At Aesthetic Dentistry of Noe Valley, we want to see our patients once or twice a year to make sure that their teeth stay clean and healthy. During these appointments, we take the time to answer questions and have found that many people ask the same ones. That being said, here is what you should know:
Twice per day in the morning and at night before going to bed is the standard recommendation. If you have time, it is also a good idea to carry a travel toothbrush with you and use it after eating lunch. We would like for you to use a soft toothbrush so that your gums do not become irritated while brushing. You should also use a fluoride toothpaste in order to strengthen and protect your teeth while brushing for at least two minutes. This routine is your best daily defense against developing cavities and gum disease.
Sensitive teeth can be due to an infection or erosion. If it is an infection, cavities, etc., we can treat the problem and your teeth will start to feel better. If your teeth sensitivity is due to erosion, that is a more serious problem. Once your enamel erodes away, it cannot grow back. You can use a desensitizing toothpaste that will prevent irritation, but this is a temporary solution. We often recommend that patients wear dental crowns in order to protect their sensitive teeth and to replace the enamel that has worn away. As a general dentist, we place crowns on a regular basis and would be happy to discuss this procedure with you in detail.
You may have gum disease. Red, swollen, and bleeding gums are often a sign of gum disease, and when caught early enough, we can treat the condition with a deep cleaning. During the procedure, we will remove plaque and tartar from underneath your gums so that they will no longer be irritated. As a result, your gums should return to normal health. If left untreated, this condition can lead to tooth loss so do not ignore the symptoms.
Tooth decay (cavities) can spread if left untreated. When you deal with them early on, the decayed portion of your tooth can be removed, and your tooth restored with relative ease. If you delay, the decay can spread and create the need for a more invasive procedure, such as a root canal.
Yes, as a general dentist we can fix your broken tooth using a variety of dental restorations. This includes using dental veneers, dental crowns, and a bonding procedure. All of these are effective for restoring teeth that have been cracked or chipped. We can discuss the pros and cons of each option with you in detail during an exam and consultation.
Everyone should visit the general dentist twice a year. At these visits, the dentist can catch any oral health issues and treat them before they become more serious. During the visits, usually once a year, you will need x-rays to check on the parts of your mouth that your dentist can’t see with the naked…
Visiting a general dentist for routine cleanings is essential for preventing common dental problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. While brushing and flossing every day can help remove a majority of bacteria and plaque from the teeth, it is impossible to completely remove all buildup. Frequently scheduling dental cleanings makes it possible to…
Fixing a broken tooth right away is important. This dental damage may seem like nothing more than a cosmetic problem, but it can lead to terrible consequences. Seeing a dentist sooner rather than later can provide immediate relief. If you want to find out the treatments for a broken tooth and its complications, here are…
In general dentistry, toothaches are defined as any pain or ache in or around a tooth. While modern dentists have a thorough understanding of the causes and treatments for toothaches, people experiencing them may be frustrated by the discomfort. Those with a toothache may feel sharp or dull pain and sensitivity to temperature or chewing.In…
Dentists regularly field questions about wisdom teeth from patients and young patients’ parents. If you are approaching the age when extracting these teeth is common, you may be curious as well. There are a lot of reasons why dental professionals recommend removing these molars. As you understand more about these teeth, you may realize why…
There are numerous reasons why dental professionals recommend wisdom teeth extraction, and one is to prevent teeth misalignment. Wisdom teeth are the third molars located in the lower and upper parts of the jaw, behind the other molars on both sides. The teeth generally appear years after the other permanent teeth have come up. In…