Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Grand Rapids, MN
Getting You the Answers You Need
Do you have questions about routine dental care or a certain treatment? Do you want to know the best ways to take care of your smile at home? Below, you can find our team’s answers to some of the most common questions that we receive from our patients. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly!
How often should I visit the dentist?
The American Dental Association (and our team!) recommends visiting the dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning to keep your teeth and gums healthy. These appointments will allow us to spot and treat any early signs of oral health problems, before they have a chance to get worse, and make sure that any questions or concerns that you may have get answered.
How can I keep my child from getting cavities?
Is your child susceptible to getting cavities? This is an incredibly common issue, because children are still in the learning stages of how to properly take care of their smiles. We offer several preventive treatments to keep decay away, like dental sealants and fluoride treatments. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, ask us at your little one’s next routine checkup and cleaning or call our office.
Are dental implants the best way to replace missing teeth?
Dental implants are an incredibly popular tooth replacement solution, but it’s important to keep in mind that this treatment isn’t ideal for everyone. That’s why we conduct thorough initial consultations for patients who are considering getting dental implants. At these visits, we’ll make sure that you have sufficient jawbone density, good at-home oral health habits, and are gum disease-free before we move forward with the procedure. Even if you don’t meet all of these standards right away, in many cases, we can get you there with a little time and care!
What should I do if my gums start to bleed when I brush or floss?
Many people shrug off when their gums bleed as they’re completing their morning or nightly oral hygiene routine, thinking that it’s completely normal. However, this is one of the first signs of the development of gum disease. If you notice this when you brush or floss, please let us know and stick carefully to a routine of brushing twice each day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day.
How frequently should I change out my toothbrush?
It’s recommended to change out the head of your electric toothbrush or your manual toothbrush every three months, whenever the bristles begin to fray, or after you get sick. This will keep bad bacteria from accumulating on the head and transferring to your mouth.
Will my dental insurance cover the cost of dental implants?
Unfortunately, it’s very rare that dental insurance will cover the cost of getting dental implants, because many insurance companies still consider the treatment to be “cosmetic.” Our team can help you navigate your benefits if you’re uncertain about coverage, though, and we’ll be happy to file a claim on your behalf to maximize your investment in insurance.