Dental FAQs

Find the answers from our Surrey dental office, Derna Dental Clinic!

What is dentistry?

Dentistry is the medical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions, disorders, and diseases of the tooth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Often considered necessary for complete dental health, dentistry can have an influence on the health of your whole body.

What is a dentist?

A dentist  has finished at least 8 years of schooling, and received either a DDS (doctor of dental surgery) degree or a DMD (doctor of dental medicine) degree. If your medical professional is a pediatric dental practitioner, this means that they specialize in caring for kids from infancy through their teen years. Other common specializations are:

  • Endodontics (root canals)
  • Oral and maxillofacial (including pathology, radiology, and surgical treatment)
  • Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
  • Periodontics (gum disease)
  • Prosthodontics (implants)
Why is seeing a dentist so important?

Visiting your Surrey dentist routinely will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, it will also keep the rest of your body healthy. Dental care is essential because it:.

  • Helps to prevent dental caries.
  • Protects against gum disease, which can result in tooth and bone loss.
  • Prevents bad breath—brushing, flossing, and seeing a dental professional frequently will help in reducing the amount of bad-breath causing bacteria in your mouth.
  • Gives you a more attractive smile and increases your confidence.
  • Helps keep teeth looking bright by preventing them from being stained by food, beverages, and tobacco.
  • Reinforces your teeth so that you can enjoy a healthy, stunning smile for the rest of your life!
My teeth feel fine. Do I still need to see a dental practitioner?

Your teeth might feel fine, however it’s still crucial to see our Fleetwood dentist regularly since issues can exist without you knowing. With many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth.

What should I look for when picking the right dentist for me?
Selecting a dental professional who “clicks” with you and your household is very important, and you might want to consider several dental professionals prior to making your decision. During your first visit, you must have the ability to determine if the dental expert is right for you. Throughout your visit, think about the following:

 

  • Is the visit convenient for me?
  • Is the workplace simple to get to and close by?
  • Does the office appear to be clean and organized?
  • Was your medical and dental history recorded and put in a permanent file?
  • Does the dental practitioner describe methods for good dental health?
  • Is information about budget and expense presented to you prior to treatment beginning?
  • Is your dental practitioner a member of the CDA (Canadian Dental Association)?

By answering these questions, you should find the dentist who is best for you, like the ones at Derna Dental Clinic.

How can I look after my teeth in between dental examinations?

 

Here are some important reminders from your Surrey dental practice:

  • Always remember to brush your teeth at least three times a day, and floss at least once per day.
  • Use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent tooth cavities.
  • Avoid foods with a great deal of sugar (sugar enhances the amount of germs that grow in your mouth, causing more plaque and possibly tooth cavities).
  • Avoid tobacco (this can stain your teeth, cause gum condition, and ultimately lead to oral cancer).
  • Do not hesitate to brush your tongue! By brushing your tongue, you will remove food particles and lower the quantity of plaque triggering germs. Tongue brushing likewise helps keep your breath fresh.

And make sure to schedule your regular dental checkups at Derna Dental Clinic. It is recommended that you visit us every 6 months.

At what age should I begin taking my child to see a dental professional?

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) advises that kids first see a dental practitioner as early as six-months-old and no later than one-year-old. Throughout this time, some of your child’s baby teeth will have grown in and your dentist can examine the health of the first couple of teeth. After the very first visit, be sure to schedule routine examinations every 6 months.

How often should I see the dentist?

Kids, teenagers, and adults must all see the dentist for a routine appointment at least once every 6 months. Patients who are at a higher risk of dental cancer or gum disease may need to see the dentist more than just two times a year. Your Surrey dentist at Derna Dental Clinic will certainly help identify how frequently you need to visit the dentist for routine appointments.

Exactly what is a tooth cavity?

A tooth cavity is a little hole that forms inside the tooth and is caused by dental caries. Tooth cavities are formed when plaque buildup on the outside of the tooth combines with sugars and starches in the food you consume. This can produce an acid that can eat through the enamel on your tooth. If a cavity is left without treatment, it can lead to more significant dental health problems. Tooth cavities can be prevented by remembering to brush your teeth at least 3 times a day and floss a minimum of once per day.

What is a filling?

A filling is a synthetic material that your Surrey dental professional uses to fill a tooth cavity after all of the tooth decay has been removed. If you need a filling, be sure to talk to your physician about what type of filling is best for you and your oral health.

How often should I brush my teeth?

According to your dentist and the CDA, you must be brushing your teeth a minimum of two times a day. Brushing keeps your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy by removing bacteria-causing-plaque. It is recommended that when you brush your teeth, you use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. You must spend a minimum of one minute on the top teeth and one minute on the bottom teeth, and bear in mind to brush your tongue; it will help keep your breath smelling fresh!

When should I replace my toothbrush?

Your toothbrush will eventually break, especially if you are brushing your teeth two times a day for 2-3 minutes each time. Your dental professional recommends that children and adults change their toothbrushes every three months. If you are using an electrical toothbrush, be sure to check out the directions as you may not need to change toothbrush heads as often. Clients with gum disease are advised to change their toothbrush every four to 6 weeks in order to keep any germs from spreading. After brushing, wash your toothbrush with hot water to eliminate germs and keep the bristles clean. If you’ve been sick, be sure to changed your toothbrush right away.

Exactly what is gum disease?

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is most often caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is an irreversible condition. Brushing your teeth routinely, and visiting your Surrey dentist every six months will certainly assist in avoiding gingivitis and more serious cases of periodontal disease. Some signs of gum disease include:

  • Red, swollen, bleeding, or inflamed gums.
  • Persistent bad breath.
  • Loose teeth, or loss of teeth.
  • Severe tooth sensitivity.
  • Receding gum line.
  • Abscessed teeth.

For more information on gum disease, contact our Fleetwood dental office today.

If I have braces, do I still need dental examinations every 6 months?

It’s even more crucial that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist frequently. Your Surrey dental professional will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while using braces.

How do I arrange my next dental exam?

Just call our Surrey dental practice! Our front desk staff will certainly be happy to help schedule your next dental examination at your convenience. If you are a brand-new patient, please let us know, and we will provide you with all the details you require for your very first dental visit. Contact us today!

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