Dental FAQs

It is known that exposure to many types of sources of radiation, including from the sun, appliances in the home, and traditional dental X-rays, can cause damage to body tissue and cells. However, particularly during a dental visit, the exposure during a dental X-ray is extremely small.
To further improve the experience of patients and decrease health risks, we have embraced advances in dental technology by implementing the newest machines and processes. We use low dose digital X-rays, which are a great technological advancement that includes benefits such as lower radiation, easier image capture, high resolution images, and instant viewing of images.

Regular dental checkups are a great start at preventing oral cancer. Many patients think their dental checkup only serves the purpose of cleaning the teeth and checking for cavities. In fact, during a routine dental checkup, your dentist and dental hygienist are looking for signs of oral cancer in your mouth.
Oral cancer is often detected on the sides or underneath the tongue, or on the soft palate, although it can develop on soft tissue throughout the mouth. You can assist them in detecting and preventing oral cancer by alerting your dentist to abnormal growths, ulcerated areas that won’t heal, painful or numb areas, or any unusual color variations in the tissue of your mouth.

Yes, not just young children get cavities. In fact, as you age, teeth tend to get cavities particularly around crowns or old fillings, or on the root surface due to exposure from receding gums. The cavity itself is caused by bacteria, which feeds on carbohydrates in your mouth, and releases acid that attacks and dissolves the tooth structure.

As early as possible. Not only to have your child’s first teeth examined by the dentist, but also to get your child familiar with the process of going to the dentist. The earlier your child is introduced to the dentist, the more comfortable he or she will be with visiting the dentist for regular checkups later in life, thereby promoting good oral health.

Consumption of sugary drinks, including, but not limited to soda, on a high frequency basis, can be very detrimental to tooth health. However, it actually has less to do with the sugar and more with the acidity level of the beverage. This is why diet sodas, and even healthy fruit juices, can have negative effects on tooth health.
The acidity attacks, weakens, and erodes tooth enamel, which in the early stages can lead to tooth sensitivity (while chewing or drinking), and in more advanced stages can lead to tooth loss.

The recovery period of wisdom teeth removal is based heavily on the complexity of the extraction procedure. Generally, the recovery period relies heavily on the individual’s ability to heal and bounce back, though in most cases the patient is advised to rest and take things easy for several days following wisdom teeth extraction, due to discomfort and swelling that can occur post-op over the next several days.

Yes, not all dental problems cause pain or are easily detectable without a dental exam. As some patients learn too late, regular dental checkups are not only meant to address current dental pain, but also to prevent more serious dental issues in the future. For example, gum disease may not hurt at all, and may not present a serious problem until it leads to loose teeth or tooth loss, which is irreversible.
Routine dental checkups ensure that any potential health risks, such as gum disease or oral cancer, are detected and treated before they lead to more serious health risks. It is also beneficial to become aware of dental advances over the last few years.