What can help my sensitive teeth?

There are many treatments to tooth sensitivity; one that we suggest is a desensitizing toothpaste, which can help block sensation to the nerve of the tooth. Cavities, fractured teeth, or receding gums can make your teeth more sensitive, and in more severe cases, a root canal can eliminate the pain. Come in for a consultation and we will find the best solution for any sensitivity you may be experiencing.

What do I do if my tooth falls out?

If you act quickly, our dentist can replace the tooth in your mouth. When your tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown. To NOT touch the root. If the tooth is dirty gently rinse it with water. Do not use soap or any chemicals, and so not scrub and dry it or wrap the tooth in a tissue.

If possible, place the tooth back into the socket. Hold it in place with your fingers or with very gentle biting pressure. If the tooth cannot be placed back into your mouth, keep it moist by holding in your cheek or covering it with milk or your own saliva.

Contact our office immediately to make an appointment with our dentist. The sooner that we can meet with you the more likely it is that we can save your tooth.

I have tooth pain, what do I do?

If you are experiencing tooth pain, the first thing to do is call our office and make an emergency appointment with our dentist. Toothaches can sometimes by symptoms of more serious problems, and we want to make sure that you receive the care you need as quickly as possible.

Simple toothaches can often be relieved by flossing and rinsing the mouth to dislodge food debris or other particles trapped in your teeth. Do NOT place aspirin or other pain relievers directly onto your gums, as this can cause additional pain and even damage your gums.

Toothaches may also be caused by cavities, cracked or broken teeth, exposed tooth roots, and periodontal disease. Please make an appointment with our dentist so that we can determine the exact cause of your pain and provide an appropriate treatment.

I snore, what treatments are available to help with this?

There are a variety of snoring treatments available. One treatment option for snoring is oral appliance therapy. Our dentist will provide you with a custom oral appliance, similar to a night guard, that will help keep your airways open at night while you sleep. This will prevent the tongue or soft tissues from collapsing so that you do not snore.

Snoring may also be a sign of sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder. Our dentist may recommend that you participate in a sleep study or meet with your physician to diagnose whether or not you have this condition and determine an appropriate treatment.

How do I know if my child has tooth decay?

Starting your child’s oral health routines early can make a difference that will last for decades. Controlling the acidic or sugary foods they eat will also prevent early decay. Cavity-causing bacteria can also be spread to the baby when a pacifier or feeding spoon has been in a parent’s mouth. Our pediatric dentistry is careful and experienced with treating children and adolescents. Call us if you have any questions or concerns about this important detail in your child’s life!

Why do I have bad breath?

A prevalent, discomforting symptom of oral health issues can be bad breath. There are solutions such as mouthwash and daily flossing, but these can be only temporary.  Sometimes, there is a more in-depth explanation for recurring bad breath, one of which can be chronic halitosis, and we can address this thoroughly in an appointment.

Does your practice accept my insurance?

If you are hesitant to come in because of insurance concerns, feel free to visit our financial options page and look over those. If you do not see your insurance company listed, you can always call us and we will do our best to find a payment solution that works for you.

What should I bring to my first visit?

First, after calling to set up your first appointment, we’ll need you to fill out or bring in your new patient form and your insurance card. Be aware that the first visit is normally a comprehensive exam to get a closer look at what work you may need or want, which would begin on your next visit with us. Call today if you have any further concerns.

How do I know if I have periodontitis or gingivitis?

These two conditions are often spoken interchangeably, but it is important to be aware that they are two very different things. Age can be a factor in determining why you’re having pain – periodontitis is rarer the younger you are; however, teenagers can develop gingivitis. Symptoms are often unnoticed with gingivitis, but periodontitis can comprise of swollen, red, or bleeding gums. For further information, call us at 208-664-8283 for a consultation today.

Why do you use X-rays at the dentist?

This is a good question — you may have wondered why dentists need to take X-rays when they look in your mouth all the time. The answer is that it can reveal more than what the human eye can recognize, even things like an infected root or other abnormalities, like cysts or some types of tumors. Overall, we use X-rays to give you the best, most thorough treatment possible!