FAQ

Even if your teeth feel fine, it doesn’t mean they are healthy. We consume large amounts of sugar and junk food every day, which allows plaque buildup to eat away at healthy gums and teeth. Poor dental hygiene, such as a lack of regular flossing and brushing, can lead to tooth deterioration. By the time you notice tooth pain or other symptoms, you could be dealing with more complex issues. Regular dental visits will keep your teeth and gums healthy, and your dentist can identify symptoms of potentially larger problems that you might otherwise miss. That means greater peace of mind for you — and a healthier mouth.

Our Grosse Pointe dental office currently offers free whitening trays as a new-patient special, available while supplies last. We want our new patients to have something to smile about beyond their first visit, and our close-knit staff is committed to your personal confidence and comfort.

Your body is exposed to various levels of radiation on a daily basis. Sun exposure and home appliances are your common sources, but there are others. For many dental visits, this includes X-rays. With modern advances in technology, though, your level of exposure is extremely minimal. Dental offices employ lead-lined full-body aprons for protection, but today’s technology has almost no radiation in part thanks to digital X-ray machines. Federal law also requires that every machine be inspected for safety and accuracy every two years. For women who are pregnant, getting dental X-rays poses no significant risk to the health of the mother or development of the baby with the proper shielding, according to the American Dental Association (ADA) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

As we age, the surfaces of our teeth weaken and lose enamel, making them prone to sensitivity, decay, and disease. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that reinforces the hardened surface of your teeth and fights cavities. With so many things (coffee, sodas, acidic foods) bombarding your teeth, your mouth needs a little help. Brushing and rinsing with mouthwash enhanced with fluoride helps maintain your teeth’s natural resistance to decay. Use a toothpaste rich in fluoride, and ask your dentist if you’re unsure of which brand is best for you.

Different individuals have different dental needs, however, so ask the dentist or a hygienist if a specific type of toothpaste is best for your mouth.

Fluoride is safe for children ages 3 to 6 as long as they don’t ingest it, because higher levels can be harmful or toxic. For children of this age group, the size of a pea is the proper amount of toothpaste to use, but a child’s brushing and use of mouthwash should be monitored at all times to ensure they don’t swallow an excessive amount.

Children younger than 3 should not have their budding teeth brushed with fluoridated toothpaste. A parent should brush the child’s teeth with non-fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-thistle brush. The amount of toothpaste should be no more than the size of a grain of rice.

Absolutely! You should floss once every single day. Brushing your teeth only gets the surfaces. Flossing your teeth is the only way to remove plaque and bacteria between teeth that can lead to dental decay and gum disease.

Dental bonding is a quick and popular option to improve the look and feel of discolored, cracked, or chipped teeth. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth and involves placing a liquid resin over a tooth and then hardening it. It’s also an excellent option for filling gaps between teeth.

Invisalign can be very effective in straightening teeth, but more complex cases may require braces. Invisalign, which looks like a mouth guard, does not require wires and may straighten your teeth faster than traditional braces. However, braces are more cost effective and require fewer adjustments. Ask the dentist which option is best for you.

When they are administered by skilled dentists, whitening treatments can safely brighten your smile. Some over-the-counter treatments may not be as effective and could possibly damage your teeth. If you want to whiten your teeth, it’s important to do so through the dentist’s office.

After a tooth extraction, you will be sent home with gauze in your mouth. Biting down on the gauze helps to form a clot in the area, which aids in healing. You will also be given additional gauze to replace the gauze as needed. You will likely be advised not to spit, smoke, or drink through a straw, as this can lead to a dry socket or other complications. You also should not rinse vigorously in most cases. The doctor may prescribe medications to reduce pain and inflammation. The dentist will explain post-procedure instructions that are relevant in your case, so ask her for additional information as needed.

A dental implant is a strong and effective way to restore your bite and fill gaps in your teeth. Dental implants feel and look like your natural teeth, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime.

The dental implant process is completed in several stages. First, you will likely have a consultation with your dentist, which may require X-rays and general examination of the area. Next, an abutment, which resembles a screw, is placed into the jaw, and your jaw is given time to heal. Afterward, a crown that has been shaped appropriately for your teeth is placed on top of the abutment. The result of the entire process is an implant that blends naturally into your jawbone and teeth.

If the bone where that missing tooth is has worn away, an additional step may be required, known as a bone graft. With a bone graft, the bone of the jaw is restructured to enable the proper placement of the abutment and crown. The bone graft would take place before the abutment is placed.