General Questions
It’s recommended to visit the dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits depending on your oral health needs.
Preventive dentistry is dental care that helps maintain good oral health. It includes practices like regular check-ups, cleanings, and educating patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques. It’s important because it helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues.
Improve your oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, using mouthwash, and avoiding tobacco products. Eating a balanced diet and limiting sugary snacks can also help maintain oral health.
Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can include severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, partially dislodged tooth, objects caught between teeth that cannot be removed with floss, lost filling or crown, broken braces wires, and abscess or infection. In these cases, immediate dental consultation is advised.
If you have a knocked-out tooth, try to hold the tooth by the crown and rinse the root in water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, gently reinsert and hold the tooth in its socket. If you can’t reinsert it, place the tooth in a cup of milk and get to a dentist immediately. Time is critical for successful reimplantation.
Cosmetic & Restorative Services
Common cosmetic dental procedures include teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, braces, and dental implants. These procedures can correct a wide range of issues, from discoloration to misalignment and missing teeth.
All three are used to replace a missing tooth or teeth.
- A bridge is one or more replacement teeth anchored by one or more permanent teeth on each side. The replacement teeth literally bridge the gap of the missing tooth or teeth.
When teeth are lost and not replaced, the remaining teeth may shift to fill the empty space leaving patients susceptible to periodontal disease, speech impediments, jaw problems, tooth decay and collapsed bites. A bridge can help prevent these problems by maintaining the shape of your jaw line, alleviating the stress in your bite, and preventing the teeth from drifting out of position. - A partial denture is removable and consists of prosthetic teeth that are attached to a gum-colored base that attaches to your natural teeth with clasps.
- A dental implant is a permanent anchor or screw that is surgically placed in the bone and covered with a crown. An implant can be used to secure a crown, a series of bridges, removable dentures or fixed dentures. An implant functions and often looks just like a normal tooth. Dental implants offer stability and a secure fit, but require surgery and may take about 4-12 months to complete. Candidates must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the placement of the anchor which holds the tooth in place.
Whitening is an easy way to dramatically enhance your smile. In less than an hour, our in-office whitening system can whiten your smile up to eight shades. Or try one of our prescription-strength take-home kits and whiten your teeth while you sleep.
A veneer is a thin shell of tooth-colored material that is placed over your natural tooth, covering the front side. Veneers are commonly used to correct the appearance of stained, crooked, or unsightly teeth.
Amalgam is a dental restorative material that most people think of as silver or metal fillings. A composite filling, also called a white filling, is a tooth-colored resin used to fill cavities and repair defects in teeth. Composite resins look just like natural teeth. Given the opportunity to make a fully informed choice, the overwhelming majority of patients choose this type of filling.
Over time, constant chewing or grinding can cause your fillings to wear down. There may also be a chip or a crack in the filling, which allows food and decay-causing bacteria to get under it. Replacing the filling will seal the tooth again and help prevent further decay.
While dentures are durable, they need to be handled delicately and cared for on a daily basis to maximize longevity. Dropping dentures even a few inches can break a prosthetic tooth or the denture base. Even with special care, prosthetic teeth can lose their natural appearance and chewing ability due to brushing and age.
The way you care for your dentures can also alter their fit. Dentures can warp if placed in hot water. If they become dried out, they may change shape. When you remove your dentures at night, place them in a container of denture-cleaning solution or water. It’s best to use a brush designed for dentures and a denture cleaner rather than toothpaste, because some toothpastes may be too abrasive for dentures.
The effects of teeth whitening can last from several months to three years, depending on lifestyle choices such as smoking and consumption of staining foods and beverages.
Periodontal Disease
Signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or tender gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, receding gums, persistent bad breath, and loose or shifting teeth. If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your local Coast Dental dentist.
Smokers have a much higher risk of developing oral cancer and periodontal (gum) disease than non-smokers. Smoking can delay the healing of any sores or open wounds in the mouth as well. Tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products, irritate your gums causing gum tissue to pull away or recede from your teeth. A receding gum line exposes the roots of your teeth to tooth decay and may also leave pockets between your gums and teeth.
Not only can a receding gum line cause discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages, but it can also lead to periodontal disease , an infection that when left untreated, can irreversibly damage your gums and the bones that support your teeth. Periodontal disease can also result in tooth loss. In fact, it is the leading cause of tooth loss.
Tobacco use is another risk factor for oral cancer, a life-threatening disease. You may not even be aware that you have oral cancer in its early stages. That is why Coast Dental recommends all smokers have an annual screening with Identafi® 3000 ultra, a simple, non-invasive advanced oral cancer screening test. It just might save your life.
Yes, because odor-causing bacteria can hide deep in the gum tissue and periodontal pockets surrounding the teeth and in the crevices of the tongue. It is important to remove bacteria daily through brushing, flossing, tongue scraping, prescription rinses and breath control products. We offer a complete product line that kills bacteria and prevents plaque build-up, a primary contributor to periodontal disease. Our products do not contain alcohol which can be drying to gum tissue.
Harmful bacteria can re-establish in the mouth quickly and continue their destructive cycle if not controlled regularly by a licensed professional. The frequency of your visits is prescribed to stop the bacteria and their toxins from doing irreversible harm to your teeth and gums and to help prevent possible damage to other areas of your body.
Only the earliest stage of the disease, called gingivitis, can be completely reversed with proper in-office treatment and good home care. The later stages of the disease cannot be cured, only managed and controlled.
The type of prescription strength fluoride toothpaste you get from the dentist is more effective in reducing harmful bacteria, controlling cavities and reducing sensitivity that can occur with periodontal disease. While regular toothpaste contains some fluoride, it does not contain the strength needed to help reduce symptoms that can be associated with periodontal disease.
The type of cleaning you get depends on your dentist’s clinical findings after a full exam is conducted. Most insurance plans provide for a healthy mouth or preventive cleaning every 6 months, which removes plaque and calculus above the gum line. When gums aren’t healthy or an active infection is present, periodontal therapy is needed to treat the areas below the gum line. Treating infected and unhealthy gums with a healthy mouth or preventive cleaning would be ineffective, unethical and unwise. It would be like waxing a dirty car, but much more dangerous.
It is important to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least twice a day to prevent periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth loss. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can travel through your bloodstream and have an adverse impact on your overall health. The Surgeon General has linked periodontal disease to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis and pre-term and low birth weight babies.
By spending a few minutes on good oral hygiene each day, you’ll be able to maintain good oral health throughout your life. Be sure to make regular visits to your dentist as well.
No. However, we do not recommend that pregnant women use whitening products or antibiotics used in the treatment of periodontal disease. The safety and efficacy of these products has not been established in pregnant women. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene throughout the pregnancy. This includes keeping regular dentist and hygienist appointments and brushing and flossing regularly. For women who are experiencing uncomplicated pregnancies and who have healthy gums and teeth, the second trimester is generally the best time to schedule a regular office visit.
Pregnant women who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease are urged to keep their regular dental appointments in addition to following the oral health care regimen recommended by their dentist. Studies indicate that pregnant women who have severe periodontal disease may be at increased risk for pre-term delivery or a low birth-weight baby.
During pregnancy, a woman’s hormones go through many changes, leaving the woman more susceptible to gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease. The good news is that gingivitis is the only form of periodontal disease that can be reversed and cured with regular professional care and a good home care regimen. Be sure to mention to your dentist or hygienist if your gums become swollen or red, bleed or have an odor.
If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk for tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease , xerostomia (dry mouth), infection, delayed healing and other oral health problems. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Since diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, diabetic patients have more frequent and more severe periodontal disease. Uncontrolled periodontal disease can adversely impact your overall health. Periodontal disease has been linked by the Surgeon General to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis and pre-term and low birth-weight babies.
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause high glucose levels in the saliva and may promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria feed on the sugar and starches in your food and release an acid that causes tooth decay.
Prevent cavities by practicing good oral hygiene, using fluoride toothpaste, visiting the dentist regularly, and avoiding frequent snacking and sugary drinks.
Dental Hygiene
Your mouth is full of bacteria in the form of a sticky film called plaque. Whenever there is food in your mouth or the remains of food after eating, the bacteria use the sugars and starches in the food to produce an acid that eats away your enamel – the hard, outer surface of your teeth. The longer food remains in your mouth, the greater your chances for tooth decay.
Common things like carbonated beverages provide a breeding ground for tooth decay. Each time you eat food or drink beverages that contain sugars or starches, the acid attacks your teeth for 20 minutes or more. Brushing your teeth and following with flossing is the best way to remove the acid and decay-causing plaque from your teeth.
It is important to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least twice a day to prevent periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth loss. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can travel through your bloodstream and have an adverse impact on your overall health. The Surgeon General has linked periodontal disease to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis and pre-term and low birth weight babies.
By spending a few minutes on good oral hygiene each day, you’ll be able to maintain good oral health throughout your life. Be sure to make regular visits to your dentist as well.
Although many people do a good job brushing with a manual toothbrush, studies show that the majority of people get significantly better results with a power toothbrush. Patients suffering with arthritis or who have experienced a stroke may find it impossible to brush effectively with a manual toothbrush, making a power toothbrush a good alternative.
Plaque, the sticky substance on our teeth, contains bacteria that feed on the carbohydrates in our diet and produce an acid that causes tooth decay. Decay can also cause gums to recede and expose the roots of the teeth.
As we age, xerostomia (also known as dry mouth) can contribute to decay. This can be a result of certain medications which reduce the amount of saliva in the mouth. We need saliva to rinse away foods, neutralize the acids produced by plaque and generally lubricate the mouth. Ask your Coast Dental staff about ways to help treat xerostomia.
Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gumline, areas where a toothbrush can’t reach. Regular flossing helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and can also reduce bad breath.
Yes, diet plays a significant role in oral health. Consuming sugary snacks and beverages can increase the risk of tooth decay. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help promote oral health and reduce the risk of gum disease.
Financing and Insurance
Dental insurance and discount plans are very different products, though both provide discounts on dental services. Dental insurance usually requires the subscriber to pay a monthly premium, often in the range of $25 for an individual. That adds up to $300 annually.
Insurance often covers two dental exams per year and two healthy mouth or prophy cleanings. There is generally an annual dollar limit on benefits, often $1500 – $1800. Typically insurance products require deductibles, co-pays, waiting periods and claim forms. Many have exclusions for pre-existing conditions as well.
Discount dental plans are usually much less expensive. Patients typically join by paying a low annual membership fee, often upfront.
If you don’t have insurance or a discount dental plan, ask us about SmilePlus. Each member receives two free annual exams and savings of up to 70% of cleanings, x-rays, crowns, bridges, and other dental services.
All Coast Dental offices offer payment plans or participate in dental discount program (SmilePlus) to make care more affordable for uninsured patients.
Coast Dental accepts more than 200 dental plans and files insurance claims as a convenience to you. We update the list regularly so if you do not see your plan listed below, just ask us if we accept it. We probably do.
If your insurance doesn’t cover a particular procedure, you can discuss alternative treatments with your dentist that might be covered under your plan. Additionally, consider asking about payment plans or checking if there are any dental discount programs you might apply for.
Dentist Credentials
The DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. The education and training is the same for both degrees.
Miscellaneous
Your Coast Dental doctor may recommend extraction of a wisdom tooth for several reasons. The most common reason is that the wisdom tooth is impacted, meaning it is unable to grow correctly. An impacted tooth may grow in sideways or not at all. If a wisdom tooth only partially comes in, bacteria may form around the tooth and cause an infection.
There have been a number of advances in equipment and medications with the patient’s comfort in mind. At Coast Dental, we want to make your visit as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Please ask your doctor or hygenist about the different types of sedation dentistry available to help you with any anxiety.
If tooth decay or a crack in a tooth causes an abscess or infection in the dental pulp, it must be treated to prevent further infection and damage to your jaw bone. The treatment is called a root canal and is performed by a general dentist or an endodontist (a root canal specialist).
Dental x-rays provide valuable information that helps your dentist evaluate your oral health. With the help of x-rays, your dentist can visualize what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. If you are a new patient, your Coast Dental office will take x-rays to determine the current status of your mouth and compare these x-rays to x-rays taken on future visits to see what changes may have occurred between dental visits. Your oral health and age helps your dentist determine how often x-rays are taken.
Teeth appear almost white on the film, while tooth decay, infections and gum disease show up as dark spots that may not be detected by a visual examination. As a result, your dentist is able to treat dental problems in their earliest stages, thereby saving you money and more difficult procedures.
The radiation exposure you will have from dental x-rays is minimal. Most people do not realize that they are exposed to radiation every day from various sources, including small home appliances and minerals in the soil. Even though the radiation from dental x-rays is very low, we take every precaution to minimize exposure. Be sure to tell you doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Many of our practices offer digital imaging services. The advanced imaging technology uses a fraction of the radiation of traditional x-rays and offers a number of benefits to patients and dentists. Images are displayed on a computer screen instantly so patients no longer have to wait. Dentists can enlarge the images and clearly show the patient any areas of concern and discuss treatment options.
Pediatric Dentistry
Children should begin visiting the dentist by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears, whichever comes first.
Help your child avoid dental fear by choosing a pediatric dentist who specializes in treating children and creating a positive and comfortable experience. Discuss what to expect beforehand and maintain a calm and supportive demeanor.
Ensuring your child brushes their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flosses daily, eats a balanced diet, and limits sugary snacks are crucial steps. Also, establishing a fun and engaging oral hygiene routine can help maintain their interest in taking care of their teeth.
Procedures and Treatments
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. During the procedure, the pulp and nerve are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are placed into your jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They are an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
During a dental check-up, your dentist will likely examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. They may also perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup and may take X-rays to detect problems not visible to the naked eye.
