Patients often ask Dr. Hill questions related to oral health, dental treatment options and tips to help children develop good dental habits, which can be challenging, so below are some common FAQs and responses from Dr. Hill. We hope these give you a better idea of how your teeth and gums affect your whole health, and how important it is for you, and your loved ones, to give your dental health the attention it deserves.
A: Checkups every six months are important because problems can be present even if you aren’t aware of them. A perfect example relates to gum disease, as it is hard to avoid entirely, no matter how well you take care of your teeth. In its earliest stages, gum disease tends not to have clearly visible symptoms like pain or bleeding gums. Regular check-ups enable a dentist to spot the early warning signs, and stop gum disease, and other potential issue, before they become serious.
A: Yes, every missing tooth should be replaced. Even if you have just one missing tooth, that can gradually alter the positioning of the rest of your teeth, creating multiple issues. Think of it like a house with a damaged foundation, the longer you neglect the damage, the more problems can occur. Shifting and movement can occur because of missing teeth, and if your teeth are straight now, they might not be a few years from now.
A: Not true at all. Many of our dental procedures that fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry, and in addition to cosmetic benefits, they actually have clear oral health benefits, like crowns to repair damaged teeth and replacements for missing teeth. Treatments that restore teeth to their correct size, alignment and fullness are definitely a benefit to your overall health, and are not a luxury.
A: While situations vary based on individual insurance plans, they often are if they have health benefits. For example, when a dentist applies a crown to repair damaged teeth, that could mean the difference between saving a tooth and losing it, which is a clear health benefit. Replacing a missing tooth is usually covered if a denture or partial is the replacement, but sometimes insurance does not cover dental implants. In all cases, it is important to check with your insurance provider, and our team can also help to confirm your benefits and coverage.
A: The recommended time for a first dental visit for your little one is within six months of the appearance of the first tooth.
A: It’s not easy to get kids into good dental habits, but well worth your effort. Do things with your kids. Brushing and flossing together is a good way to make brushing time fun. Impress upon your children how daily brushing and flossing is a normal part of your life, and sometimes toothbrushes that play music are also great at making it more fun. Be creative, as they is no right answer, but do things together.