FAQ

Common signs of gum disease include gums that are red, swollen, tender, or bleed when you brush or floss, as well as persistent bad breath, receding gums (teeth looking “longer”), tooth sensitivity, or even loose teeth in more advanced cases.  Treatment depends on severity: early gingivitis is often reversible with improved daily brushing/flossing plus a professional cleaning, while more established disease may require a deep cleaning below the gumline (scaling and root planing) to remove plaque and tartar from periodontal pockets; some patients also benefit from adjunctive therapies and ongoing periodontal maintenance to keep inflammation controlled.

Most dental treatment should not “hurt” because we use modern pain-control techniques—typically a local anesthetic—so you shouldn’t feel sharp pain during the procedure, though you may still notice pressure or vibration; some mild tenderness afterward can be normal depending on the treatment.  If you’re anxious, please tell us up front as comfort is part of the plan. We can slow the pace, explain each step, use a clear stop-signal, and build in breaks and distraction strategies.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, the “best” replacement depends on your goals, anatomy, and budget. Dental implants replace the tooth root with a small post in the jawbone and are often the most stable, natural-feeling option—especially when you want a fixed tooth without relying on neighboring teeth (though they require adequate bone and healthy gums, and the process can take multiple visits over time).  A fixed bridge replaces the missing tooth by anchoring to the teeth on either side (or sometimes to implants), which can be a faster solution in the right situation but typically involves preparing adjacent teeth.  Dentures/partials are removable appliances that can replace several teeth (or all teeth) and are often the most budget-friendly starting point, but may feel less like natural teeth and require adjustment over time.  The best way to choose is to schedule an exam so we can evaluate your gums, bone support, bite, and cosmetic goals and then walk you through the pros/cons and long-term maintenance of each option for your specific case.

Most patients do well with a preventive visit about every six months, but it’s not a hard rule for everyone. The “right” schedule depends on your personal risk factors—things like a history of cavities or gum disease, dry mouth, smoking/vaping, certain medical conditions or medications, and how quickly plaque and tartar build up for you. At Wood’s Dental Clinic, we tailor your recall interval to what we see clinically so we can catch small problems early and keep your smile stable. The same principle applies to X-rays: you typically do not need them at every visit. We take X-rays only when they’re clinically indicated—to check for issues that can’t be seen during an exam, following risk-based guidelines and minimizing exposure.

Your child should have their first dental visit when the first tooth appears—or no later than their first birthday. (AAPD) This early “get-acquainted” appointment is typically brief and focused on prevention: we’ll check that the teeth and jaws are developing normally, assess cavity risk, and coach you on brushing, fluoride use, diet (especially sugary drinks/snacks), and habits like pacifiers or thumb-sucking—so you can prevent problems before they start and establish a comfortable dental home for your child.