FAQ
Have questions about your upcoming dental appointment? Well, we’ve got answers! Whether this is your first appointment with Doctors Burry and Karamanis or you’re a long-term patient, the information contained on this page will prove useful for you. If you still have questions after perusing this page, feel free to call us. We also have patient information forms that contain important pre-appointment information.
Are you ready to book an appointment? You can request one online!
How often do I need a checkup?
In general, we recommend professional cleaning every 6 months for healthy individuals. Periodontal concerns will necessitate 3 month hygiene intervals to effectively guard against further periodontal breakdown. With the previous information as a guideline, we recognize that each person is unique and we will let you know if your particular situation requires being seen on a different schedule.
When should I replace my toothbrush?
Replacing your toothbrush frequently helps reduce the transmission of bacteria and viruses which cause colds, flu, bronchitis, and upset stomach – not to mention cavities and gum disease.
If you or anyone in your family gets sick, replace your toothbrush three times. Use a new one when you become ill, another when you begin to feel better, and a third after recovery.
What can be done about snoring?
If you are a person who tends to snore, there are non-surgical dental options. We make custom dental appliances that are used to keep your jaw in a better position while you sleep to stop snoring.
What can be done about bad breath (halitosis)?
If people frequently tell you that you have bad breath, it would be wise to make an appointment to see your dentist to rule out decay or other oral concerns as being the cause.
Does my child need to wear a sports mouth guard?
Question: My son plays hockey. Should he be wearing a mouth guard?
A mouth guard not only protects teeth, but it can also minimize concussion-related injuries that can result from contact sports. We make custom-made sports guards in our dental office that can help prevent sports injuries.
Aspirin: better to swallow or dissolve in cheek?
Aspirin tablets contain an acid compound which can seriously burn the soft tissues of the mouth if a tablet is allowed to dissolve there. When you are suffering with a toothache, you may not be able to tell that your soft tissue is being burned until it is too late. The injury to the gums, lips, and cheeks will add to your discomfort and may take weeks to heal.
Don't forget that a toothache is nature's way of telling you that something may be wrong with your tooth. It would be wise to get in touch with our office promptly.
Why are wisdom teeth removed even if they don't hurt?
Many times there are no symptoms of wisdom tooth trouble. But X-rays may show us that there is the potential for a serious problem, or that other teeth in your mouth may be at risk for damage. About 28% of wisdom teeth are impacted because the jaw is not big enough to accommodate them. These impacted wisdom teeth may grow sideways, break part way through the gum, or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
Bacteria and food can lodge under the flap of gum over the partially erupted tooth, causing infection in the gum. A cyst can form around the crown of the tooth and destroy the surrounding bone or neighbouring teeth.
Because of their position, wisdom teeth are difficult to clean and are often victim to decay. The results of extensive orthodontic treatment can be ruined if your wisdom teeth crowd adjacent teeth, causing them to shift position.
If we spot a potential problem, we may recommend removing the wisdom tooth, even before it is fully developed. It is easier to remove wisdom teeth at an early stage because the roots are not yet fully formed or strongly planted in the jaw. This means that the sooner your wisdom teeth are removed, the easier the procedure and the smaller your risk of complications.
Please let us know right away if you have any obvious problems with your wisdom teeth. You can rely on our expertise to diagnose existing or potential problems caused by your wisdom teeth, whether you have symptoms or not.
What exactly is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure to remove the pulp tissue (nerve and blood vessels) from a tooth because the pulp has become infected. The infection, or abscess, causes discomfort, swelling, and can even cause bone damage.
By removing the infected pulp, the tooth can usually be saved. A hole is made in the top biting surface of the tooth. This hole is just large enough to expose the pulp chamber. Once the pulp has been removed, medication may be placed inside the empty chamber to stop infection. The chamber and hole are then refilled. It may be necessary, following a root canal, to crown the tooth.
Why do you want to know that I have diabetes?
We need to know about illnesses that you have because many illnesses manifest their symptoms in your mouth. Diabetics, for example, are at higher risk of oral infection and bone loss, and periodontal problems can make it harder for you to control your diabetes. This is because they upset blood sugar levels and make it harder for you to eat properly. A further complication is that infections in diabetics heal more slowly. Because of these possible problems, once we know that you have diabetes, we'll probably want to put you on a more frequent schedule of care.