FAQ

General Dentistry

How often should I be seeing a dentist if nothing hurts?
Why is flossing such a big deal?
My gums bleed sometimes. Is that bad?
When do you recommend an onlay vs. a crown?
My teeth seem sensitive lately when I drink hot or cold. What is causing that?
I grind my teeth and my jaw is starting to hurt. Can you help me?
Can my teeth be causing bad breath?
I have not had my teeth cleaned for 4 years. What can I expect at my appointment?
Dentists have always scared me. What can you do to make me comfortable?
Does smoking affect a person's teeth?
I have heard some people need premedication prior to dental work. Can you explain this?
Is there a health risk from daily low-level mercury exposure from dental fillings?

How often should I be seeing a dentist if nothing hurts?

It is important to maintain your oral health by visiting the dentist twice a year for cleaning and x-rays. Prevention is 90% of the cure. Gum disease and decay take place incrementally and may not have many symptoms. Addressing dental health early minimizes the treatment required for a healthy smile. top

Why is flossing such a big deal?

Simply put, flossing is your first defense against gum disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” By flossing around the teeth you are taking the first step toward discouraging serious infections that left untreated can lead to tooth loss. Brushing alone is not enough because it cannot remove bacteria and food particles from between the teeth. top

My gums bleed sometimes. Is that bad?

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good at home oral care. top

When do you recommend an onlay vs. a crown?

A crown refers to a cap that completely covers the tooth. This is generally necessary when teeth have gotten weak from previous large fillings to protect them from fracturing, or for teeth that have fractured and need additional support. Crowns are also used on top of implants or on teeth that have had root canal treatment. Inlays and onlays are custom fabricated restorations that are placed in teeth that are too broken down for a filling to be placed. They are aesthetically pleasing and natural and can actually strengthen a badly broken tooth. It is a more conservative method of protection than a crown. top

My teeth seem sensitive lately when I drink hot or cold. What is causing that?

Depending on the severity of the sensitivity, it is best to have a dentist diagnose the cause of your discomfort. Over time, gums may recede causing areas of the tooth to become exposed and sensitive. There may be a gap between one of your fillings and the tooth where decay has set it. Some patients experience mild sensitivity following whitening procedures. In any case, provided that there is no clinical cause for the pain, there are in-office treatments that Dr. Gershkowitz can perform that will block tooth pain. In mild cases, she may recommend specialized toothpaste. top

I grind my teeth and my jaw is starting to hurt. Can you help me?

Teeth grinding is more common than you may think and can become debilitating if left untreated. It can also severely compromise your teeth. Since most grinding takes place at night, Dr. Gershkowitz can design an appliance you can wear while you sleep to minimize the effects of grinding. Most patients see a marked improvement in the number of headaches, neck aches and jaw pain as a result. top

Can my teeth be causing bad breath?

Bad breath has many causes. It could be caused by bacteria, smoking, spicy foods, medication or dry mouth. Chronic bad breath is often associated with gum disease or restorations that have aged and become faulty. Dr. Gershkowitz can determine the cause and recommend a solution to give you back your confidence. top

I have not had my teeth cleaned for 4 years. What can I expect at my appointment?

Depending upon the condition of your gums and teeth, the cleaning may be staged over two or three visits for your comfort and convenience. top

Dentists have always scared me. What can you do to make me comfortable?

Part of the philosophy behind Sola Dental Spa ™ is to change your mind about the way dentistry is practiced. Our office has been designed to anticipate and eliminate any fear you may have through massage, aromatherapy, entertainment, and Dr. Gershkowitz’ gentle approach to all your dental needs. We will work with you to determine exactly how you define comfort and go “beyond” your expectations to assure a pleasant experience. top

Does smoking affect a person’s teeth?

Cigarette smoking has long been known to be associated with a variety of oral conditions including periodontal disease, bone loss, tissue loss, tooth loss, edentulism, peri-implantitis and dental implant failure. Nicotine in tobacco has been shown to reduce the blood flow in the mouth. Pipe smoking can be worse than cigarettes due to the higher temperatures generated in the upper jaw. Not only is smoking detrimental to implants, it is also bad for conventional bridgework. In addition to increased prevalence, smokers also experience more severe periodontal disease. top

I have heard some people need premedication prior to dental work. Can you explain this?

Premedication is required for some patients. Any time there is bleeding in the mouth, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart. This presents a risk for some patients who have an artificial heart valve, a history of infective endocarditis and certain specific, serious heart conditions. New guidelines state that antibiotic premedication is no longer indicated for dental patients with mitral valve prolapse; rheumatic heart disease; bicuspid valve disease; calcified aortic stenosis; or congenital heart conditions, such as ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. top

Is there a health risk from daily low-level mercury exposure from dental fillings?

We do not know if the trace amounts of mercury that are released daily from dental fillings have an impact on a person's health. The World Health Organization has looked at various levels of mercury exposure and determined the threshold for when mercury exposure becomes toxic. Based on those studies, it would take 265 to 312 amalgam fillings to reach toxic levels of mercury exposure, according to J. Rodway Mackert, dental professor and materials-science expert at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Some consumers and advocacy groups believe there is a link between mercury fillings and multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and chronic-fatigue problems. There is no scientifically credible evidence supporting any link. But since the health impact is not fully understood, several European countries have restricted the use of dental amalgam and ruled that it should not be used in pregnant women. top