How can we help you?
Staying informed about your dental care and the treatments you receive is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Asking questions helps you understand why you need a certain procedure, how it works, and why it will benefit your oral health. When you know these answers, you can be much more confident when making decisions for you and your family.
We are always more than happy to answer any question you have. If we don't know the answer, we will find the information you need. Listed below are some of the questions we hear most often. If you don't see yours here, please don't hesitate to call our office!
Periodontal Treatment
No, bleeding gums are not normal. Bleeding, sore, or swollen gums are almost always a sign of gum disease.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of your gums. It is caused by bacteria that are allowed to sit on your teeth. If you do not have routine professional dental cleanings, this can quickly become a big oral health problem.
If we do not treat gum disease when it first appears, it will get worse. Advanced gum disease will cause the bone that holds your teeth to start to break down. You may notice this is happening if you feel that your teeth are becoming loose. Without treatment, you may eventually lose the tooth.
Treatment for gum disease usually includes a deep cleaning. During this procedure, our hygienist gently cleans the areas underneath the gums. If your case is more severe, we will refer you to a specialist who has the necessary skill and training to deal with gum problems.
If you do not have symptoms, it does not mean you don’t have gum disease. People often have gum disease without any symptoms at all. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date with your exams and cleanings. If our hygienist does find signs of gum disease, she will treat it with a special deep cleaning treatment. Then she will discuss ways that you can keep your teeth healthy and free of disease.
With regular dental treatments and proper brushing and flossing, you can avoid gum disease altogether. Please call MP Dental Associates to schedule your next professional cleaning.
Do hot or cold foods make your teeth hurt? If so, you may have sensitive teeth, a common dental problem. Your sensitive teeth might be caused by:
- Exposed tooth roots
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Worn tooth enamel
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Defective fillings
There are a number of treatments available that can be used to help reduce or eliminate your discomfort. The simplest method is to use a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne, Crest Sensitive, or Aquafresh Sensitive.
When you use these toothpastes twice a day for about 8 to 12 weeks, you should notice that your teeth are not as sensitive anymore. If we find that these toothpastes alone aren’t enough, we can prescribe a desensitizing medication.
During this simple procedure at our office, we’ll apply the medication to the surface of your teeth. You will also receive a prescription for use at home. Usually, either or both of these methods will help reduce sensitivity and quickly and easily provide relief.
Brushing and flossing regularly, along with regular dental visits, is very important if you want to avoid tooth sensitivity. If you have questions about tooth sensitivity or your at-home oral hygiene, please don’t hesitate to talk to our hygienist or one of our doctors.