Top FAQs Dentists Are Asked

A trip to the dentist can bring up a lot of emotions for a patient. Some people will be nervous, while others will be eager to get a cleaning, and still others will be downright relaxed. We like to foster the third option in our patients, which is why we do all we can to keep our patients and prospective clients informed and comfortable. It's natural to come to the dentist with a lot of questions in mind, but it can be a bit nerve-wracking not knowing what the answers will be. We thought we'd put your mind at ease by answering some of the frequently asked questions we hear everyday in our office.

How Often Should I See The Dentist?

This is one of the questions we field the most, and it is one we're glad most patients ask! Generally speaking patients should come in for a cleaning and check up twice a year or every six months. However, certain procedures and treatments may require several more visits. So the best way to answer this question is at least twice a year but maybe more depending on your individual needs.

Is Brushing Enough?

Another common question centers around brushing frequency and if it is enough. We've all been taught to brush our teeth for two minutes twice a day. While many patients stick to this rule hard and fast, other patients find that two minutes feels like an eternity and stop brushing earlier than they should. We like to caution that proper brushing is the best way to care for your teeth long term. The length and technique one brushes is not arbitrary; however, has been researched and found to be sufficient for proper cleaning of the teeth and gums.

However, many patients think brushing alone is enough, which isn't true. Flossing and using mouthwash are important dental hygiene tasks as well. When combined with brushing, these represent the "big three" tasks you should be focusing on day after day. Flossing is important (even if you've heard otherwise) because it helps clean the teeth and supporting structures (gums) and loosen food particles in hard to reach places. Flossing allows you prime your teeth prior to brushing and keep harmful bacteria (plaque and tarter) from growing in hard to reach places. Mouthwash (depending on the type) can helps kill harmful oral bacteria, strengthen teeth, and freshen breath; it's best used after flossing and brushing. Using all three will ensure you're teeth stay in the best shape possible.

Why Is The ADA Seal Important?

Whenever we recommend different oral hygiene products to our patients, like clockwork we always add a disclaimer: "Make sure it has the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval on the package." This isn't because we're trying to advertise for the ADA, it comes with a matter of safety and concern for our patients. There are certain "cosmetic" oral hygiene products out there that may contain ingredients harmful to your teeth that are still advertised as beneficial. The only way to tell the difference is to look for the ADA seal. This means the product has been tested by the ADA to ensure it won't harm your teeth and that it contains ingredients that promote good oral health. To pick up any product without the seal is a risk.

Do You Accommodate Emergency Visits?

Unfortunately the unexpected sometimes becomes a reality, and we at Grace & Leedy Family Dentistry do all we can to help. We keep a select amount of emergency appointment slots open and do our best to accommodate any emergency as soon as possible, often the day of or next day. It's important that you call our office as soon as you safely can, or contact our emergency number on evenings and weekends. We also recommend urgent care for issues that cannot wait. Finally, we ask that you call 911 immediately in the event of any serious emergency.

Will My Insurance Cover My Visit?

Often our clients come in with a focused concern on whether their insurance will cover their visit and planned procedures that day. While we certainly cannot broadly list what is covered and not as insurance plans vary, we can say that our administrative staff is great at helping patients make sense out of their dental coverage plans. We work with each patient on a case by case basis to make the most of their insurance coverage as well as plan out future visits to meet the criteria of their plan. Contact us or stop by today to learn more!

Will My Visit Be Painful?

It's common for patients to come in concerned about pain, especially if they are having a more involved procedure performed that day. Whether you're coming into the office for a checkup or getting more substantial work performed, we do everything we can to make our patients comfortable and pain free. We like to create the same experience we'd expect when we get into the dental chair - precise work with the most advanced technology available today. Come for a checkup and see for yourself!

More Questions?

We could spend all day listing the questions we hear in our office, but now that we've answered some of the biggest ones, we encourage you to reach out with more specific questions you may have. We'll be happy to answer them before your visit or during your appointment, whichever you prefer.