A Dentist in Long Valley Answers Questions About Your Teeth and Gums

As a dentist in Long Valley, we believe in the power of preventative care. While many people will wait until they have a toothache or damaged tooth to visit the dentist, coming in for regular, preventative appointments can ensure that you don’t get a toothache in the first place.  Dental care is one area where you need to come in, regardless of whether or not you have any symptoms.  Since regular dental appointments are completed in an hour or less, taking the time once or twice a year, can save you a lot of time down the road.

During these dental appointments, we like to discuss the ways that our patients can stay in good oral health at home.  We may show you how to brush and floss properly or make suggestions for healthy foods that you can eat.  We will also take this time to answer any questions that you may have so that you can be empowered to have excellent oral health at home.  Here are some that we are asked on a regular basis –

How often do I need to have my teeth cleaned?

We recommend that you visit our Long Valley dentist office and have your teeth cleaned twice a year.  If you can only schedule one appointment, that is okay but any less, and you will be increasing your risk of getting cavities or gum disease.  In fact, gum disease is the biggest thing we are worried about since it starts by plaque getting stuck underneath the gums.  If it remains undiagnosed and untreated, it might eventually cause tooth loss, and these regular appointments are the best way to fight the condition.

Can you fix my loose crown in your Long Valley dentist office?

Yes, we can.  If your crown has gotten loose, you should schedule an appointment right away for the health of your tooth.  A loose crown means that bacteria can become trapped in between the tooth and crown, leading to an additional health condition that can result in serious discomfort.  We can help you to avoid this unnecessary problem by replacing or restoring your crown right away.

Will you provide me with more than one treatment option?

Certainly.  We offer comprehensive dental care and will be happy to discuss the various ways that we can treat or restore your tooth.  For example, if your tooth is cracked you may need a dental crown. However, you could consider dental bonding or a dental veneer instead. We will discuss all of the options for treating your specific health problem along with the pros and cons of each procedure so that you can make an informed decision regarding how to proceed.

How soon should I come in if my tooth is hurting?

If your tooth is hurting, we want to see you right away.  A toothache is typically caused by a normal cavity or an infection in the dental pulp. Both require treatment right away so that the decayed or infected portion of the tooth can be removed, and the tooth structure restored.