Dentists hear a lot of the same dental questions over and over again—and that’s ok! We don’t expect our patients to know everything. We prefer that you ask us, or your hygienists, about whatever’s on your mind. Keeping open lines of communication will ensure your oral health gets the proper attention it deserves. There isn’t anything you will ask that we haven’t heard before. And on the off chance, there is, we’re happy to answer it for you.

Here are the seven most frequently asked questions we hear at Asheville Dental:

POPULAR DENTAL QUESTIONS

• What Are Wisdom Teeth? Your 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, thus the term “wisdom teeth.” If they grow correctly with good alignment, they are helpful for chewing and you’re off the hook for extraction. However, if you feel any pain or discomfort as they start to come in, it’s time to call the dentist’s office.
• Why is My Breath Bad? It’s estimated that more than 60% of Americans suffer from bad breath (also known as halitosis). Maybe you had a few onions on your salad at lunch or garlic bread with your pasta at supper. But bad breath isn’t necessarily the result of pungent foods. Often it’s a sign that it’s time to up your dental hygiene game.
• Do Young People Need Veneers? Veneers are a great alternative to dental procedures to improve the appearance of your smile. They are thin, semi-translucent “shells” customized from porcelain material and permanently bonded to your teeth.  If your permanent teeth are in, you’re an appropriate age.
• What Is Sedation Dentistry? Sedation dentistry provides patients with an experience that is relaxing and free of fear. It assists various patients in a wide array of circumstances, including routine cleanings, tooth extractions, and root canals.
• Can The Dentist Help My Headache? Many people clench their jaws and never notice it. This habit of clenching the jaw often occurs in people who have jobs with high levels of stress. Though the reaction of tightening your jaw muscles is a natural response to situational pressure, it results in tension headaches, earaches, and jaw pain.
• Should I Be Using A Manual or Electric Toothbrush? Generally speaking, if you’re doing a good job of brushing your teeth, this one is up to you. Buying an electric brush is an investment. They are a bit expensive on the front end, but they last a long time. Furthermore, make sure you’re using a soft-bristled head and changing it out every 3-4 months. The same goes for manual toothbrushes.
• 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 is removed. When that’s complete, the dentist cleans up the interior of the tooth 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.

If we missed YOUR question, contact us. We want to answer it. Feel free to call us at 828.277.5024.

We look forward to seeing you at your next check-up.