FAQs

Why should I visit the dentist?

Regular visits to the dentist ensure that you keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Dental prophylaxis, known commonly as professional dental cleanings, is not only critical to keeping your smile healthy and beautiful, but it also helps prevent tooth decay, protects against a periodontal disease that can lead to tooth and bone loss, and prevents bad-breath causing bacteria from growing in your mouth. In addition to regular visits to the dentist, you can practice a good oral health care routine at home that includes flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice a day and between meals.

How often should I visit the dentist?

At Green Dental, we recommend visits to the dentist for professional cleanings at least every six months, depending on your current oral health. Routine visits to the dentist help keep your mouth healthy so you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile. Our professional dental exams and cleanings, performed by one of our highly qualified hygienists and your dentist at Green Dental, help prevent tooth decay, infection, tooth loss, pain, oral cancer, and more.

What happens during a regular dental visit?

During your appointment, you will get a comprehensive dental exam and a professional dental cleaning. A regular check-up exam includes:

• Diagnostic x-rays to check for decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root position.
• Checking the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Evaluating the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
• All surfaces of your teeth will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
• Checking current fillings, crowns, etc.

Professional dental cleanings are performed by one of our Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include:

• Removal of calculus commonly known as tartar, which is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Tartar forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
• Removal of plaque, a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. Plaque is made up of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria causes inflammation of the gums and can lead to periodontal disease!
• Teeth polishing, which removes stains and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is inflammation of the gums or bones around your teeth. It can cause the bones that support your teeth to degrade, which leads to loose teeth and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination. A small dental instrument is used to measure the space between the tooth and gums. This tool, called a periodontal probe, measures the space between the tooth and gum. A space deeper than three millimeters is an indication that the patient has periodontal disease. Your dentist will evaluate space depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, and tooth mobility to diagnose one of the following periodontal diseases:

• Gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque and its by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and more likely to bleed.
• Periodontitis, when plaque hardens into tartar. As tartar and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth. Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus. The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily. It is possible for bone infection or bone loss to occur.
• The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continues to be destroyed. Moderate to severe bone loss may occur.

What are the signs of periodontal disease and other dental problems?

It’s important to look out for anything unusual going on in your mouth so you notice early signs of dental problems. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should call your dentist to schedule a checkup.

• Loose, cracked, or chipped teeth
• Tooth loss
• Very sore or bleeding gums
• Gum recession
• Chronic bad breath
• Swelling in the gums
• Mouth or gum sores that do not heal
• Pain in the face, neck, and mouth
• A change in bite
• A change in your ability to speak or eat

A regular oral health care routine that includes flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the best way to prevent dental problems. If you have any of the above symptoms, call Green Dental right away to schedule an appointment.

What is implant dentistry?

Dental implants are a cutting edge solution for tooth loss and tooth decay. Implant dentistry is a method of replacing both the tooth roots and building replacement teeth around them to restore your smile to its original appearance, or even more beautiful than before! Your dentist will assess the condition of your gums and jawbones to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. Dental implants can last for many years, even a lifetime if cared for properly. There are numerous types of implant procedures available, including individual implants, all-on-four implants, and mini implants. Call Green Dental today to find out more about the implants we offer and to schedule an appointment to evaluate your candidacy for one of the procedures.

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry treats severe pain or trauma to the mouth or teeth. Call your dentist right away to make an emergency dental appointment if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Severe toothache
• Swollen jaw
• Cracked tooth
• Loose fillings
• Bleeding of gums

Green Dental makes emergency dental situations a priority for our patients. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, call us immediately. Dr. Brooks or Dr. Green will see you the same day you call, and depending upon the severity of your emergency, you will begin your exam within minutes of your arrival at the office.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

If you have ever worried about the appearance of your teeth and smile, you are not alone. With so many options for cosmetic dentistry today, many people are exploring options to make their smiles more beautiful than ever. At Green Dental, we offer composite fillings, porcelain crowns, bridges, and veneers, and teeth whitening. The results are easier to achieve and are more affordable than ever

What is sedation dentistry?

Many people experience nervousness and anxiety about visiting the dentist. At Green Dental, we want your dental experience to be as comfortable as possible. That is why we offer all forms of sedation dentistry, including:

• Oral sedation – You will take a pill prescribed by your doctor about 45 minutes before your procedure. The medication induces drowsiness, and may even allow you to fall asleep during your procedure.
• IV sedation – This option allows the medication to have a sedative effect much more quickly and more effectively than the oral method. While you are sedated through your IV, your doctor will continually monitor your vital signs for your safety.

All procedures requiring sedation are performed in our office in order to provide you with the greatest convenience and peace of mind. And you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the appointment.

Call Green Dental today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services. We look forward to providing our dental services to you and your family!