eliminate the decay and relieve the pain by removing the nerve and then cleaning and sealing the inside of the tooth.

The two most common treatments to replace a missing tooth are a dental implant or a dental bridge. Each have their advantages and which one is right for you will depend on your unique situation. Talk to your dentist about your options.

Both veneers and cosmetic bonding are excellent methods to repair chipped or cracked teeth or improve a tooth’s appearance overall (due to discoloration, for example). Porcelain veneers are customized, handcrafted layers of dental porcelain designed to cover the surface of your teeth. Cosmetic bonding involves applying a custom-tinted dental resin, which is then shaped to form a natural looking tooth. Bonding is a more cost-effective and less time-consuming procedure, but may not last as long as a veneer before needing to be replaced. Talk to your dentist about your options.

Clear aligners actually work in a similar fashion to traditional braces. They apply a continual yet gentle force to your teeth, slowly guiding them into a new position. This process will help your body naturally remodel the bone. The end result: straighter, healthier teeth and a more beautiful smile.  

In-office teeth whitening is the most effective way to whiten teeth instantly and is much more successful than over-the-counter whitening products. At Spring Hill Dental Center we use Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed, a specially formulated gel that bleaches the teeth from the inside out, leaving you with a brighter and whiter smile from the minute you walk out the door.