Dental FAQs

Our dentists can diagnose, treat, and manage your overall oral health as a general dentistry provider. When you visit us, you can ask any questions about your gums, teeth, or mouth as well as let us know about any concerns you may have. We’re here to assist you. Our dentists will provide preemptive care and can make recommendations to a specialist if we have your comprehensive dental records.

Yes. Dental X-rays are extremely safe. We minimize X-ray exposure by placing a lead vest over your body and focusing the machine directly on your teeth. Digital imagery technologies have made X-rays even safer.

This often depends on your medical and dental history and current condition.  Children are closely monitored with digital X-rays taken every 6 months.  Adults with no recent dental concerns or gum disease and who visit their dentist regularly may get X-rays less frequently (12-18 months).  However, gum disease, excessive decay, and impacted molars may necessitate additional X-rays so our dentists can better monitor your teeth.

Your child can start seeing their dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Beginning your child’s oral care routine at a young age provides multiple benefits. Your dentists will be able to monitor your child’s oral health from a young age and make recommendations for other dental services. After the first visit, you can begin scheduling your child’s dental check-up every six months.

One of the best ways to ease your dental fears is to speak with your dentists. Our compassionate team is always here to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have about your treatment options. We understand that dental anxiety is a genuine feeling, and we want you to feel at ease when you visit our office. We provide a calming and relaxing atmosphere. We also offer anesthetics during procedures to reduce any pain you may feel during your procedure.

At Brevard Health Alliance, we provide a wide range of preventative and emergency dental services for adults and children. Our team of dental professionals is highly trained to utilize the latest tools and techniques to provide exceptional care for your teeth. Our preventative and emergency care services include:

• Oral Hygiene & Dietary Counseling
• Periodontal Disease Treatment
• Fluoride Treatments
• “Baby” Root Canals
• Space Maintainers
• Crown Placement
• Teeth Cleaning
• Dental Exams
• Extractions
• Fillings
• X-Rays

While root canals may have a reputation for being extremely painful, that isn’t true any longer. As dental technology continues to improve, so do pain management techniques. Root canals are almost entirely painless when performed by a knowledgeable and trained dentist. In fact, the pain you feel due to the infected tooth root is considerably more painful than a root canal. Root canals are designed to eliminate the infection in your tooth’s pulp while still allowing you to use that tooth for chewing once the procedure is complete. If you have any questions about your root canal procedure, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, which normally causes them to become irritated and bleed when you brush them. It forms when plaque forms between your teeth and along your gum line. Luckily, gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, and no permanent damage has been done to your teeth or gums. Our dentists will aggressively treat gingivitis to help protect your teeth. At home, you should continue to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash to prevent plaque buildup. If left untreated, gingivitis will continue to worsen until eventually advancing to periodontitis.

Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States. It is an inflammation in the gums caused by plaque and calculus buildup. The inflammation leads to deepening spaces between your gums and the base of your tooth. As your body continues to fight the infection, it can lead to the breakdown of your gums and bone. Eventually, your teeth will become loose and fall out. Once periodontitis has developed, there is no way to cure it, only to help reduce the effects of the symptoms. With routine check-ups, our doctors will be able to identify the early warning signs of periodontitis more easily.

There are innumerable benefits to visiting your dentist regularly. Bi-annual check-ups allow our dentists to examine your oral health and identify problems with your teeth before they lead to more significant issues. Not only that, a routine check-up allows you to voice any concerns you may have about your teeth or ask any questions about your at-home oral care routine. Some of the benefits of visiting your dentist every six months include:

• Prevents Gum Disease – Having your teeth cleaned is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease. Our dentists can remove sticky tartar that may not be removed with brushing and flossing alone.
• Monetary Savings – Most dental insurances cover two cleanings per year. Having your teeth routinely cleaned and examined allows our dentists to uncover potential issues before they lead to more costly problems, saving you money in the long run.
• Oral Cancer Detection – Oral cancer is responsible for thousands of deaths every year. Our dentists can detect oral cancer early when the tumor is much more treatable during your routine exam.
• Brighter Smile – Our dentists can remove stains on your teeth during your cleaning, creating a healthier, brighter-looking smile.

There are numerous causes of tooth sensitivity. Luckily, there are multiple brands of toothpaste explicitly designed to reduce the sensation so you can continue to enjoy the foods and drinks you love. However, if it becomes painful to enjoy your favorite foods, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. Some of the most common reasons for tooth sensitivity include:

• Cavities – Cavities are decayed holes in your teeth that can expose the dentin and even tooth pulp and nerves that are typically protected by enamel.
• Worn Enamel – When your tooth’s enamel is worn down, it can expose the underlying dentin and even the nerves below your teeth. Your enamel can begin to thin if you grind your teeth or you brush too hard.
• Large Fillings – Large fillings that sit on your tooth’s nerves can also lead to tooth sensitivity.

If you have a loose tooth or your tooth has fallen out due to gum disease or sudden impact, such as a fall, you should see a dentist right away. Also, if you’re experiencing severe pain or bleeding from the gums, that is considered an emergency. When it comes to your teeth, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Our dentists are available to answer any questions you may have about any dental emergencies you may be experiencing.

Most dentists recommend a soft bristle or an electric toothbrush.  Softer bristles are easier on the gums, whereas hard bristle brushes can actually damage the gums, root surface, and tooth enamel.  Electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque and are easier for people with limited mobility.  Both toothbrushes help provide a good oral care routine so you’ll enjoy healthy, clean teeth.