15 Lincoln Street, Dallas, PA 18612

Frequently Asked Dental Questions

Get Answers to Your Dental Questions with Goeringer Family Dentistry

Goeringer Family Dentistry in Dallas, PA, is here to answer any questions or concerns you have about our many services. Some of our frequently asked questions include:

Question: Why should I go to the dentist regularly?

Answer: It is important to visit the dentist regularly to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. During your visit, the dentist, assistant, or hygienist will clean the teeth and remove plaque and tartar buildup. We recommend that all patients have a standard teeth cleaning once a year. Call Goeringer Family Dentistry today at (570) 675-3646 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Question: Why should I floss? Is brushing not enough?

Answer: When you do not properly practice oral hygiene, you increase the risk of gum disease. Gum disease can occur when there is too much bacteria on the teeth. Signs and symptoms of gum disease can include bad breath and bloody or sore gums.

Question: How can I get my children to brush their teeth?

Answer: It is never too early to introduce children to oral hygiene practices. Turn toothbrushing into a game, or tell an exciting story to make it interesting. Brush your teeth with them to set a good example.

Question: How can I prevent cavities?

Answer: Preventing cavities is easy. Brush with fluoride toothpaste after eating or drinking, rinse your mouth after eating, and visit the dentist at least twice a year.

Question: Why does the dentist take x-rays?

Answer: Dental x-rays (radiographs) are images of your teeth that your dentist uses to evaluate your oral health. These x-rays capture images of the interior of your teeth and gums and can help your dentist to identify cavities, tooth decay, & impacted teeth. They use very low levels of radiation.

Question: What is fluoride? Why is it important?

Answer: Fluoride is a mineral compound that works to prevent cavities in both children and adults. Fluoride makes the enamel of your teeth more resistant to decay-causing acids.

Question: What are cavity-fighting sealants?

Answer: Sealants act as a barrier between teeth and food or bacteria to reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay. The sealants are very thin and easily bond to the grooves on the surface of the teeth. They are very common for children and teenagers.

Question: What are the dangers of oral piercings?

Answer: Excessive drooling, infection, pain and swelling, chipped or cracked teeth, gum injuries, filling damage, and hypersensitivity to metals can affect dental care.

Question: If I knock out a tooth, can it be saved?

Answer: A knocked out tooth can be re-implanted but the long term prognosis is questionable. This is mostly done in children and teens.

Question: What causes morning breath?

Answer: Ineffective brushing or flossing can leave food and bacteria stuck to the surface of the tongue, between the teeth, and along the gums. The breakdown of this bacteria is what causes bad-smelling morning breath.

Question: How can I treat sensitive teeth?

Answer: When suffering from sensitive teeth, it is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. There are many types and brands of toothpaste available to fight back against sensitivity. It may also help to avoid highly acidic foods, and to incorporate a fluoridated mouthwash into your routine.

Question: What is periodontal disease?

Answer: Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, occurs when the gum and bone that support the teeth are inflamed. Two common gum diseases include:

Gingivitis: inflames the gums at the neck of the teeth
Periodontitis: affects the bone and tissue of the teeth

Question: How long will my teeth stay white after teeth whitening treatment?

Answer: Teeth whitening will last for many years, however it may fade over time and rebleaching may be necessary

Question: Do whitening toothpastes work?

Answer: Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains from foods and beverages, but they do not change the natural color. Whitening toothpastes are generally safe for daily use, but should not be used more often than the label indicates or your dentist advises. They have both special chemicals and polishing agents to remove stains, which can lead to teeth and gum sensitivity and damage the enamel over time.

Question: What causes canker sores?

Answer: Some possible causes of canker sores include the following:

Ongoing gum disease
Tooth brushing
Dental work
Braces
Sports accidents
Acidic foods

Most canker sores clear on their own in one to four weeks. Treatments can include mouth rinses, pastes, and medication.

Question: Is smokeless tobacco harmful?

Answer: Smokeless tobacco increases the chance of developing or dying of heart disease, stroke, and dental and gum disease. The sugar and other irritants in smokeless tobacco products can increase the risk of cavities, wearing down of teeth, stains, bad breath, receding gums, and bone and tooth loss.

Question: What should I do about bleeding gums?

Answer: If you suffer from sore and bleeding gums, it is best to follow these rules:

Brush and floss your teeth regularly
Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide or salt water
Stop smoking
Decrease stress levels
Take supplements or eat more Vitamin C and Vitamin K-enriched foods
Eat a low-carb diet
Drink green tea

Question: I have dentures. Is it still necessary for me to see the dentist?

Answer: Those who have full dentures may feel that they no longer need to visit the dentist regularly or after their dentures fit; however, that is not the case. When visiting the dentist after dentures, they will remove the denture and check the health of the tissue under it. If any sore spots exist, we can adjust the dentures. An oral cancer screening exam is also an important part for denture wearers, as many who lose their teeth are older and may be at a greater risk for oral cancer.

Ill-fitting dentures can lead to poor nutrition if the patient’s dentures do not fit and function properly. Regular periodontal care can also extend the life of dentures.

Question: I am undergoing chemotherapy/radiation for cancer treatment. How will this affect my mouth?

Answer: More often than not, patients undergoing cancer treatments or chemotherapy can develop complications that affect the mouth. These side effects can include mouth sores, infection, dry mouth, sensitive gums and jaw pain, and changes in taste. Going to the dentist is important in your cancer treatment to prevent serious health problems.

Question: I just found out I am pregnant – how will that affect my mouth?

Answer: The dentist will evaluate your oral health and create a dental plan for the duration of your pregnancy. When you take care of your oral health, you decrease the chance of gum disease, tooth decay from morning sickness, and other potential problems for you and your baby.

Question: Why should I consider dental implants?

Answer: The most common reason people consider dental implants is because they have missing teeth. As long as you have healthy gums and have enough base support, dental implants are the best, most natural choice for tooth replacement. Dental implants are artificial teeth that are placed in the jawbone.

Question: Which is better: a manual toothbrush or an electric one?

Answer: In general, electric toothbrushes do decrease more plaque and gingivitis than normal toothbrushes. Philips Sonicare and Oral-B have some great brushes available.

Question: Is it still safe for amalgam fillings? Or should they be replaced with composite?

Answer: Yes, amalgam fillings are safe. Composite resin fillings are white and blend in with your teeth. The problem many find with composite fillings is that they do not always last as long as amalgam fillings, usually on children. They are also more expensive than dental amalgam fillings.

Question: When should I take my child for their first dentist visit?

Answer: You should take him or her to their first dental visit by the time they celebrate their second birthday.

Question: I am afraid to go to the dentist. What can I do?

Answer: Do not fear the dentist—they are there to help ease your fears and make you pain-free. The consequences of not getting proper dental care go beyond teeth or dental pain. Gum disease is a severe infection that can affect other parts of the body and link to diseases including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Question: How do dental bridges work? What is a conventional fixed bridge or a Maryland bridge?

A bridge is made of two crowns, one on each tooth on either side of a gap. These two anchor teeth have a false tooth placed in between and fill the gap.

A Maryland bridge attaches to the backside of the teeth with adhesive to provide a natural looking false tooth. This bridge is not cemented to the adjacent teeth, but is bonded via the back of the adjacent teeth with special resin or metal wings.

Question: Do you do root canals?

Answer: Goeringer Family Dentistry in Dallas, PA, does root canal therapy. Root canals are done in three visits and are accepted by most insurances. If the dentist cannot perform the root canal, we will refer the patient to an endodontist who works in collaboration with the dentist. This depends on the type of tooth and shape of the roots. Root canals are done in one to three visits depending on the complexity of the problem.

Question: What type of cosmetic dentistry is done at Goeringer Family Dentistry in Dallas?

Answer: Cosmetic teeth whitening: This service can brighten and whiten your teeth.

Veneers: Veneers are designed from thin porcelain or composite, and cemented to the front of the tooth. This works to help the appearance of damaged, misshapen, or discolored teeth.

Dental implants: Designed to replace missing teeth, implants are generally made of titanium and surgically placed in the jawbone. The dental implants act as the tooth root, many choose these over crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Dental crowns: Also called caps, cosmetic dental crowns are custom-made to fit over your whole tooth. These crowns are made from acrylic or porcelain that has been fused to metal to withstand pressure.

Teeth shaping: The dentist can reshape the tooth by filling or removing some of the enamel.

Tooth bonding: The dentist bonds a tooth-colored resin to the teeth to repair or perfect stained, broken, or chipped teeth.

Orthodontics: Orthodontics are not only for children. Braces or other appliances can help adults with crooked teeth. Call Goeringer Family Dentistry in Dallas, PA, to learn more.

Goeringer Family Dentistry is happy to answer any additional questions you may have about our office or any services. Feel free to leave a review after your next visit. We would love to hear from you!