FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tooth whitening safe?

Safety in our dental office whitening is on top of the list. We studied for years how to take care of your teeth and how to give you the best result possible without any harm. We will make sure that your gum is protected before we begin any teeth whitening and we will give you recommendation on how to preserve the result for longer.

Which is faster in office whitening or home whitening?

In office whitening is faster and more efficient and will give you a pearl white color in just one or two hours. Even if the other method is done from the comfort of your own home but the result is not predictable and the damage that may occur to your unprotected gums may be irreversible.

Is it safe to have x-rays taken?

Some people have concerns about the safety of x-rays and about the exposure to radiation. With the usage of the latest in digital x-ray technology the exposure to radiation is minimal. In fact the average patient may receive more radiation from sitting next to the microwave oven for 6 month than from traditional x-rays at the dental office.

What should I do if my child falls and a permanent tooth is knocked out?

First of all don’t panic. Find the tooth and hold it by the crown and not the root. Don’t wash it nor clean it just put it in a glass of milk and take the tooth and your child to the dentist immediately.

How many times a day should I brush my teeth?

At Procare Dental Clinic we recommend brushing your teeth 3 times a day or after each meal. But the best way to make sure you are brushing the correct way is to discuss your home care techniques with our dentist and hygienist.

Are baby teeth important for my child?

Baby teeth are very important for your child: they help your child to speak and chew naturally. They also form a path for the permanent teeth to erupt in the correct place. And new studies have proven that the presence of baby teeth have a positive impact on the bone development of your child face and head.

What causes tooth decay?

When bacteria that is usually present in the mouth comes in contact with the plaque that is formed from sugar and starches, we have the formation of acid that attacks the enamel covering the teeth. After repeated acid attacks the enamel is broken down and a cavity begins to form. And after the formation of a cavity the infection of the tooth by these bacteria is easier and faster.

Will the dental treatment hurt?

There are few issues in our practice that have been the focus of as much emphasis as this one. And with the advancement in equipment and medication that we have reached pain control is more effective than ever before and more comfortable.

Why do I need my root filled tooth crowned?

Your tooth is more likely to suffer from a fracture than a tooth which has not been root filled. The reason for this is that a lot of the internal supporting dentine has been removed to allow the root filling to be placed. Putting a crown on your tooth is one way for your dentist to protect the tooth from fracture.

Are the results of the whitening permanent?

It is usual for the shade improvement to last several years. This time period can be extended by a regular maintenance program with occasional top up sessions of tray based tooth whitening used in combination with regular visits to your dental hygienist. A program for visiting the hygienist is individually designed for you by your dentist as part of your overall dental health program

Why would my dentist recommend an inlay or onlay instead of a normal filling?

This is normal because when your dentist has carefully evaluated your tooth the long term predictability of success for an inlay or onlay is better than for a direct filling.

I have noticed that my upper front teeth have moved over the last year and have developed spaces between them. What should I do?

The first thing to do is get our dentists to examine you as soon as possible so that the reason for your tooth movement can be diagnosed. There are various reasons why your teeth may have moved, one of the commonest is drifting due to loss of attachment in periodontal disease. It can also be due to other causes and so a dental check-up is vital here.

Why do my gums bleed?

The most common reason for gum bleeding is as a result of gingivitis where the gums are inflamed due to irritation from dental plaque bacteria. Why not book an appointment to see our dentists so you can have this diagnosis confirmed and learn about effective treatments?

Can gum problems run in families?

Yes- it is now clear that approximately 10% of the population are genetically more likely to suffer from various forms of gum disease. It is really important that you get the opinion of a periodontal specialist so that you can discuss the various options for treatment.

How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?

Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth. Take your child to a pediatric dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child’s first birthday.

I am afraid of going to the dentist ... What can I do?

Fear of the dentist is quite common and many people are as fearful and concerned as you may be. However, because fear of the dentist is so common, our dentist and staff are also well aware of this and are properly trained to work with you in helping you to overcome these fears. Notify your dental team about your concerns and questions. You will find they are eager to work with you to make your visits pleasant. Asking questions about your mouth and proposed treatment will help to remove fear of the unknown and give you an opportunity to become involved in your dental health. Most importantly, remember that our dental team is eager to work with you, not just on you,in order to achieve a mutual goal – maintaining the health of your smile.