Frequently Asked Questions
6 Key Questions You Wanted to Ask Your Dentist
There are moments when you feel like your head is buzzing with questions before visiting the dentist. However, upon arrival at the office, some of them slip away, and the information is forgotten. In this article, we have compiled six frequently asked questions that are worth asking your dentist to stay informed about all the important details.
Professional teeth cleaning by a specialist is recommended to be done at least once every six months. This schedule suits most patients, however, some may require more frequent visits to the dentist.
The frequency of appointments is determined by the following factors:
1. Habits and lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol consumption, frequent consumption of black tea or coffee, as well as the use of staining products may require more frequent cleanings.
2. Saliva composition: The mineral composition of saliva affects the formation of dental calculus, and for some patients, more frequent professional cleaning may be necessary.
3. Hygiene habits: Regular adherence to hygiene rules, including the use of dental floss and mouthwashes, also affects the frequency of recommended visits.
4. Individual body characteristics: The level of dental care may vary, and the frequency of dental visits will depend on the individual needs of the patient.
Some patients may only need one professional cleaning per year, provided they take thorough care of their oral cavity. However, it is better to discuss the optimal frequency of procedures with the dentist to determine an individual schedule for dental care.
This question often causes confusion amidst a wealth of information, and the correct answer is sometimes lost among different viewpoints. Here are some recommendations to clarify this issue:
- Before bedtime: If you don’t plan to have a late-night snack, then brushing your teeth before bedtime is important. During sleep, the level of saliva needed to rinse the oral cavity decreases, and accumulated epithelial cells can lead to unpleasant breath. Therefore, brushing your teeth before bedtime is particularly relevant.
- Before meals: Before eating, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water or use a mouthwash. It is also beneficial to drink a glass of room temperature water. This helps prepare the oral cavity for food intake and reduces the risk of plaque formation.
- After meals: Be sure to brush your teeth after breakfast. This helps remove food residues and bacteria, prevents plaque formation, and maintains fresh breath. Throughout the day, it is recommended to use mouthwashes and dental floss to maintain gum health and prevent plaque formation.
Modern classical endodontics, which deals with the treatment of dental pulp and dentin, emphasizes that there are a number of protocols and observations indicating that the color of the tooth usually remains unchanged after nerve removal. The possibility of tooth discoloration may only arise in the case of low-quality filling materials being used.
Let’s consider the process from the very beginning, starting with the anatomy of the human body. The tongue is a muscular organ with a mucous membrane, and the amount of bacteria on its surface depends on the structure of the tongue itself. These bacteria are the cause of plaque formation and the appearance of unpleasant odor.
Plaque is usually less common on the tip of the tongue because it is naturally cleansed by movement within the oral cavity. On the other hand, the back of the tongue is less mobile and less cleaned by the patient, as it only contacts the palate. This is where plaque can be thicker.
There are various reasons for the formation of plaque on the tongue, including:
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Tobacco and smoking.
- Pigments from food.
- Delayed treatment of infections.
- Chronic illnesses.
- Stomach problems.
Now, understanding the process and factors causing plaque on the tongue, one can more effectively prevent its occurrence.
Treatment under general anesthesia for dental procedures is usually prescribed in the following cases:
Psychological disorders: For patients with psychological disorders such as severe fear or anxiety, the use of general anesthesia provides comfort and tranquility during treatment.
Severe fear of surgery: Patients with severe fear of dental procedures may receive treatment under general anesthesia to ensure a more relaxed atmosphere and absence of pain during treatment.
Allergy to local anesthetics: In cases of allergy to local anesthetics, general anesthesia may be used to perform painless dental procedures.
Complex surgical operations: When complex surgical interventions are necessary, such as the removal of complex tumors or jaw reconstruction, the use of general anesthesia ensures adequate anesthesia and comfort for the patient.
Dental treatment during pregnancy is possible, and the optimal period for this is the second trimester (4-5-6 months). However, there are some points to consider:
Contraindications:
- Dental X-rays: It is advisable to avoid dental X-rays during pregnancy due to radiation exposure.
- Antibiotics and medications: Some antibiotics and medications used in dental treatment may have contraindications during pregnancy.
Safe treatment elements:
- Anesthetics: Certain safe anesthetic agents can be used in dental treatment.
- Other treatment elements: Other unspecified treatment elements not mentioned above have no specific restrictions during pregnancy.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting dental treatment during pregnancy to develop an individualized treatment plan, taking into account the specific needs and requirements of the expectant mother and the risks to the development of the baby.