Marietta Family Dentist Frequently Asked Questions
We’re sure you have many questions about family, restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments. We’ve collected some of the most popular questions our Shining Smiles Family Dentistry patients ask us. If you need further assistance, please contact our Marietta family dental office directly.
Common Dental and Oral Treatment Questions
From dental anxiety to recurring tooth pain, patients have many concerns about oral health and dental treatments. Here are some of the most common questions we get.
What are the best methods for dealing with dental anxiety?
First, if you have any fears and concerns please inform Dr. Shaila Mohip-Chahwala, as her caring and gentle approach regularly calms down anxious patients. We also have safe dental sedation methods that can reduce or remove the stress from your dental treatment.
How will my dentist reduce pain during dental treatment?
Dr. Mohip has various methods for providing pain-free dental treatment. Topical and general anesthetics can limit pain and discomfort. Nitrous oxide relaxes patients, taking their minds off of an examination or dental cleaning. Additionally, the use of laser dentistry (when possible) provides a gentler alternative to old-fashioned drills.
What can I do if I am experiencing tooth pain?
If the pain is severe, the first step is to make an emergency appointment with your dentist. If possible, taking an over-the-counter medication like Tylenol can reduce some of the aggravation before the visit. Also, avoiding very hot and cold food and drinks can limit the pain.
What conditions are regarded as dental emergencies?
Dental emergencies typically involve an issue with the teeth or gums that results in heavy bleeding and severe pain. In some cases this may occur when a tooth is knocked out, perhaps from an activity like a basketball game, a fall or collision.
What should I do if I get a canker sore?
You can relieve the irritation of a canker sore with mouthwash or over-the-counter gels. If your mouth sores don’t heal, you should make a dental appointment for a thorough examination to ensure there are no other underlying issues.
Will wearing a sleep apnea intraoral appliance hurt my jaw?
The intraoral appliance used to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea is safe and won’t have negative side effects for your jaw or teeth. Using an intraoral appliance is also proven to reduce or prevent sleep apnea, thus providing a health benefit for users.
Cosmetic Dentistry Questions
Cosmetic dentistry is the best way to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. Read on for some popular cosmetic dentistry questions.
Is it dangerous to have a missing tooth?
Missing teeth can cause changes to your face shape and may destabilize surrounding teeth. Missing teeth can also lead to problems with eating and speaking. Options for replacing a missing tooth include dental implants, bridges or dentures.
What are my best options for fixing a broken tooth?
The approach to fixing a broken tooth will depend on the extent of the damage. Popular methods used by Dr. Mohip include crowns, dental implants, veneers, fillings and sealants.
Is all tooth staining the same?
No. The superficial stains on the surface of the teeth are called extrinsic stains. Stains to the dentin beneath the enamel are called intrinsic stains. Home whitening products target superficial stains, whereas professional teeth whitening treatments address both types of staining.
Questions About Symptoms of Common Dental Issues
Toothache, headaches, jaw pain and other symptoms could indicate an oral health problem. The following questions address some common symptoms of dental issues.
How can I tell if I have a cavity?
The clearest signs of a cavity will be a visible hole in the tooth, a dark stain on the tooth, or sensitivity to hot or cold fluids. However, it is often difficult to spot a cavity. Maintaining regular dental appointments will ensure your dentist can discover tooth decay and other potential issues in the early stages.
What are the common symptoms of a misaligned bite?
A misaligned bite (malocclusion) has a number of symptoms that will vary in severity. Common signs include teeth that don’t align, rotated teeth, biting your tongue or cheek, along with difficulty chewing or biting.
Can my teeth be the cause of frequent headaches?
Frequent headaches resulting from a dental problem can usually be traced to TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. These joints can experience issues, and the pain can even move to the ears or head. Common reasons for dental jaw pain include teeth grinding, clenching your jaw, or an issue with your bite.
Could my earache be caused by a dental issue?
It is common for earache to actually be a dental issue, and not an ear infection. Teeth grinding, an abscess, TMJ disorder, cavities or a wisdom tooth can impact the jaw which leads to an earache.
Is a dental issue causing jaw soreness?
Dental issues may be the cause of soreness in the jaw. These issues could be caused by tooth decay, abscesses, teeth grinding, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or jaw misalignment. A dental examination or X-ray may be required for a diagnosis.
Why are my gums swollen?
Swollen gums are usually a symptom of gum disease. A buildup of plaque can cause inflammation that could lead to periodontitis. If you also experience gum pain, you may be brushing too hard, or it might indicate infection. Speak to your dentist for closer analysis.
Why have my teeth become sensitive all of a sudden?
Teeth can become sensitive for a variety of reasons. You may have gum disease, a cracked tooth, excessive amounts of plaque, decaying fillings, or grind your teeth regularly. Other reasons for sensitive teeth include regularly consuming acidic foods, using teeth whitening toothpaste, even brushing your teeth too vigorously.
Questions About Daily Oral Care
A consistent dental hygiene routine is the foundation of good oral health. If you need a refresher on best dental hygiene practices, our oral care FAQ is here to help.
When should you brush your teeth, before or after you eat?
When you wake up, you want to break the biofilm layer created while sleeping. If you wait until after breakfast, you’ll be brushing the acids that you created from your meal into your teeth. Then of course, brush again before you go to bed.
What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?
Use a soft toothbrush with soft pressure for two minutes, twice a day. We recommend toothpastes containing fluoride that bear the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
Do I really need to floss?
Absolutely! Floss clears food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line where toothbrushes can not reach. If you do not floss, built-up plaque and bacteria can lead to cavities, gum disease and bone loss.
Dental Insurance Questions
Do you have a dental insurance question? Read on to learn how we deal with insurance and how the payment process works.
What will my insurance cover?
As an out-of-network provider, you would pay after the appointment. Then, on your behalf, we file the claim with your insurance company electronically. From that point your insurance will send a reimbursement check directly to you. It’s important to look at the out-of-network benefits offered by your coverage – make sure you’re not losing out on benefits that may be offered when seeing an out-of-network provider. Have questions? Call our office, we can help. We want to make this process as easy as possible.
What does out-of-network mean?
Out-of-network providers still accept your insurance. Out-of-network means we are no longer obligated to your insurance company’s fees or treatment restrictions. We are free to treat the patient the best way possible, rather than basing a solution on what your insurance company would cover, as that is almost always a disservice to the patient.
If you are ever unsure, or would like to know definitively what your insurance will cover, please give us a call. We’re happy to help you find out about your policy, its benefits and limitations. We’re able to send your insurance company a pre-estimate for all treatments we recommend. Based on your benefits, this provides advance notice of the amount the insurance company can expect to reimburse you for the treatment, and you will have documentation for your records.
Family Dentistry Questions
Family dentists take care of oral health for the whole family. Here are some of the most popular questions we receive from Marietta families.
How often should my family and I visit a Marietta family dentist for regular check-ups?
It’s generally recommended that you visit your family dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings every six months. However, the frequency of visits can vary depending on a person’s individual dental health. Your family dentist will provide personalized recommendations based on your oral health needs.
What are the advantages of choosing a family dentist over a general dentist?
Family dentists specialize in providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages, from young children to seniors. They have experience in addressing the unique dental needs of family members at all stages of life – this means more convenient and coordinated care for your entire family.
How can I find a reliable family dentist in Marietta for my children?
To find a reliable family dentist in Marietta, get started by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or your primary care physician. You can also search online for ratings and reviews of local dentists, and schedule consultations to see which one is the best fit for your family’s needs.
What services does a family dentist typically offer?
Family dentists offer a wide range of dental services, including routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, extractions, even orthodontic and cosmetic treatments. Family dentists work with patients of all ages, making their dental office a one-stop solution for all your family’s dental needs.
What’s the difference between a family dentist and a pediatric dentist?
A family dentist provides dental care for patients of all ages, while a pediatric dentist specializes in treating children. Selecting a family dentist is convenient for families seeking comprehensive dental care, as such dentists offer a broader range of services for patients of any age.
Questions About Invisalign
Invisalign® has quickly become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments for straightening teeth and creating an incredible smile. Learn more about this treatment with our Invisalign questions.
Who is a candidate for Invisalign treatment?
Individuals with mild to moderate orthodontic issues are usually good candidates for Invisalign treatment. Common problems treated by the clear aligner technology include overcrowding, gaps, overbites, underbites and crossbites.
How does Invisalign differ from traditional braces?
A primary reason why Invisalign differs from traditional braces is their almost invisible appearance. In addition, Invisalign can be removed for eating, drinking and oral hygiene tasks, whereas metal braces are fixed for the duration of the treatment.
How do I care for my Invisalign aligners?
Caring for Invisalign aligners involves rinsing them daily to remove bacteria and gently brushing them with a toothbrush. These clear aligners should be stored safely in their case after they’ve been taken out to eat or brush.
Have Another Dental Question?
If you have any further questions or would like to visit our clinic for a routine examination or dental treatment, contact us today. Call Dr. Mohip-Chahwala at Shining Smiles Family Dentistry at (770) 824-1680 or request an appointment now.
