Dental FAQ
Salem, OR
Below is a list of some of the questions our patients most frequently ask. If you have a question that isn't answered below, feel free to give us a call and our team at Fairmount Dental Center will be happy to assist you.
How Often Should I Visit a Dentist?
According to the leading authority on oral health, the American Dental Association (ADA), most people should visit a dentist twice a year, about every six months. Patients at a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems may need to schedule more frequent appointments. What Causes Tooth Decay?
Dental caries, commonly referred to as tooth decay, is caused by the bacteria found in plaque and tartar deposits on the surface of the teeth. As they feed on sugar and other carbohydrates, the bacteria produce acids that eat away at the enamel and cause cavities. What Causes Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
As with tooth decay, periodontal disease is the result of plaque and tartar buildup. In response to the harmful bacteria found in these deposits, our immune system produces toxins that unfortunately target healthy tissues as well, causing the infection commonly referred to as gum disease. How Do We Treat Tooth Decay and Gum Disease?
The treatment we recommend for tooth decay varies depending on its location and severity. Small to moderately-sized cavities can be treated with a composite filling, while larger areas of decay may require an amalgam filling or full-coverage dental crown.
Your treatment of gum disease is dictated by the stage of the infection. Gingivitis, the first and most common form of the disease, can usually be treated and reversed with improvements to your oral hygiene routine. Periodontitis, the more advanced stage of the disease, typically requires a procedure known as a scaling and root planing, or “deep” cleaning. What Are My Options for Missing Teeth?
Unfortunately, missing teeth are a part of life for tens of millions of Americans. If you have one or more missing teeth, or a tooth that is so problematic it needs extraction, we may recommend a wide-variety of replacement options. Our most common restorations include conventional bridges, partial or complete dentures, and dental implants. What Are Dental Implants?
A dental Implant is a small titanium post, or screw, that mimics the root element of a missing tooth. A single implant is attached to a porcelain crown, while a series of implants can be used to support a partial bridge, complete bridge, and a number of other full-arch restorations. How Do I Improve the Cosmetics of My Smile?
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
A porcelain veneer is a very thin restoration that we place over the visible portion of an anterior (front) tooth to improve its esthetics. We may recommend a veneer to alter the appearance of a chipped, fractured, severely-discolored, misshapen, or otherwise abnormal tooth. Veneers are usually made from porcelain due to ceramic’s durability and unmatched esthetics. Schedule Your Initial Appointment Now!
If you have any other questions about our services, our team is happy to help! Call (503) 362-8364 to schedule your appointment now!
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