Whether it’s been some time since your last dental visit or you visit us biannually, we’re here to help. Patient education is an important part of our practice. Our dental office encourages patients to ask any questions they have about current or possible dental concerns, oral hygiene, or treatment options. Education helps ensure that patients care for their smiles at home and keep track of changes in their smiles. Read the top questions to ask your dentist in Columbus, GA, to educate yourself about your oral health.
What to Ask Your Dentist in Columbus, GA
There are several main topics or questions to ask your dentist when it comes to your dental health:
How can I improve my oral health?
It is always important to visit the dentist regularly so they can keep up with your oral health and discover or treat any emerging dental issues. You can ask dental hygienists if there are areas of your mouth that you need to address if you frequently find them cleaning buildup from one part of your smile.
Additionally, if you find you have chronic oral health problems, your hygienist or dentist can also recommend certain types of products or techniques. Visiting the dentist regularly and keeping up with a good oral hygiene routine can often prevent smaller dental problems from becoming hard to treat. For instance, problems like bleeding gums are often indicators of gingivitis. Once gingivitis becomes gum disease, it can be more difficult to reverse symptoms.
What do my symptoms mean?
A dentist can provide a diagnosis and treatment if you have specific symptoms or signs of common dental problems. Common oral health symptoms include toothaches, gum sensitivity, biting or chewing pain, and painful ulcers.
Common dental problems that our office treats also include:
- Tooth Decay and Cavities
- Gum Disease
- Lost or Broken Teeth
- Eroded Tooth Enamel
- Bad Breath
- Tooth Sensitivity
Our dental practice will thoroughly examine the areas of the smile that are affected by these symptoms. We may also take digital x-rays for symptoms that we cannot see wit the naked eye.
What are my cosmetic options for my smile?
Not only do dentists help patients maintain their oral health, but they can also enhance their natural smile. If you have dental injuries or want to straighten or brighten your smile, we can explain your treatment options to you. Our office provides dental bonding and veneer treatment to address slightly crooked teeth, tooth gaps, discoloration, and damage.
Dental bonding treatment uses a composite resin material and is best for smaller areas of damage or single discolored teeth. Porcelain veneers are shell-like cosmetic options that can cover the front of one or all of the teeth in the smile line. Teeth whitening treatment can brighten the smile and lift extrinsic tooth stains from the enamel.
Do you have any questions for your dentist or hygienist? Contact Dr. Albert Caves today at (706) 407-4851. You may also schedule your next dental visit with us on our website. We’re here to help you.