Why should I visit the dentist regularly?
Many people only visit the dentist when they have a noticeable problem. While they may think that they are saving money, the reality is that the treatments to repair and restore their teeth and smiles cost when the problem is bigger than it does when problems are caught early. Visiting the dental office regularly ensures that you receive preventive care to stop problems in the earliest stages of development and hopefully prevent them from developing in the first place. We can monitor your oral health and help you learn the best ways to care for your teeth and gums so that you can keep your teeth for a lifetime. You should visit our office twice each year.
Why do I need to floss?
Brushing your teeth will only clean the exposed surfaces of your teeth but will not reach the areas between the teeth or below the gumline. Flossing ensures that plaque and bacteria are removed from your teeth before they can cause decay or a gum infection.
How often should I brush and floss?
You should brush at least twice each day. It is especially important that you brush your teeth before going to bed. Use an ADA-approved soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Ideally you should floss once a day but any flossing helps. We also recommend that you use a mouth rinse. Contact our office if you have questions.
How safe are dental X-rays?
Dental X-rays are extremely safe. In fact, you are exposed to less radiation with dental X-rays than you are in your day-to-day life from the sun. Advances in dentistry continue to make dental X-rays safer through digital imaging technologies. We also limit the number of X-rays we take to the minimum needed to catch problems early.
I’m terrified to visit the dentist — what can I do?
We take your fear seriously and will work with you to help you feel more comfortable in our office. There are many strategies that can be used to help reduce anxiety and fear. These include medications to numb treated areas, sedation dentistry, the use of air abrasion dentistry, and a variety of techniques to reduce anxiety and mind or body pain (guided imagery, deep breathing, biofeedback, acupuncture, etc.). There are also dentophobia clinics and support groups available. Please speak with our team.
When should my child visit the dentist for the first time?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit the dentist for the first time about six months after their first tooth erupts or no later than their first birthday. These appointments are designed to help your child become comfortable in the dental office and ensure that he or she is growing and developing correctly. We do your child’s first “happy visit” at no charge to you.
When will my baby start getting teeth?
Babies actually begin to develop teeth in the second trimester of pregnancy (about 16 to 20 weeks). Teeth typically begin to emerge between 6 and 10 months of age. Before teeth erupt, use a soft, damp wash cloth to clean the gum. After the teeth erupt they should be brushed two times each day with a soft-bristled tooth brush without toothpaste. You should begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two adjacent teeth.
Why are primary teeth important?
Primary teeth are critical to maintaining good oral health and proper jaw development. Your child’s primary teeth facilitate:
We cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you take good care of your child’s primary teeth. Please make an appointment with our team if you have questions.
What is cosmetic dentistry, and how can it help me?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth so that you can enjoy a more beautiful smile. It includes preventive care as well as restorative treatments. Some common cosmetic dental treatments include:
I’ve lost a tooth. What are my options for replacing it?
There are several options available to replace your missing tooth. When you visit our office, our dentist will examine your mouth, discuss your oral health needs and smile goals with you, and review your treatment options. We will design a customized treatment plan to restore your tooth and your smile. Some of the tooth replacement options we may discuss include:
What is a root canal?
A root canal treatment is a procedure performed when injury, infection or decay reach the inner tissues of the tooth. The endodontist will clean out the infected pulp tissue within your tooth roots, sterilize the canals, and then fill them with medicated material and seal the tooth to prevent future infection. While root canals have a reputation of being painful most are not. After a root canal treatment most teeth will need a crown to protect them from damage.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics focuses on diagnosing, preventing and treating dental and facial irregularities, including misaligned teeth and jaws. An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional training following dental school in managing tooth movement and guiding facial development. The focus of short-term adult orthodontics is to straighten the teeth in the smile and the process usually takes six to nine months.
When should my child receive their first orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists® recommends that children receive their initial orthodontic screening by age 7. At this age, several permanent teeth have erupted and any developing problems will be easy to diagnose and treat.
Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
No! While the majority of patients who receive orthodontic treatment are children or teenagers, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles and oral health. As long as your teeth and supporting structures are healthy, you can receive treatment. You may be a candidate for short-term adult orthodontics.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an oral condition that affects the gums and supporting structures in your mouth and contributes to tooth loss in adults. It begins as a bacterial infection of the gums and gradually progresses until it destroys your gums and bone. The milder stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis, while the more severe form of the disease is known as periodontitis. It is considered a silent disease because you do not know you have it until it has progressed to the moderate or severe stage. You are checked for periodontal disease every time you have your professional cleaning.
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by the harmful bacteria trapped in the soft, sticky plaque. As plaque hardens into calculus (tartar), the disease becomes more established in your mouth. Gum attachments begin to separate from your teeth and create pockets that harbor these harmful bacteria and boney support is lost. If gum disease is allowed to progress without treatment, the condition may become irreversible. Even though we can get your gums back to health through gum therapy the bone tissue that has been lost does not grow back.
What do I do if I have bad breath?
Halitosis (bad breath) may be caused by any number of factors, including:
You can prevent bad breath by visiting Dr. Hansen regularly, staying hydrated, practicing good oral hygiene, using mouth rinses and by not using tobacco products. If your halitosis persists, we recommend that you consult a physician to determine if your bad breath is caused by a medical condition and receive an appropriate treatment.