We hope these commonly asked FAQ questions help answer any concerns you may have. If you still have additional questions about our Cincinnati Dentist, please feel free to call our office or submit a contact form and we would be happy to help provide you answers.
Q: Which type of toothbrush should I use?
A: The brand of the toothbrush is not as critical as the type of bristle and the size of the toothbrush head that is being used. A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums, and a small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums. It’s unnecessary to “scrub” the teeth as long as you are brushing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular dental cleanings.
Q: Is one toothpaste better than others?
A: Generally, no. However, it’s advisable to use a fluoride containing toothpaste to decrease the incidence of dental decay. We recommend our patients use what toothpaste tastes good to them as long as it contains fluoride.
Q: How often should I floss?
A: A minimum of once a day. Flossing of the teeth once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy. Consistent flossing can also help reduce inflammation and prevent gum disease over time.
Q: What’s the difference between a “crown” and a “cap”?
A: These are restorations to repair a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth after removing old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and all decay. The restoration material is made of gold, porcelain, composites, or even stainless steel. Dentists refer to all of these restorations as “crowns”. However, patients often refer to the tooth-colored ones as “caps” and the gold or stainless steel ones as “crowns”. Despite the different terminology, both terms describe the same type of dental restoration.
Q: What’s the difference between a “bridge” and a “partial denture”?
A: Both dental bridges and partial dentures are made to replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants are used. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Bridges tend to feel more natural and stable, whereas partial dentures can take more time to adjust to. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures.
Q: What about “silver” fillings versus “white” fillings?
A: Although the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there is no health reason not to use amalgam (silver fillings), more patients today are requesting “white” or tooth-colored composite fillings. We also prefer tooth-colored fillings because they “bond” to the tooth structure and therefore help strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. While fillings are also usually less sensitive to temperature, and they also look better. However, “white” fillings cannot be used in every situation, and if a tooth is very badly broken-down, a crown will usually be necessary and provide better overall satisfaction for the patient.
Q: Do I need to have a root canal just because I have to have a crown?
A: No. While most teeth which have had root canal treatments do need crowns to strengthen the teeth and to return the teeth to normal form and function, not every tooth needing a crown also needs to have a root canal. Your dentist will evaluate the health of the tooth’s nerve to determine whether a root canal is necessary.