Patients have dental questions that maybe they don’t want to ask in the office. They may feel nervous before their appointment or think their questions are silly. We want you to know there are no ridiculous questions, but we also want you to feel totally at ease before visiting Asheville Dental, so there are lots of questions we can answer in advance.

If we don’t cover your query here, you can pose your question to the dental hygienist when you arrive. They’ve heard it all, AND they are an excellent resource for you. If they don’t know the answer, they can ask the dentist your dental questions for you.

Popular Dental Questions

How Do I Know if I have a cavity?

There are several signs you have a cavity. The most common is a sudden onset of pain. It can be sharp or dull, but it will be troublesome and not go away on its own. Over the counter pain relievers can provide temporary relief, but you’ll want to make an appointment as soon as possible.

Another indicator is pervasive discomfort following consumption of sweets, including sugary soft drinks. Enamel erodes with excessive exposure to sugar, leaving teeth susceptible to severe damage.

Is Flossing Really that important?

Here’s a dental question that causes a great deal of embarrassment but shouldn’t. Flossing is a big deal! It helps remove the plaque from areas where a toothbrush doesn’t completely reach. When not a part of your daily oral regimen, it can lead to problematic gum disease.

However, there is a right way and a wrong way to floss. With the proper technique, you’ll protect your gums and your teeth, ensuring a healthy smile for years.

What Is A Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that treats a severely infected tooth. During the treatment, the nerve and pulp of the tooth are removed. When that’s complete, the dentist cleans up the tooth’s interior and seals it up to prevent further infection.

Left untreated, an infected tooth will become more serious when the infection spreads to the surrounding tissue. Although the procedure sounds unpleasant, it’s far better than the alternative.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

This common dental question is far from unusual! Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars. They typically erupt between the ages of 16-20 when we are at a more mature age.

If they grow correctly with good alignment, they are helpful for chewing, and there’s no need for dental extraction. However, if you experience any pain or discomfort as they start to come in, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your dentist’s office. Chances are they’ll need removing.

What should I know about whitening my teeth?

These days, it seems like everyone has a sparkling white smile. But, our teeth naturally dull with age for many reasons. With the pressure to look like movie stars and models, the market is flooded with various bleaching options, such as whitening strips, gels, charcoal, and toothpaste. However, some of these products can permanently harm your teeth. If you want professional bleaching, see a professional. The options, procedures, and pricing depend on who you see, but the result will be superior to a store-bought smile.

How do I choose a dentist?

Ask your general practitioner for their professional recommendations before choosing a dentist. Social media is a powerful way to learn from people who have been to the practice. Read their Google and Facebook reviews. A dental practice’s website will also give you an insight into how they run their business. If they have a blog, you should find the answers to many of your dental questions there.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Afraid of dental appointments? It’s a widespread problem.

Sedation dentistry assists various patients in a wide array of circumstances, including routine cleanings, tooth extractions, and root canals. Therefore, patients are more likely to keep up with regular appointments with a pain-free experience and less likely to need dental surgeries.

Why do my gums hurt?

Initial gum pain often it is accompanied by blood and inflammation. If this is your situation, you may be brushing too vigorously.

Gums are delicate and don’t respond well to harsh treatment. Make sure you’re using a soft-bristle on either your manual or electric toothbrush, and take it easy. However, when gently brushing doesn’t solve your problem, your sensitive gums may result from gingivitis, which requires professional dental care.

Of course, we understand there are many more dental questions you may have, and we encourage you to seek out the answers on our blog by calling ahead, or realizing after reading this article, that you are not alone. The health of your mouth requires a tremendous amount of knowledge, and that’s why Asheville Dental is here to offer you judgment-free care in a friendly environment. Read our Google reviews or contact us for a free consultation. We are ready to provide you with the best patient and dental experience imaginable.