30 Nov 2016 Common Dental Questions Answered
While we encourage our patients to ask as many questions as possible before, during, and after their appointments, we also realize that some dentist questions come up more often than others. The following dental questions are often asked by patients who have concerns about their procedure or how we can help. Hopefully these dental tips will help relieve any anxiety you may have about scheduling an appointment with a dentist to maintain your oral health!
Are X-Rays Safe?
One of the most common dental questions we hear is whether x-rays are safe, especially for children.
Dental x-rays are an important tool for diagnosing and visualizing damage to your teeth and surrounding tissue. An x-ray can detect problems in their early stages, reveal bone loss, identify decay beneath a filling and more. While an x-ray does require radiation, the amount of radiation given off by a dental x-ray is very minimal. The average person is exposed to more radiation from the sun in a year than from an x-ray. With a bitewing x-ray, the most common type of dental x- ray, the radiation exposure is about equal to one day in the sun.
Your dentist will take care to protect you from unnecessary exposure to radiation. This includes using the lowest possible setting and taking just one image for children and avoiding dental x-rays of pregnant women.
Do My Children Need Sealants?
Dental sealants are a popular and easy way to give kids an extra boost toward preventing cavities. Sealants are plastic material placed in the fissures and pits of the chewing surfaces of the teeth, especially in the areas in which a toothbrush cannot reach.
Not all children need dental sealants if they are not naturally prone to tooth decay or have very good oral hygiene. The American Dental Association currently recommends kids receive sealants as soon as they get their adult teeth. If you’re not sure if your kids could benefit from sealants, contact Holladay Family Dental to schedule an appointment to learn more.
I hate my silver fillings. What can I do?
Many adults have older amalgam or silver fillings that can be very noticeable when they smile or speak. If you’re tired of your silver fillings, it is possible to replace them with more durable and cosmetically pleasing composite fillings. Composite fillings can last longer than silver and are bonded to your teeth to strengthen your teeth. At Holladay Family Dental, we are happy to replace your silver fillings with composite for cosmetic purposes, although we don’t insist that you replace perfectly good fillings that do not pose a problem.
I don’t have insurance. How can I afford dental treatments?
Taking care of your teeth with regular checkups and dental work as needed is important to your overall health. If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry! We will work with you to develop a treatment plan you can afford with many payment options available, including payment plans and interest-free financing to help you afford your dental treatments.
I have anxiety about visiting the dentist. What should I do?
You’re definitely not alone. Many people feel anxious about visiting the dentist, often for very different reasons, including negative experiences in the past, anticipation of pain, the sterile aroma of the dental office, or a fear of being unable to move.
At Holladay Family Dental, we believe a good dentist-patient relationship is key to overcoming anxiety. We will help you stay informed and in control throughout your visit. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, a simple hand signal will end your procedure. We will also make you as comfortable as possible. Anesthetic makes dental procedures painless, but a sedative can also be used to calm your nerves. You may also find that a distraction helps, such as listening to music with headphones. If you have anxiety about seeing a dentist, please don’t be afraid to speak up so we can help make your visit as comfortable and easy as possible!
If you have any additional dentist questions, feel free to contact Holladay Family Dental. Our office will be happy to provide additional dental tips or answer any questions you may have about dental procedures, paying for treatment, and oral hygiene.