Frequently Asked Questions Question:
What is tooth decay? Answer: Tooth
decay is a destruction of the tooth enamel. It occurs when foods containing sugars and starches such as (milk, soda, cakes candy, etc.) are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive
on these foods, producing acids. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.
Question: How is tooth decay prevented? Answer:
Follow these simple steps:
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss
- Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.
- At least twice a year get professional cleanings and an oral exam.
You can also use supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, or dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces to protect from decay.
Question: Aren't cavities something just kids get? Answer: No. Changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too. Recession of the gums away
from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of periodontal (gum) disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. The majority of people over age 50 have tooth-root decay. Decay around the edges, or margins, of fillings is also common to older adults. Over time, fillings may weaken and fracture and leak around the edges. Bacteria accumulate
in these tiny crevices causing acid to build up which leads to decay. Question: Is any special protection required for baby teeth? Answer: There are several issues:
Giving your child a bottle of sweetened liquid many times a day isn't a good idea. Allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night can also harm the child's teeth.Baby teeth
keep a space in the jaw for the adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the teeth beside it may drift into the empty space. When it's time for the adult teeth to come in, there may not be enough room. This
can make the teeth crooked or crowded. Question: Isn't tooth loss inevitable in the later years? Answer: No! Today, older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer because of scientific developments and the
preventive emphasis in dentistry. See For Seniors
Question: If a toothache goes away, or comes and goes, is it a serious problem or can I wait a while before dealing with it?
Answer: There are several causes for toothaches and it would be wise to have ti checked by your dentist. If it goes away, it may have developed into a chronic abcess. Since the acute
phase is gone, pain may not be an issue. However, an abcess or cyst can destroy bone and lead to tooth loss or even worse complications. If it comes and goes, it may be treatable before the situation gets worse and
becomes more costly to save the tooth. Question:
Is teeth whitening permanent? Answer: Generally, in-office treatments are superior to home treatments provided by
over-the-counter kits from drug stores. Dr. Frantz can provide you a better at-home whitening system, or for best results, in-office treatment that with minor yearly touch-ups will give you a brighter smile that
lasts for many years. See Whitening. Question: My
jaw is making a clicking noise. Should I see my doctor, my dentist or a chiropractor? Answer: The clicking noise
is a sign of tempro mandibular joint dysfunction and is caused by improper function of the jaw joint. Often times, this can lead to permanent damage to the joint that requires surgical intervention. It should be
noted however, that not all noises need such treatment. In fact, most do not. Depending on the symptoms, a dentist can recommend a course of treatment suitable for the patient's problem. Question: The Famous Frantz Painless Injections -- is it really true? Answer: Virtually, yes. Where
the injection needs to be given can have an affect. Some patients are more sensitive than others and for a very few, there may be a discernible level of discomfort. But for most patients, injections involve either
no real pain, or sometimes a brief moment or two. Injections involving the front top teeth usually cause more momentary discomfort. Injections for the back teeth are better candidates for being "painless." Most
patients are surprised that on many occasions, Dr. Frantz provides a painless injection |