Q: Which type of toothbrush should I use?
A: We recommend a Phillips Sonicare Electronic Toothbrush. A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums. A smaller head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums. It's not recommended to "scrub" your teeth as long as you are brushing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings.
Q: Is one toothpaste better than others?
A: At Hinrichs and Buckley Dentistry the only toothpaste we recommend is True White from Sensodyne.
Q: How often should I floss?
A: Flossing of the teeth once per day helps prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy and breath fresh.
Q: What's the difference between a "crown" and a "cap"?
A: A Crown and a Cap are the same thing. These are restorations to repair a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth. In our office, all old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and decay are removed. At Hinrichs and Buckley Dentistry, our crowns are cosmetic, custom made and strong.
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 taken in and out by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures.
Q: What about "silver" fillings versus "white" fillings?
A: At Hinrichs and Buckley Dentistry, we do all white fillings. Although the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there are no health reasons not to use amalgam (silver fillings), more patients today are requesting "white" or tooth-colored composite fillings. We also prefer tooth-colored fillings because they "bond" to the tooth structure and therefore helps strengthen the tooth weakened by decay. While fillings are also usually less sensitive to temperature, they also look better. However, "white" fillings cannot be used in every situation, and if a tooth is very badly broken-down, a crown will usually be necessary to provide better overall satisfaction for the patient.
Q: Do I need to have a root canal just because I need a crown?
A: No. Most teeth that have had root canal treatments do need crowns. But, not every tooth needing a crown needs to have a root canal.