Dental FAQs | Lake Norman Dental

Do you have questions about dental care in Huntersville, North Carolina? Our office is here to hear and answer your questions! You can view the most frequently asked questions below or contact us for more information.

Why should I visit the dentist regularly?

Many people only visit the dentist when a noticeable problem arises. While this may seem like a way to save money, treatments that repair and restore smiles often require more time and expense than routine visits.

Regular dental appointments provide preventive care that helps address concerns early and, in many cases, avoid them altogether. We monitor your oral health and offer guidance on caring for your teeth to keep them in good condition. For most patients, visiting our office twice a year is recommended.

How often should I brush and floss?

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before going to bed. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste approved by the ADA. Floss once daily to clean between teeth where brushing cannot reach. A mouth rinse can also be a helpful addition.

If you have questions about your routine, our team is happy to help.

Why do I need to floss?

Brushing your teeth will clean the surfaces of your teeth but will not reach the areas between the teeth or below the gumline. Flossing ensures that plaque and bacteria are removed from your mouth before they can cause damage to your teeth.

How safe are dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays are extremely safe. In fact, you are exposed to less radiation with dental X-rays than you are in your day-to-day life from the sun. Advances in dentistry continue to make dental X-rays safer through digital imaging technologies and higher-speed X-rays.

Additionally, federal law requires that X-ray machines be checked for safety and accuracy every two years.

I’m terrified to visit the dentist — what can I do?

We take your fear seriously and will work with you to help you feel more comfortable in our office.

There are many strategies that we can use to help reduce anxiety and fear, including medications to numb treated areas, sedation dentistry, the use of lasers instead of drills in your treatment, and a variety of techniques to reduce anxiety and mind or body pain (guided imagery, deep breathing, biofeedback, acupuncture, etc.).

When should my child visit the dentist for the first time?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit the dentist for the first time about six months after their first tooth erupts or no later than their first birthday.

These appointments are designed to help your child become comfortable in the dental office and ensure that he or she is growing and developing correctly. Our office sees patients at least 2 years of age or older. We will be happy to refer you to a pediatric dentist for those first few visits from age 6 months to 2 years.

When will my baby start getting teeth?

Babies begin developing teeth during the second trimester of pregnancy (around 16 to 20 weeks), with teeth typically emerging between 6 and 10 months of age. You should start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as two adjacent teeth are present.

Why are primary teeth important?

Primary teeth are critical to maintaining good oral health and proper development. Your child’s primary teeth facilitate:

Proper speech production and development
Proper chewing, nutrition and good digestion
Straighter smiles, since primary teeth hold the places of adult teeth
Excellent oral health

We cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you take good care of your child’s primary teeth. Please make an appointment with our team if you have questions.

What is cosmetic dentistry, and how can it help me?

Cosmetic dentistry is a dental field that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth so that you can enjoy a more beautiful smile.

Some common cosmetic dental treatments include:

Teeth whitening
Dental veneers
Composite (tooth-colored) dental fillings
Dental bonding
Dental crowns and bridges
Dental implants
Orthodontics

I’ve lost a tooth. What are my options for replacing it?

There are several options available to replace your missing tooth. When you visit our office, our dentist will examine your mouth, discuss your oral health needs and smile goals with you, and review your treatment options. We will design a customized treatment plan to restore your tooth and your smile.
Some of the tooth replacement options we may discuss include:

Dental implants
Dental bridges
Complete or partial dentures

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a procedure performed when injury, infection, or decay reaches the inner tissues of the tooth. Our dentist will clean out the infected pulp tissue within your tooth roots, sterilize the canals, and then fill them with medicated material and seal the tooth to prevent future infection.

While root canals have a reputation for being painful, advances in dentistry have made it possible to perform your treatment comfortably as well as effectively.

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a field of dental specialty that focuses on diagnosing, preventing and treating dental and facial irregularities, including misaligned teeth and jaws.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional training following dental school in managing tooth movement and guiding facial development.

When should my child receive their first orthodontic screening?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their initial orthodontic screening by age 7. At this age, several permanent teeth have erupted, and any developing problems will be easy to diagnose and treat.

Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

No! While most patients who receive orthodontic treatment are children or teenagers, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles and oral health. As long as your teeth and supporting structures are healthy, you can receive treatment.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an oral condition that affects the gums and supporting structures in your mouth. It begins as a bacterial infection of the gums and gradually progresses until it destroys your gums and bone structure.

The milder stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis, while the more severe form of the disease is called periodontitis. You should be checked for periodontal disease every time you visit our dentist.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

Red, swollen or tender gums, or other pain in your mouth
Bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard foods
Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
Loose or separating teeth
Pus between your gums and teeth
Sores in your mouth
Persistent bad breath
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
A change in the fit of dentures or other removable appliances
Halitosis (bad breath)

What do I do if I have bad breath?

Halitosis (bad breath) may be caused by any number of factors, including:

Morning time
Poor oral hygiene
Cavities
Periodontal disease
Poorly fitted appliances
Dry mouth
Tobacco products
Medical conditions or illnesses
Dehydration, hunger or missed meals
Certain foods

You can prevent bad breath by visiting our dentist regularly, staying hydrated, practicing good oral hygiene, using mouth rinses, and not using tobacco products.

If your halitosis persists, we recommend that you consult a physician to determine if your bad breath is caused by a medical condition and receive appropriate treatment.

FAQs