When you visit the dentist, you may have questions about how to be healthy, maintain your smile, or even improve your smile’s aesthetics. As your local dental office in Lexington, KY, we want you to be on top of your oral health. Asking about any developing dental problems or how to best care for your smile can help you stay on track with your smile goals and keep you healthy.
Q&A For Your Dentist in Lexington, KY
Common dental questions that you should ask at your next dental visit include:
How often should I visit the dentist?
While we typically recommend that patients visit the dentist twice yearly, some may require more frequent visits. If we find that you have a chronic dental problem, like gum disease, we will recommend that you visit us more frequently. At these visits, we can provide more thorough cleanings to keep your symptoms in check and prevent further complications.
How can I brighten my smile?
If you are in otherwise good oral health but want to try cosmetic dental care, we’re here to help. Professional teeth whitening is the premier option for patients who want to eliminate tooth stains. However, if patients have sensitive teeth or deep tooth stains that don’t react to whitening, we will recommend dental bonding or porcelain veneers.
What does this problem mean?
There is no such thing as a dumb question. If you notice changes like tooth pain, emerging wisdom teeth, or bleeding gums, please contact us so we can help before it’s too late. We will examine your smile and take your symptoms into account to create a custom treatment plan for you.
What can I do if I have dental anxiety?
Whether patients have anxiety about routine visits or an upcoming dental procedure, we’re here to help. We know that visiting the dentist can be intimidating for patients who have had negative past experiences at the dentist, a fear of pain or dental tools, or anxiety. Our mission is to ensure patients are comfortable when visiting our office. Let us know if you have dental anxiety before your visit, and we can accommodate you to make your visit as relaxing as possible.
How do I prevent tooth decay?
Some of the most common ways to prevent problems like cavities and tooth decay are to:
- Brush and floss daily
- Avoid acidic or sugary foods and drinks
- Drink enough water
- Visit the dentist every six months
We also offer thorough dental cleanings at regular dental visits. Our dentist can recommend the right treatment option for you if you require more extensive care for a decayed tooth or teeth.
How do I know if I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns act like protective caps for damaged teeth. We may recommend one if you have a large cavity that’s too big for a filling, a cracked tooth that needs reinforcement, or after a root canal treatment. Crowns restore both function and looks by matching your tooth shape and color. During your visit, we’ll examine your tooth and discuss whether a crown is your best option.
Are dental implants right for me?
Dental implants are the closest replacement to natural teeth when you’re missing one or more teeth. They’re surgically placed in your jawbone and topped with realistic-looking crowns. Good candidates have healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant. If you’re considering implants, we’ll evaluate your oral health and explain the entire process from placement to final restoration.
What’s better, a dental bridge or an implant?
While both replace missing teeth, they work differently. Bridges use adjacent teeth as anchors, while implants stand independently. Implants don’t require altering healthy teeth and help prevent bone loss, but bridges may be better in some situations. We’ll consider your specific needs, bone health, and budget to recommend what’s best for your smile.
Do you have more questions? Call Dr. Morgan Chambers for a dental appointment today at 859-251-3809. You may also request an appointment online.