When patients come in for their dental appointments, there are several questions that we receive quite often. Our practice is built upon our Core Values of integrity, service and excellence. To uphold these values, we want to ensure that each patient understands what we do, how we do it, and why we do it!
Since October is Dental Hygiene Awareness month, we want to answer some of the most common questions we get from patients:
When should I bring my child to their first dental visit? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends having your child’s first dentist visit before their first birthday. Getting your child to the dentist before their first birthday not only ensures those first teeth are growing as they should, but it also introduces your child to the dentist to help build their confidence and trust in future appointments. This appointment is as much for the parent(s) as it is the child. It gives us the opportunity to address any questions the parent(s) may have so that we can help create great dental habits from an early age.
Why are x-rays necessary? I’m concerned with the radiation I would receive. A good analogy to address this question is to consider going to a cardiologist with certain heart concerns and asking them to just listen to it and give you the best assumption on what’s going on. When we perform an oral examination, that only tells part of the story. Dental x-rays allow us to see beneath the exterior of the tooth, all the way to the roots and even the jaw/sinus area. They can help us detect hidden decay, assess your bone health, identify any infections or abnormalities, evaluate tooth development and screen for any serious conditions. Every patient is unique but in general, we update x-rays 1x year, and in some cases once every 2-3 years. For acute problems, we recommend x-rays based on your individual needs. In regards to radiation, did you know that most dental x-rays use some of the smallest amounts of ionizing radiation per exposure? The radiation exposure is comparable to, or even less than, a single day of natural background radiation from the environment. Due to how low the dosage is for dental x-rays, the American Dental Association made a recommendation in 2024 that it is not necessary for patients to wear lead aprons for dental x-rays anymore. The State of North Carolina still requires their use at this time, so we continue to use them.
What is periodontal disease? When you go to the dentist expecting to just get your teeth cleaned, and you hear the words “periodontal disease”, don’t let it scare you. We see it every day! Did you know that 47% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease? The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth”, so periodontal disease can refer to any inflammation of the gums, ligaments, or bone that surround your teeth, and it can vary in severity. As the inflammation becomes chronic (or ongoing), you can lose the supporting structures necessary for tooth support. This can cause mobility, and in worst cases, loss of teeth. It is important to note that periodontal disease doesn’t always progress at a consistent rate. A person’s immune system can cause it to progress at a faster or slower rate. Did you know that there is a bi-directional link in regards to the bacteria in periodontal disease and systematic issues such as heart disease? Don’t worry – it is manageable! With dental intervention and excellent hygiene care at home, it can be controlled to slow or even stop disease progression.
Why do you need to know all my medications, and medical history? You are just cleaning my teeth. In order to provide comprehensive care, it is important that we understand your medical conditions and medication list. There are a lot of medications and conditions that can affect your dental health! Anticoagulants (blood thinners), bisphosphonates, autoimmune medications, and many injection-based medications are just a few examples of medications that have the potential to create complications during surgical procedures. Also, it is important to note that certain medications can/may cause dry mouth which in turn creates a higher risk for cavities. Knowing your medications can help us take special precautions to help you heal, and in some instances alert us for you to see a specialist or your primary care provider before seeking certain dental treatment. Your dental health is a vital role in your overall health and it’s important for us to get the full picture of where you are to provide the best care possible.
Can I wait on treatment for the cavities in my mouth? It’s not causing me pain at the moment! It is always your decision on when you would like to pursue treatment. When it comes to cavities, each patient and tooth is different – some cavities take years to develop, while others can grow quickly, within months. Most of the time, cavities don’t produce pain or discomfort for a patient until they get deeper in the tooth, and at that time – you may be looking at more extensive treatment to treat it. It is best to treat it before it becomes a bigger issue – if a cavity is caught early, a simple filling can stop its progression. Your home care also plays a huge role in the progression of cavities! We have several great products that help with our more cavity-prone patients.
I am really good at my homecare, is it really necessary to come in every six months when I can clean them at home? While having a good homecare routine is vital, it doesn’t ensure that everything is being adequately addressed. Regular visits allow for professional exams to screen for dental conditions as well as preventative care where we use the best clinical equipment to remove plaque, calculus (tartar) buildup, and inflammation that even the finest toothbrushes/floss can’t remove. A six-month interval isn’t a strict rule for everyone, but it is a good general guideline to maintain good oral health. We make a recall interval recommendation based on each patient’s needs.
At Corbin Dental, it is our mission to be the best advocate for your overall health. We hope this helps clarify just a few of our systems and protocols guiding your dental care. Your concerns are important and we are always here to address any questions you may have! Feel free to give us a call or email us, we would be happy to help!
