Frequently Asked Dental Questions – New City, NY
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We want you to be an active participant in your oral healthcare, which is why we encourage you to ask anything you want to know about dentistry while you’re visiting our dental office for your regular checkups. We also welcome any questions regarding our dental office and the various services we have to offer. This page covers some of the questions we’ve heard most often, but if you have further inquiries, contact us today, and we’ll be ready to answer them.
How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?
Our dentists and the ADA recommend that no matter how old you are, you should have at least two checkups and cleanings every year. That means one every six months. Regular appointments help prevent minor dental issues and plaque buildup from turning into smile-threatening cavities.
What Can I Do About a Broken or Missing Tooth?
It depends on the extent of the damage. Minor dental injuries can be repaired with a filling. If a significant portion of the tooth is cracked or has broken off, a crown may be more suitable. And if the tooth has been lost altogether, you’ll need to figure out the best option for replacing it (which oftentimes means getting dental implants to give your new teeth an extremely stable base). Our team will gladly go over your restorative options with you and help pick the one that matches your needs.
I’m Unhappy with My Smile; What Should I Do?
Schedule a consultation and let us know what’s bothering you. If there’s an unsightly crack or stain that you want to get rid of, we can recommend an appropriate form of cosmetic dentistry. Veneers are particularly useful because they can be used to address any number of imperfections while still allowing you to maintain a natural appearance.
Can I Straighten My Teeth Without Braces?
Thanks to Invisalign, adults and older teens don’t have to wear braces to straighten their smile. They can instead wear removable clear aligners that don’t draw unwanted attention and don’t get in the way of meals or oral hygiene. Invisalign is generally best for those with mild to moderate orthodontic issues; we can examine your teeth to determine whether you’re a candidate.
Do I Need to Have a Tooth Removed?
Tooth extraction is usually only considered in extreme circumstances, such as advanced periodontal disease that has already compromised the tooth, extensive dental damage beyond what a filling or crown could fix, or pain that doesn’t go away even after root canal therapy. We’ll keep you comfortable during the extraction and help you replace it as soon as possible.
How Will I Know if I Have Gum Disease?
You may know find out you have gum disease if you notice swollen gum tissue, frequent oral bleeding, or loose teeth. Sometimes symptoms don’t show up until a lot of damage has already been done to your mouth, but if you visit us for preventive checkups, we can diagnose gum disease so that you can begin getting the treatment you need to protect your smile.
Will You Take My Dental Insurance?
Our dental office accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and many other major insurance providers. Call to confirm that we accept your plan.