Why do I need to have x-rays taken when i just want a cleaning?
Xrays are part of the standard of care when getting an oral exam by the dentist. Xrays help us diagnose issues not visible otherwise and address many conditions early before they become major issues. Florida statutes also require that all patients have an exam every 13 months. Refusal of xrays can include: additional fees, fear of discomfort, fear of radiation. We attempt to accommodate patients that have a difficult time taking xrays due to large tori or strong gag reflex. The radiation exposure from taking dental xrays is minimal. We also have digital xrays in the office and use shielding to further minimize radiation exposure. For further information: Click Here
Why do I need a crown? Why can't I just get a filling?
Crowns and fillings are made of different materials. Crowns are made of metal and porcelain which is much stronger than fillings which is made of resin. Generally crowns are placed to replace and protect teeth with little remaining tooth structure. Generally fillings are meant to replace smaller areas where tooth structure is missing. Ideally there should be more tooth structure than filling material; otherwise, the risk is high that the remaining tooth structure can fracture (especially in the back where most of the chewing is done).
What's the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning is treatment for active periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a form of irreversible gum disease where not only the gums but the bone supporting the tooth structures are affected. Without adequate bone support teeth get loose. We diagnose periodontal disease when we check the "pockets" around the teeth. This "pocket" is a measurable space between the gums and the teeth. Pockets measuring 5mm or more indicate that the bone support around the teeth have been affected. Periodontal disease is not curable, the goal is to prevent further progression. When pockets are deep conventional toothbrushing and flossing is not enough to prevent further advancement of periodontal disease. Deep cleanings or scaling and root planing is performed in order to minimize this pocket to allow for proper home care (brushing and flossing). This is done by numbing the teeth that are being treated then removing the build up and bacteria attached to the roots to promote this healing.
Why should I have my wisdom teeth taken out?
Our office recommends that most people have a consult with the oral surgeon regarding their third Molars aka wisdom teeth. Many times third molars are difficult to access and hard to keep clean with flossing and brushing. Also by the time they become symptomatic often time the tooth next to it may be so compromised that it too requires extraction.
I was told I have a cavity. How come I don't feel it?
Pain is not always present when there are dental issues like a cavity or abscess; And, it is an unreliable method to gauge whether or not there is a dental problem. Pain thresholds vary from person to person even tooth to tooth. If there is a dental problem and a patient waits until they have pain to finally get treatment, often times that treatment becomes more difficult to complete and can become more costly.
How can I get a cavity if I have a crown or filling on that tooth?
Cavities are a bacterial infection that can form underneath the crown or filling where there is still tooth structure present. If left untreated the cavity will get larger and begin to spread underneath the filling or crown.
Xrays are part of the standard of care when getting an oral exam by the dentist. Xrays help us diagnose issues not visible otherwise and address many conditions early before they become major issues. Florida statutes also require that all patients have an exam every 13 months. Refusal of xrays can include: additional fees, fear of discomfort, fear of radiation. We attempt to accommodate patients that have a difficult time taking xrays due to large tori or strong gag reflex. The radiation exposure from taking dental xrays is minimal. We also have digital xrays in the office and use shielding to further minimize radiation exposure. For further information: Click Here
Why do I need a crown? Why can't I just get a filling?
Crowns and fillings are made of different materials. Crowns are made of metal and porcelain which is much stronger than fillings which is made of resin. Generally crowns are placed to replace and protect teeth with little remaining tooth structure. Generally fillings are meant to replace smaller areas where tooth structure is missing. Ideally there should be more tooth structure than filling material; otherwise, the risk is high that the remaining tooth structure can fracture (especially in the back where most of the chewing is done).
What's the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning is treatment for active periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a form of irreversible gum disease where not only the gums but the bone supporting the tooth structures are affected. Without adequate bone support teeth get loose. We diagnose periodontal disease when we check the "pockets" around the teeth. This "pocket" is a measurable space between the gums and the teeth. Pockets measuring 5mm or more indicate that the bone support around the teeth have been affected. Periodontal disease is not curable, the goal is to prevent further progression. When pockets are deep conventional toothbrushing and flossing is not enough to prevent further advancement of periodontal disease. Deep cleanings or scaling and root planing is performed in order to minimize this pocket to allow for proper home care (brushing and flossing). This is done by numbing the teeth that are being treated then removing the build up and bacteria attached to the roots to promote this healing.
Why should I have my wisdom teeth taken out?
Our office recommends that most people have a consult with the oral surgeon regarding their third Molars aka wisdom teeth. Many times third molars are difficult to access and hard to keep clean with flossing and brushing. Also by the time they become symptomatic often time the tooth next to it may be so compromised that it too requires extraction.
I was told I have a cavity. How come I don't feel it?
Pain is not always present when there are dental issues like a cavity or abscess; And, it is an unreliable method to gauge whether or not there is a dental problem. Pain thresholds vary from person to person even tooth to tooth. If there is a dental problem and a patient waits until they have pain to finally get treatment, often times that treatment becomes more difficult to complete and can become more costly.
How can I get a cavity if I have a crown or filling on that tooth?
Cavities are a bacterial infection that can form underneath the crown or filling where there is still tooth structure present. If left untreated the cavity will get larger and begin to spread underneath the filling or crown.
7410 Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite B-3, Boynton Beach, Florida 33437
Phone: 561-734-7171 Email: info@hagenranchdentalcenter.com
Phone: 561-734-7171 Email: info@hagenranchdentalcenter.com