Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Billerica, MA
Get the Answers You Need
Are you wondering how much a certain treatment will cost, what the best toothpaste to use is, or why it’s necessary to visit your dentist twice a year? No matter what your questions are, as long as they’re dental-related, our team will do what we can to get you the answers you’re looking for.
How often do I need to visit the dentist?
The American Dental Association, along with our team at Grateful Dentists, recommends visiting our dental office every six months for a checkup and cleaning. That way, we can diagnose the early signs of oral health problems and get them treated before they cause extensive damage to your smile.
Why do dentists take X-rays every time I visit?
X-rays are an important part of your bi-annual checkups and cleanings because they allow our team to examine the area of your mouth that lies below the gumline. They help us diagnose impacted wisdom teeth, infections, cavities between teeth, and abnormalities that could be a sign of oral cancer.
Will my dental insurance cover dental implants?
Unfortunately, it’s rarely the case that dental insurance will cover the cost of dental implants. However, they’ll sometimes extend benefits to certain parts of the process, like crafting the restoration. Our team will help you navigate your plan to get the most out of your investment in coverage.
How often should I change out my toothbrush?
It’s recommended that you change out your toothbrush once every three months, whenever you notice the bristles beginning to fray, or after you get sick. This will prevent the accumulation of harmful oral bacteria on the bristles.
Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones?
The answer to this question really depends on your skills and unique needs. For example, an electric toothbrush may be more effective and easier to handle if you have mobility difficulties; however, if you believe your brushing technique with manual toothbrushes is great, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t stick to using those.
Are metal restorations stronger than porcelain or ceramic ones?
While metal restorations are known to be incredibly strong, they do have some downsides, such as gum and tooth discoloration and sensitivity. More natural-looking materials, like ceramic, zirconia, and porcelain are comparably strong to metal ones and more gentle on your oral tissues and teeth, making them the preferred materials to craft dental crowns, bridges, and other restorations from.