FAQ

Find answers to the top 10 most frequently asked questions about dental visits, at-home oral hygiene, specific dental procedures, and more right here! This curated resource from our Largo, FL, dentist is designed to address common concerns and queries, providing you with reliable information to enhance your oral health understanding and preparation for dental appointments.

Have additional questions for us? Call or text David W. Piper, DMD Family Dentistry today at (727) 548-7100 to request an appointment. We’ll see you soon!

1. Why Should I Visit the Dentist Regularly?

One key component of maintaining good oral health is early detection of issues. By waiting until something breaks or is painful, you risk making recovery much harder and more expensive. Dr. Piper recommends that you visit our Largo dental office at least twice a year (or every 6 months) for a routine check-up and teeth cleaning.

During your appointment, we’ll help you understand your specific oral condition and give advice on how you can prevent painful and costly treatment. Routine dental care is important for many reasons such as helping to prevent tooth decay and bad breath, gum disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss, and screen for oral cancer.

2. How Does Fluoride Treatment Help in Protecting Teeth?

A professional fluoride application strengthens tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of teeth, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars in the mouth. This process, called remineralization, helps reduce the risk of cavities and can even reverse early signs of tooth decay. Fluoride treatments are great for children and adults, particularly those highly susceptible to cavities, offering an added layer of defense alongside regular brushing and flossing.

3. What Should I Expect During My First Dental Visit?

During your first visit, Dr. Piper and our hygienists will review your dental and medical history as well as perform a cleaning and comprehensive oral exam that includes checking your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of disease or other problems. If you’re due for them, we may also take X-rays to get a better view at what’s below the surface. Finally, we’ll discuss your oral health, including any immediate concerns and a plan for future care.

4. Is It Necessary To Have X-Rays, and Are They Safe?

Dental X-rays are essential for diagnosing underlying issues that aren’t visible during a regular oral exam, such as cavities between teeth, jawbone damage, impacted teeth, and dental abscesses. Modern dental X-rays emit very low levels of radiation and are considered safe for patients. Protective measures, like a lead apron, are used to minimize exposure further.

5. What’s the Difference Between a Standard Cleaning And a Deep Cleaning?

A regular dental cleaning, or prophylaxis, involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a more intensive procedure designed for people with gum disease. It involves removing tartar and plaque from below the gumline and smoothing the roots of teeth to help reattach gums to the teeth.

6. How Can I Improve My Oral Hygiene At Home?

Good oral hygiene involves several key practices: brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline, eating a balanced diet and limiting between-meal snacks to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, and replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed or worn. Additionally, consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash or a fluoride mouthrinse to further reduce plaque and prevent decay.

7. What Are Clear Aligners and How Do They Differ From Traditional Braces?

Clear aligners are transparent, removable trays used to straighten teeth in a more discreet way. Unlike metal braces, which use brackets connected by wires, clear aligners are custom-made from smooth plastic and fit snugly over the teeth. They can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, offering greater convenience and comfort. Aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day to make adequate progress, however.

8. Can Veneers Fix the Appearance of Broken or Discolored Teeth?

Yes, porcelain veneers are an effective solution for improving the appearance of broken or discolored teeth. These thin shells are custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth, providing a natural look and masking chips, cracks, severe staining, and minor misalignments, enhancing the overall smile. They are bonded directly to the existing teeth, offering both a cosmetic improvement and additional strength to the damaged or stained areas.

9. How Do I Know If I Need a Dental Crown?

You may need a porcelain crown if you have a tooth that is significantly weakened, cracked, or decayed, making it unable to support a filling alone. Crowns are also recommended following root canal therapy to protect the restored tooth, or to cover a dental implant. Additionally, crowns can improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth. Dr. Piper will evaluate your situation to determine if a crown is the best solution for your dental needs.

10. When Should I Consider Tooth Replacement?

You might want to have tooth replacement on your radar if you’ve lost one or more teeth due to decay, injury, or disease. Replacing missing teeth is crucial for maintaining proper mouth function, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting, and preserving facial structure. Options like dental implants, dental bridges, or dentures can also improve your ability to chew and speak, while restoring the aesthetics of your smile. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Piper today to determine the best option based on your specific health needs and lifestyle.