1. What type of toothbrush should I use?
Our Hygienists recommend a soft or extra soft toothbrush. Using a hard bristled toothbrush incorrectly can cause your gums to recede.
2. What does my insurance plan cover?
Every dental insurance group plan is different. Even within one company there may be more than one group and the benefits for each group may vary. It is impossible for us to know what is covered for each of our patients. If you have a dental plan through your employer they will have a booklet describing your benefits. If you have not received a booklet from your employer then you should ask for one. If you have trouble at all deciphering your plan then please bring you booklet to us and we can help you to understand your coverage.
3. Do I have to see a specialist to have a root canal done?
Most root canals can be treated in our office. However if there are any complications in a particular case then we will refer to an endodontist. This specialist has more specific equipment and tools to deal with the "not-so-routine" root canal.
4. How often do I need x-rays taken?
Routinely we take bitewing x-rays every year and a panorex x-ray every five
years. A bite wing x-ray is a small film of your back teeth only. Those x-rays
help us to see in between your teeth where decay is most likely to start and
be undetected by general observation. Because decay in those areas can start
and progress quite rapidly we need to monitor them yearly. Panorex x-rays
are the "smile" type. They will show us all of your teeth, and bones
so that we can monitor positioning, eruption, and periodontal conditions.
Unfortunately these x-rays don't have enough detail to show us the potential
decay areas in between the teeth so both styles of x-ray are necessary. Lastly
we sometimes need to take specific x-rays of single teeth and their roots
if you are experiencing any problems or if we have a specific concern. The
radiation dosage of dental x-rays has lowered substantially over the years
making them very safe. However please rest assured that we never put our patients
at unnecessary risk and will not take x-rays unless there is a need.
Updated: 10/15/2007