At what age should I begin to bring my child to the dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth is visible in the mouth.
Are X-Rays really necessary?
Yes. In order for the Doctor to evaluate the status of your teeth and bone health, she must have X-rays. They allow us to see areas that are not otherwise visible. Our office uses digital radiography which omits about fifty percent less radiation than traditional x-rays.
What's the difference between a "crown" and a "cap"?
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".
What the difference between a "bridge" and a "partial denture"?
Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures.
What about "silver" fillings versus "white" fillings?
Patients today are requesting "white" or tooth-colored composite fillings, also known as ”bonding.” We also prefer tooth-colored fillings because they "bond" to the tooth structure and therefore help strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. White 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.
Do I need to have a root canal just because I have to have a crown?
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.
Please download the Adult Health History pdf, fill in and bring it with you to the office.
Ocean Dental Associates 1201 Route 37 East Toms River, NJ, 08753
