OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AT DONELSON DENTAL CENTER

This will depend on each individual, but stick to the twice-a-year rule and you should be in good shape. Routine dental appointments not only allow for a standard cleaning, but also allow your dentist to check for any serious problems that may need to be addressed. 47% of adults over 30 will experience some type of gum disease and it is important that this be treated as soon as possible. If your dentist detects gum disease, they will recommend maintenance appointments every 3-4 months.

Yes, dental X-rays are very safe and there is no reason for concern since the dose of radiation used is very low. Dental X-rays are a necessary part of your appointment ensuring that your dentist can spot any potential problems that need to be treated.

Yes. If you are pregnant, it is completely safe to maintain your dental check-ups. It is actually advisable that you do so given that hormonal changes can increase the risk of gum disease during pregnancy. Let your dentist know that you are pregnant and talk to them about any concerns you may have. Your dentist will be able to answer your questions and make sure that you feel at ease during your appointment.

Plaque is a sticky coating of bacteria that forms on your teeth naturally and consistently. The bacteria create acids, which are known to damage a tooth’s enamel and can also lead to gum disease. Furthermore, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream increasing the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily and scheduling regular appointments with your dentist are the best methods to reduce harmful plaque.

Tartar is basically a hardened, calcified form of plaque that can coat the exterior of your teeth. It causes discoloration of the teeth in addition to increasing the chances for gum disease. Since tartar has already hardened and has cemented itself to your teeth, your dentist will have to remove it.

Tooth decay is caused by a variety of factors that involve the bacteria in your mouth as well as the foods you consume. Bacteria will use the sugars and starches in the food you eat to produce the acids, which then damage the teeth and lead to cavities. Food and drinks containing a lot of sugar are the worst offenders supplying the bacteria with a bona fide feast. It is best to consume sugary drinks and food in moderation to keep tooth decay at bay. If tooth decay is not treated quickly, it can lead to damaged nerves which may require a root canal or a tooth extraction.

When you experience bleeding gums, it means that your gums are inflamed due to an active infection. The most common causes will be due to a build up of plaque and/or tartar. Often improving your oral hygiene routine (brushing and flossing) will take care of the problem. But, it is always important to speak with your dentist if you notice bleeding in order to check for the possible beginnings of gum disease.

There are many causes for tooth sensitivity (to either the cold or the heat) and it is important to talk to your dentist about the issue. Grinding or clenching your teeth is a common cause since it can wear down the enamel, which then exposes the tooth’s nerve. Also common are chips or cracks in your tooth, receding gums and root exposure, or gum disease. Your dentist will identify the source of the sensitivy and recommend treatment options.

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that often emerge in our late teenage years. They have been named wisdom teeth for the simple reason that we are supposedly wiser as we grow older. Our ancestors (dating back tens of thousands of years) had larger jaws than we do today, and were thus in need of more teeth. Since modern man’s jaw size is considerably smaller, these leftover molars can cause problems such as crowded or crooked teeth, jaw pain, inflamed gums, or even sinus issues. For that reason, wisdom teeth are often removed.

Period ontal disease is a condition in which your gums become severely infected and inflamed. It first damages the soft tissue before leading to the destruction of the bones that support the teeth. The result, in many cases, is tooth loss. Periodontal disease often begins as gingivitis before becoming more serious. If you are experiencing bleeding or painful gums, make sure to speak with your dentist to get a thorough exam. The early treatment of gingivitis is crucial to avoid the onset of periodontal disease.

Due to the oscillating movements of electric toothbrushes, they are better able to remove plaque and food particles. Manual toothbrushes are still effective at cleaning your teeth properly, however, and the important point is to be consistent while brushing and to do so for at least two minutes twice a day.

You should floss at least one a day. Period. Flossing is a fundamental part of oral hygiene since it eliminates plaque, bacteria, and tartar, all of which are the culprits behind tooth decay and gum disease.

Teeth grinding (also known as Bruxism) is more common than many people think and most of us have probably ground our teeth at some time without even being aware.  If your situation is more serious, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard. Wearing a mouth guard while sleeping can prevent serious damage to your teeth.

CPAP therapy (continuous positive airway pressure) is the best method to treat sleep apnea. However, many people find the device to be uncomfortable, which ironically makes it difficult to sleep. In such cases, a dentist may recommend a custom-fitted mouth guard. Mouth guards can work by gently keeping the lower jaw in a forward position. This enlarges the airway space thus improving oxygen saturation. 

A dental crown is a customized porcelain cap that is placed over a damaged tooth. They are generally used to protect a weakened tooth or to restore a broken one. Donelson Dental Center uses CEREC technology, which allows a crown to be molded, customized, and placed all in one visit.

A dental bridge is a customized, porcelain replacement piece that bridges the gap between one or more missing teeth. A bridge will restore your bite and since they are fixed in place, they can easily last from 5 to 15 years before needing to be replaced.

Dental implants are the closest you can get to natural and healthy teeth. They can prevent bone loss and support your bite, which will prevent your face from sagging or sinking in. They can also improve your speech, make it easier to eat, and most people find that their self-esteem returns. Implants are attached to your jaw bone meaning that with proper care, they can last a lifetime.

A root canal is a procedure, which is performed to save an infected or decaying tooth. If a tooth is suffering from a deep infection, the inflammation that is produced will cause severe pain. A root canal will remove the nerve and then clean and seal the inside of the tooth. This will eliminate the decay and relieve the pain. A root canal is not a painful as legend would have us believe and many patients report that the procedure is nor more painful than having filling put in.

There are basically two options to replace a missing tooth: a dental implant or a dental bridge. Talk to your dentist to find out which option is right for you.

Both veneers and cosmetic bonding are excellent options to repair a chipped or cracked tooth, or to simply improve a tooth’s appearance. Veneers are custom-made layers of dental porcelain which will cover the surface of a tooth. Cosmetic bonding uses a dental resin which is then shaped to form a natural-looking tooth. Cosmetic bonding is the more economical option and is also less time-consuming, but it may not last as long as a veneer. Talk to your dentist about which option is right for you.

Clear aligners actually function in a very similar way to traditional wire braces. They apply a consistent yet gentle pressure to your teeth, guiding them into their new position. Your body will then naturally remodel the bone leaving you with straighter, healthier teeth and a more beautiful smile.

The most effective way to whiten teeth instantly is through an in-office teeth whitening procedure. At Donelson 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.