FAQ

Q: Which type of toothbrush should I use?
A: The brand of the toothbrush is not as critical as the type of bristle and the size of the head. A soft bristled toothbrush with a small head is recommended, and allows you to get around each tooth more completely. Medium and hard bristles tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums.

Q: Is one toothpaste better than others?
A: Generally, no. However, it's advisable to use a fluoride containing toothpaste to decrease the incidence of dental decay. We recommend our patients use what tastes good to them as long as it contains fluoride.

Q: How often should I floss?
A: Flossing of the teeth once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy.

Q: What's the difference between a "crown" and a "cap"?
A: Patients often refer to crown restorations as caps. Both are acceptable terms for describing the restorations used to repair a severely broken tooth.

Q: What's the difference between a "bridge" and a "partial denture"?
A: Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient.

Q: What about "silver" fillings versus "white" fillings?
A: More patients today are requesting "white" or tooth-colored composite fillings verses silver (amalgam) fillings. We also prefer tooth-colored (composite) fillings because they "bond" to the tooth structure and therefore help strengthen a tooth that has been weakened by decay. In addition to looking more natural, white fillings can also be less sensitive to temperature.