Do’s and Don’ts After a Dental Cleaning

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Getting dental fillings is quite common, but some patients may not know what they should or should not do after they leave the dental office with a new filling. In this blog post, our experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI, share some do’s and don’ts after a dental cleaning to help you achieve optimal oral health.

Pain After Getting a Filling

Dr. Fadi Farhat, the best dentist in Sterling Heights MI, has found that many people who experience pain after getting a filling do so because that filling was placed too high. If you notice that the filling isn’t at the same level as your other teeth when you speak, chew or move your jaw, contact Dental One Care so that the filling can be reshaped or filed down. Otherwise, high fillings don’t only cause pain but also have a higher risk of cracking.

Pain in Nearby Teeth

After getting a dental filling, you may feel some pain in the nearby teeth. This is normal and doesn’t in any way indicate that those nearby teeth have a problem. In most cases, Dr. Fadi Farhat says that such pain is the result of signals being sent by the tooth with the filling. This pain subsides typically overnight, so you should only be concerned if it exceeds this duration.

Sensitivity After Getting a Dental Filling

You are also likely to experience some sensitivity to hot or cold within the first three weeks after getting a dental filling at Dental One Care. This sensitivity is especially likely if the cavity was deep. To deal with the sensitivity, Dr. Fadi Farhat may recommend that you use a desensitizing toothpaste. It is also helpful for you to avoid consuming very hot or cold substances within those first couple of weeks until you get used to the filling.

Toothache After the Procedure

It isn’t normal to experience a toothache after getting a dental filling. If you do, contact Dr. Fadi Farhat at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. Our friend Dr. Beth Herko, a dentist in New Providence, NJ, says that the toothache may indicate that the decay was so pronounced that it had reached the dental pulp, so a root canal may be necessary to address the issue. 

Dealing with Future Cavities

It is possible to develop other cavities on the same tooth that has a filling or on the other teeth in your mouth. If you ever develop signs, such as tooth sensitivity, contact Dr. Fadi Farhat so that he can assess your condition and determine whether dental fillings are the best option for you, or other dental filling alternatives would be a better choice in the circumstances.

What to Eat After Getting a Filling

Depending on what type of filling you got, Dr. Fadi Farhat will recommend what or when to eat after the procedure. For example, you may eat immediately if a composite filling was used. This is because such fillings are cured using a special light, so there is no risk if you eat shortly after getting the filling. 

However, metal fillings don’t harden as fast, so you may have to wait for about 24 hours before you can safely eat solid food. Regardless of the filling you get, wait until the anesthetic wears off before you eat. Otherwise, you could hurt yourself if you try to eat before the local anesthetic has worn off.

Foods to Avoid After the Procedure

Dental One Care strongly recommends that you avoid eating any chewy, hard, or sticky foods for 24 hours. Staying away from cold and hot foods may also be advisable if you experience tooth sensitivity after the dental filling procedure. 

OTC Painkillers

You may also have to use an over-the-counter pain medication, such as Ibuprofen if you experience slight discomfort or pain after getting a dental filling. However, if the pain is severe or persists, bring it to the attention of Dr. Fafdi Farhat for an appropriate remedy.

Do you suspect that you have dental cavities or you were recently diagnosed with this problem? Contact Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights, MI. Our highly skilled and experienced professionals will recommend the best remedy to fix the problem before it gets worse and requires more invasive treatment.

6 Signs of Dental Cavities

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Watch Out for These Signs of Dental Cavities

If you have not visited your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI lately, chances are that you have cavities. This is because nearly everyone develops a cavity at some point in their lives, and some people have a higher susceptibility to this dental problem more than others do. Cavities may or may not cause noticeable signs and symptoms, so the best way to know for sure if you have cavities is by visiting your Sterling Heights dentist. Here are some of the possible signs that could alert you to the presence of a cavity.

Bad Breath 

Bad breath is one of the most common signs of cavities. This is because cavities are caused by the activity of bacteria in your mouth, and the metabolic activities of the bacteria may cause you to have bad breath. Dr. Fardi Farhat, the best dentist in Sterling Heights, cautions that you visit a professional if you are finding yourself with chronic bad breath.

An Unpleasant Taste in Your Mouth

Dental cavities may be the culprit if you are noticing an unpleasant taste that lingers in your mouth. No amount of brushing or using mouthwash can eliminate this bad taste completely since the problem is entrenched in your mouth. Our friend Dr. Leeson, a St. Pete dentist says deep cavities are particularly notorious for causing this bad taste since the cavity will have reached the nerves and caused those nerves to start dying.

Tooth Pain

Not all cavities will cause you to feel tooth pain, so don’t imagine that you don’t have dental caries if you aren’t experiencing any pain. Cavities can cause pain when they get deep enough to irritate the nerves in your teeth. Tooth pain due to cavities can also be triggered when you eat or drink something hot or cold. It is, therefore, best to see a Sterling Heights dentist if you experience tooth pain or tooth sensitivity.

Dark Spots on Teeth

If you notice a dark spot on your tooth that you hadn’t seen before, it is possible that what you are seeing has been caused by a cavity. However, not everyone is lucky enough to develop that dark spot in a location that can be visible when they look in a mirror, so this observable sign could remain hidden out of sight. If you are one of those who see this dark spot, contact Dental One Care immediately so that Dr. Fardi Farhat can confirm or rule out a cavity, and then offer the appropriate treatment.

Holes in Teeth

As cavities remain untreated for long, they deepen to the extent that you will notice holes in your teeth when you move your tongue over the surface of your teeth. However, not all holes are caused by cavities. Some holes may result from other dental defects, such as a chipped tooth. So, the only way to be certain is to search for a dentist near me online.

The Presence of Pus

If you ever notice pus in your mouth, see Dr. Fardi Farhat immediately. Just to clarify, pus is a yellowish or whitish substance that accumulates around areas where inflammation has occurred. Pus has two major constituents, the first being dead white blood cells that had been sent to deal with the bacteria causing the infection at the site of inflammation. The other constituent is liquor puris, a liquid that is protein-rich. Because pus is often linked to an infection, you are likely to experience other signs of infection, including chills and fevers. 

By the time pus forms in a cavity, the decay has progressed so much that an abscess has formed, and you are at risk of sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Prompt medical attention is vital to safeguard you from the grave risk you face, so don’t wait to get in touch with Dr. Fardi Farhat at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI.

Cavities start in a simple enough way, but they can quickly progress to a level at which not just your teeth but your life is at risk as well. A preventive approach is, therefore, the best way to keep on top of the situation, and our team at Dental One Care is waiting to give you the preventive or any other care that you need to restore your dental health if you are found to have a cavity. Give us a call today!

Signs You Need a Dental Filling

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Dental fillings have been used for centuries and these simple restorations have saved lots of teeth. You, too, can benefit from dental fillings if they are provided before it is too late to save your tooth. Read on and learn about dental fillings from our team of professionals at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI.

Dental Fillings Defined

Simply put, a dental filling is a material that is used to plug a hole in your tooth. This puts a halt to the progression of a cavity that could degenerate into tooth decay and additional problems down the road. A dental filling promotes dental health by keeping a tooth functional and healthy.

Dentists in Sterling Heights, MI explain that the dental fillings used today are made from a variety of materials, such as silver amalgams, porcelain ceramic and composites (glass and resin, for example). They can also be made to match the color of your teeth. This way an observer cannot tell that you have these restorations on your teeth.

Signs You Need a Filling

The only way to know for certain that you need a dental filling is by visiting Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights. An assessment by a professional will reveal which teeth have cavities needing immediate attention.

However, there are some signs and symptoms that can also alert you to the possibility that you may have cavities needing to be checked out. These include;

  • Pain (severe, mild, sharp, throbbing or any other variant of tooth pain)
  • Sensitivity in one or more teeth when they are being used to eat, drink or speak.
  • A visible mark or hole in your tooth.
  • When dental floss keeps fraying while you clean between a given set of teeth.
  • A feeling of roughness or jaggedness each time you run your tongue over a given tooth.

Orthodontists in Sterling Heights MI warn that by the time you experience the signs above, a cavity may have progressed to a level where the deeper structures of your tooth are affected. Most cavities don’t cause any pain. This painless stage is the best time to catch them and get a filling. Therefore, you should visit Dental One Care once every six months so that your teeth can be checked and cleaned by a professional. Any cavities discovered during these routine visits will be addressed long before they become bigger problems.

Possible Complications When Cavities Are Ignored for Long

If you leave your cavities unresolved for long, you risk the following;

  • Tooth decay can result when a cavity is allowed to get deeper. Tooth decay can cost you your tooth, among other problems.
  • Your tooth pain could worsen as the cavity deepens. This worsening pain can make it hard for you to eat, speak or function normally.
  • If cavities aren’t treated with a filling in time, dental infections, like periodontal disease, can result since the holes in your tooth harbor bacteria. This allows the bacteria to attack the more delicate parts of your tooth, such as the dentin and pulp.
  • You could also lose the tooth once decay sets in and invasive procedures like root canals aren’t capable of saving the affected tooth.

Common Questions About Dental Fillings

The experts at Dental One Care are frequently asked a number of questions about dental fillings. Those questions include;

Does the Procedure Hurt? Dentists assure you that getting a dental filling isn’t painful because your dentist will first administer a local anesthetic before starting the treatment. In contrast, the pain that you are likely to experience if you don’t get a filling when you should is likely to be much worse than any discomfort you feel while getting a filling.

How Long Does the Procedure Take? It typically takes the professionals at Dental One Care 30-60 minutes to place a dental filling. However, this time could increase if the cavity is large or multiple teeth need fillings. If you are concerned about the duration of the procedure, talk to the dentist and get clarification about how long you should expect the dental filling procedure to last.

Are Dental Fillings Expensive? Fillings are generally affordable. If you have dental insurance, your insurer could even cover the entire cost or most of it. If you don’t have insurance, talk to our staff.

Do Teeth Feel Different After the Procedure? Your teeth may feel somewhat different right after you receive the dental filling, but this typically subsides within a day or two. Your teeth should feel normal soon after the procedure.

If you still have questions about dental fillings or if you have pain in a particular tooth, contact us to schedule an appointment. We will address your queries and fix whatever problem is found to be responsible for the discomfort or pain that you are feeling in your tooth.

How Do I Know If I Have A Cavity?

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How Do I Know If I Have A Cavity?

One of the many questions people who are focused on maintaining good oral health always ask is “Do I have a cavity?”

Cavities are the leading causes of tooth loss; as such, it is important that you nip dental caries in the bud to prevent them from becoming full-blown dental problems.

A cavity can be reversed if tooth decay is discovered in its early stages. Tooth pain is often the most noticeable sign of decay, but it is not the only and first indication. There are other signs and symptoms that accompany the start of a cavity.

So how do I know if I have a cavity? Here are some other signs and symptoms you have to be aware of:

Black, brown, or gray spots on your teeth

 

 

A cavity eats its way into your tooth. Because of this, it creates a hole. However, this hole does not show up right away. You will first see a gray, brown, or black spot instead.

If you see a spot or stain with any of these colors that do not go away after brushing, you already have a bacterial problem working its way into your enamel. To avoid having a full-blown dental issue, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Tooth sensitivity

 

In addition to tooth pain, you will also often feel tooth sensitivity when you develop a cavity. This sensitivity manifests whenever you eat something hot, cold, sugary, or acidic. You may even feel an uncomfortable tingling on your teeth when you breathe in hot or cold air.

A Sterling Heights dentist says that your teeth become extra-sensitive because the bacteria make your tooth enamel weaker. The enamel protects the highly receptive nerves within a tooth. As that protective layer becomes thinner, the nerves receive more powerful signals.

If your tooth sensitivity is becoming more and more unbearable, visit your dentist immediately.

 

Bad breath

 

If you ignore any tooth decay, bacteria will proliferate in your tooth. This will lead to bad breath. When you notice that your breath still smells bad even if you brush your teeth and tongue regularly, schedule a checkup with your dentist.

 

Lingering bad taste in your mouth

 

Brushing and gargling with mouthwash will help you get rid of the bad taste in your mouth. But Shreveport’s dentist, Dr. Ben Kacos says that if you notice a chronic bad taste, have your teeth checked since this may be a sign that a cavity needs to be cleaned out and filled.

 

Cracked tooth

 

Although most cracked teeth are caused by accidents or really hard foods, they can also be triggered by cavities. Since cavities weaken your tooth enamel, your tooth becomes more vulnerable when you are chewing crunchy foods.

If you crack a tooth, schedule a dentist appointment immediately and avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth until after your checkup.

Your dentist will also pinpoint cavities in your teeth that you do not notice or that have not shown any symptoms yet. It is, therefore, important that you visit your dentist twice a year even if you are not experiencing any dental problems.

Drinking Tap Water May Help Your Teeth

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Drinking Tap Water May Help You At The Dentist

When tooth decay is left untreated, it can cause infections and pain that will hinder speaking, eating, learning, and playing.

With the controlled addition of fluoride compound to the public water supplies, a study published in the January/February 2010 issue of General Dentistry says that this is a cost-effective way to fight tooth decay and prevent cavities. Indeed, drinking tap water may help at the dentist.

Fluoride and Your Teeth

Fluoride will make your entire tooth surface more resistant to decay. Also, it promotes remineralization, which is crucial for repairing early decay. Water fluoridation is considered to be the best source of fluoride.

Tap water has been treated with fluoride in order to prevent cavities. Water fluoridation can prevent at least 25% of tooth decay both in children and adults. While teeth are erupting under the gums, the fluoride will strengthen tooth enamel. This way, it becomes stronger and more resistant to cavities. And when the teeth erupt, fluoride will rebuild weakened tooth enamel.

Also, it can reverse early signs of tooth decay. Whenever you use fluoride dental products, you are giving your mouth a topical benefit since the fluoride is directly applied to your teeth’s surface.

In the US, more than 144 million residents in over 10,000 communities are drinking fluoridated tap water. And this can provide an automatic defense against the unsafe ingredients causing preventable oral health disease.

Rather than drilling holes in order to fix cavities, dentists prefer educating the public about tips for preventing tooth decay. A Sterling Heights dentist further emphasized that drinking tap water is safe; it is the most effective way of receiving fluoride. Also, this is more affordable than going to your dentist for a filling.

Varnish is also an effective source of fluoride. Applied by your dentist, varnish is among the most concentrated products today. This product has sodium fluoride that will adhere to your tooth surfaces when there is saliva, thus giving an excellent fluoride treatment.

By keeping fluoride in your mouth, its ability to prevent demineralization will be enhanced. Varnishes are better choices for this purpose as opposed to fluoridated toothpaste or drinking water. Typically, fluoridated varnishes are for those who do not receive sufficient fluoride from tap water, toothpaste, and other sources.

Fluoride can be found in salt products, specialty milk, gum, mouthwash, and toothpaste. However, the fluoride that the fluoridated water and varnish methods have can help reduce cavities by over 30%. If you suspect that you have a cavity, you need to visit your dentist now to prevent further damage to your teeth and mouth.

I Think I Have A Cavity But It Doesn’t Hurt

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I Think I Have A Cavity But It Doesn’t Hurt

Most people think that all dental cavities cause pain. Dr Fadi Farhat, a leading Sterling Heights dentist, says that there is no truth to this notion. You can have a dental cavity but not feel any pain or discomfort at all.

The Tooth Decay Process

A small cavity in the tooth indicates the early stages of tooth decay. At this point, your tooth will not hurt. This is because the cavity is only found on the enamel, the hardest portion of the tooth. Since this part is hard and it does not contain any nerve endings, decay in this area does not cause pain.

If nothing is done to treat the tooth, the cavity will affect the next layer, the dentin. The dentin is not as tough as the enamel but it does not contain any nerve endings as well. As such, dental caries found on the dentin will not cause any pain or discomfort either.

Dealing with Cavities

Your dentist is the best person who can ascertain if you have any cavities or not. Regardless of the size of the cavity and even if it still located on the enamel or dentin, you need to get the right dental treatment immediately.

Your dentist will be able to detect cavities through two ways:

  • X-ray. Small cavities and some medium-sized ones, which are often painless, may only be visible through an X-ray or under high magnification.
  • Physical or clinical check-up. Your dentist will place a pointed dental instrument (an explorer) into the suspected area. If the explorer sticks in or penetrates the area, there is a cavity already present.

Keep in mind that if a cavity is left untreated, it will grow bigger and make its way to the nerve inside the tooth. At this point, you will start suffering from a severe, recurring toothache. If you don’t get the appropriate treatment, it can cause other dental issues and even tooth loss.

The bottom line is, if your dentist tells you that you have a cavity, don’t wait until it becomes painful before you have it treated. The best time to have a cavity removed or treated is when it is still in its early stages.

If you wait until you start feeling pain, you will end up getting a surgical procedure such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction as treatment. To avoid suffering from severe toothaches and the hassles of undergoing an invasive and expensive dental procedure, have your cavities treated immediately as soon as they appear.

5 Interesting Cavity Facts

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Cavities are some of the most common dental problems that can affect people of all ages. Cavities, also known as dental caries, are permanently damaged areas in the teeth that develop into tiny holes. If not treated immediately and properly, dental caries can cause serious tooth pain and other dental issues. It can also lead to more expensive and time-consuming dental treatments.

Since everyone is prone to getting dental caries, it can be useful to know some important ca. Here are some facts worth knowing about cavities:

  1. Cavities develop when acids attack your teeth.

When you consume foods and beverages high in sugar and starch, the acids eat the minerals from your teeth. Once the tooth loses too many natural minerals, the enamel becomes damaged and a cavity will develop.

  1. The development of cavities is made up of four stages.

A Sterling Heights dentist says that the initial stage refers to plaque formation. This is the phase wherein acid and bacteria from the foods you eat will eventually form plaque.

Under the First Stage, plaque and acids gradually wear away at your tooth enamel and start to create tiny holes in the protective covering of your teeth. With good oral hygiene, the tooth may be able to repair itself. If not, you will need a filling.

During the Second Stage, more of the enamel will be affected. The bacteria and acid will begin to attack the dentin as well. At this point, the dental caries are already painful and you certainly need to get a filling.

During the Third Stage, if you still did not get a filling, the bacteria and plaque will continue to compromise the layers of your teeth, eventually reaching the pulp. If the pulp becomes infected, you could face many problems including severe toothaches, tooth sensitivity, abscesses, and even bone loss. Extraction and root canal therapy are just the two recommended treatments.

  1. A well-balanced diet can help prevent cavities.

When you avoid sweets, especially in beverages like sodas and juices, you prevent an acid attack that causes cavities. Limit snacking since eating constantly prevents your saliva from naturally re-mineralizing teeth. If you need to munch on something, opt for fresh fruits and veggies. Eat more cheese as well since the pH balance in this dairy product can neutralize acids and help keep your teeth strong.

  1. Fluoride can prevent dental caries.

Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing. It protects your teeth by preventing mineral loss in tooth enamel. It also replaces lost minerals and reduces the ability of bacteria to make acid in your mouth.

  1. Good oral hygiene can also keep cavities at bay.

Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss before brushing your teeth. Make sure that you brush for at least two minutes and that you floss properly to get rid of plaque that can develop into dental caries.

7 possible reasons for tooth pain

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Why does my tooth hurt?

The average person will suffer from mild to extreme toothaches several times during his or her lifetime. The severity or pain level usually depends on the cause behind a toothache.

If you’re thinking “Why does my tooth hurt?” every now and then, a trusted Sterling Heights dentist shares some possible reasons below:

Tooth decay

The most common cause of toothaches is tooth decay. However, for the tooth and the surrounding area to really hurt, the decay in the tooth would have to be significant enough that it has already reached the inner layer of the tooth — the dentin. Once the dentin is damaged, the tooth becomes highly sensitive and a cavity has already developed.

Tooth abscess or infection

If a cavity has already affected the root beneath the visible tooth, the root and the surrounding tissue will soon become infected. This, in turn, can cause a pulsating and unbearable pain. This is a dental issue that needs to be dealt with professionally as soon as possible since not only is it extremely painful, but it can also result in bone and tissue loss.

Sensitive teeth

If you feel a sharp tooth pain during or after eating or drinking something cold or hot, the pain is usually connected to tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity usually means that your tooth enamel has worn down and your tooth’s dentin (the layer where the tooth’s nerves are) is exposed. This dental issue can also be caused by a recent teeth whitening procedure. To reduce this level of sensitivity, you can try using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. You can also consult your dentist for other possible remedies.

Damaged fillings

Damaged or dislodged dental fillings or sealants which can expose the sensitive part of your tooth to temperatures, food and drinks can create sharp pains. Your dentist can immediately repair or replace the dental filling or sealant so that you can be free of pain quickly.

Dental trauma or fracture

If you injure, fracture, crack or chip a tooth because of a sports injury, accident, or from biting a really hard object, you will feel an intense toothache. If the pain is intolerable, this usually means that the fracture or damage has made its way to the middle of the tooth where the nerve endings are. Recommended treatments for this painful oral issue include dental fillings and dental crowns.

Growing wisdom teeth

When your wisdom teeth are starting to erupt or if they have already crowned, they can cause teeth misalignment and push against the other teeth. This typically places pressure on your jaws and gums which causes the pain. Extracting the wisdom teeth and other orthodontic treatments will provide you relief from the pain.

Sinus infection

Lastly, if you suffer from sinuses, regular nasal congestion and tenderness in your upper jaw can also cause toothaches. Your dentist and medical practitioner will have to work together to find the most suitable remedy for this problem.

Even if the pain you are feeling is bearable and often comes and goes, it is best to consult your dentist immediately. There may be some underlying and more severe dental issues behind the pain and your dentist is the best person to detect and treat them.

5 Types of Dental Floss: Does Type Of Dental Floss Matter?

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Does the Type Of dental Floss I use Matter?

Even when you brush your teeth thoroughly, it is impossible to reach the food debris and plaque under the gum line between your teeth. So each time you brush, you must use dental floss. This will make your teeth cleaner. Also, it will stimulate the gums, prevent plaque build-up, polish tooth surfaces, and reduce gum bleeding. Most importantly, flossing will prevent gum disease.

But does type of floss matter? Based on various studies, it does not matter. Some are just preferred over the others depending on the user’s dental condition or preference. Some have a fluoride coating to prevent dental caries; however, its efficacy hasn’t been proven.

5 Types of Dental Floss

Tape or Ribbon Floss

This is wide, thin and smooth. Most people use this because it easily slips through the teeth. Also, it doesn’t shred. However, because it is very smooth, it doesn’t completely remove plaque. And when it is pushed too hard, it can cut into the gum.

1. Waxed Floss

This is made up of fibers and comes in various sizes, colors, and flavors. It can shred if pushed between the teeth. Easing the floss back and forth between the teeth is the trick to reduce shredding instead of popping it through. This is slightly tacky, allowing the floss to grab food debris and plaque between the teeth.

2. Unwaxed Floss

This is harder to get between the teeth as compared to waxed floss. Some prefer using unwaxed floss because it doesn’t leave a wax residue on the teeth. Some people believe that this residue collects plaque faster. When using this type of floss, be careful when getting it through your teeth. Snapping it down rapidly can injure your gums.

3. Woven Floss

This is made of white and blue yarn-like strands woven together. It may appear bulky, but it can be stretched into a thin string if placed in between the teeth. This type of floss is gentle on gums and easy to grip. Also, it absorbs plaque. However, it tends to shred easier than other floss types. Those with rough crowns, tight teeth, and jagged restorations have trouble using it.

4. Water Flosser

This is a device that shoots streams of water to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. This is more comfortable, effective and easier than traditional string floss. It has a pulsating action that can stimulate gum tissue for additional health benefits. This is beneficial for cleaning orthodontics like braces. This is also the best option for those with dexterity problems.

Choosing the right floss is not easy. A reputable Sterling Heights dentist can guide you through the process. As conditions change in your mouth, you might need to change the type of floss you use.

Finding a Reliable Sterling Heights Dentist

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Looking for a new Sterling Heights Dentist

If you have just recently moved into Sterling Heights, one of the most important tasks that you need to undertake is finding a reputable dentist.

Starting your search

There are three basic approaches you can use in your search for a Sterling Heights dentist.

If you have relatives and/or friends in the area, you can ask for their recommendations. However, if you know very few people in the area, you can solicit recommendations from your co-workers, family physician, local pharmacists, or even the parents of your child’s schoolmates.

Alternatively, you can contact the local or state dental association and inquire about dentists practicing near the neighborhood.

Finally, you can conduct an online search.

Ideally, you should create a shortlist of potential dental clinics you can visit and check out before settling for one.

Factors to consider

What are the factors you should consider in selecting a dentist in Sterling Heights?

In order to find a dental professional you are going to be comfortable working with, there are a few important questions you need to ask.

First, ask each dentist on your shortlist about their operating hours. Quite simply, your choice of dentist should have operating hours that match your schedule.

Next, check out the location of the dental clinic. Will it be accessible from your residence or place of work?

Be sure to check out the education, training, and philosophy of each dentist on your shortlist. Reputable dentists invest in continuing education and upgrade their skills by attending conferences relevant to their fields of expertise.

Ask about the type of anesthesia each dentist administers. Somewhere down the road, you or a loved one may need to undergo a procedure that requires one and, as such, you would want to feel comfortable with the choice of anesthesia your dentist uses.

Dental emergencies can occur when you least expect these, especially if you have young ones in your household. As such, be sure to ask about emergency services beyond the normal operating hours.

Next, ask about the cost of all treatments and procedures you and your family might need. This will give you an opportunity to compare each dentist on your shortlist. If you currently have a dental plan, remember to ask if the dentist participates in it.

Sometimes, due to your busy schedule or other unforeseen circumstances, you might miss some appointments. Ask each dentist about their policies regarding these.

Visiting a Sterling Heights dental office

Once you have narrowed down your shortlist, the next thing that you need to do is to visit each dental clinic on your shortlist. A visit to a dental clinic will give you the information that may not be provided during your interview or visit to a dentist’s website.

What exactly should you check?

The first thing that you would want to see is cleanliness. The dental clinic may be busy but reputable dentists understand the value of keeping their clinics neat and orderly.

During your visit, take note of how the clinic staff interacts with you. Are they helpful and courteous?

Finally, check if the dentist and the staff are wearing proper protective gear while treating patients.

Contact Us: 586 274 2800

Take a moment and browse our website and you will find valuable and informative material about the dental services we offer.

Our website also provides you with information about our dental professional team, office hours, insurance plans, appointment procedures, directions to our office and other valuable information.