Thomas Dentistry
A Family and Cosmetic Practice

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do my wisdom teeth need to be extracted?
How does tooth whitening work?
What are sealants?
What is a deep cleaning?
What should I do if I grind my teeth?
When should I take my child to his/her first dental visit?

I've been told I have periodontal disease and I need more appointments for my cleaning. What is involved?

What is periodontal disease?
Why do I need additional hygiene appointments?
Why do I need to come back in 3 months for my next cleaning?
Will my insurance cover the additional appointments?


Do my wisdom teeth need to be extracted? (Back to Top)
Problems associated with wisdom teeth (third molars) are common. Wisdom teeth generally cause problems when
they are impacted within tissue or erupt partially through the gum. The most common reasons for removing them are:

Decay: Because they are hard to reach with toothbrush and floss and food particles collect around impacted wisdom teeth.

Gum Infection (Pericoronitis): When a wisdom tooth is partially erupted, food and bacteria collect around the gum, causing a local infection.

Cyst Formation: A cyst can develop from the soft tissue around the impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts cause bone destruction, jaw expansion and displacement or damage to nearby teeth.

Orthodontic Reasons: The most common one. Wisdom teeth can push on the surrounding teeth, causing crowding.

How does Tooth Whitening work? (Back to Top)
Tooth whitening involves a mild beaching process that lightens enamel and dentin that has been discolored. Many things can cause a tooth to appear discolored or gray. Some of the most common consumptions include coffee, tea, dark sodas such as cola, tobacco, and blueberries. Tooth whitening involves the use of a mild solution of carbamide
or hydrogen peroxide. When either of these solutions are placed on the discolored teeth, these solutions are broken down on the tooth surface. Then, as the tooth enamel and dentin are exposed to oxygen, they become bleached.
As a result, the tooth color appears lighter.

Although tooth whitening can be done in a dental office or home, the kits are not available without the approval of a dentist. Tooth whitening is completely safe for teeth and gums. Some side effects of tooth whitening are increased
tooth sensitivity to cold and discomfort in the gums. These symptoms usually disappear within 1 - 3 days after
stopping or completion of treatment.

Most individuals can benefit from tooth whitening. A noticeable result usually occurs within 7 days. Maximum results occur over 14 - 21 days. Patients with Tetracycline stains may take up to 6 months. Patients that continue to
consume products that cause stains may need periodic "touch-ups" after initial treatment.

What are Sealants? (Back to Top)
A Sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars
and molars), where decay occurs most often. This sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the decay-prone areas of the back teeth from plaque and acid.

Children receive the greatest benefit from having sealants applied to their teeth, especially to newly erupted
permanent teeth. Sealants are recommended for all children, even those who receive topical applications of fluoride
or who live in communities with fluoridated water. Fluoride helps fight decay on the smooth surfaces of the teeth,
but it is least effective in pits and fissures.

What is a Deep Cleaning? (Back to Top)
The term "Deep Cleaning" is often confused with regular cleaning. Patients who have healthy gums and stable bone levels usually only need a regular cleaning. This involves removing plaque and polishing the part of teeth above the gum line.

Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planning, is a type of cleaning done only by professionals. This cleaning involves removal of calculus, bacteria, and debris that are stuck within the deep pockets between the teeth and gums. Patients that show potential signs of periodontal disease are usually recommended for deep cleaning. Deep cleaning is a vital part of treating and stabilizing periodontal disease.

What should I do if I grind my teeth? (Back to Top)
Grinding, otherwise known as bruxism, can be a serious oral health condition. It is a habit usually induced by life impacting things such as emotional stress, aggressive or anxious personalities, improperly aligned teeth, and genetics.

You can help avoid grinding your teeth by wearing a night guard. A night guard is a removable intra-oral application that is custom made for each patient. The night guard is designed to protect your teeth from the forces of grinding. It helps in relieving stress placed on the facial muscle, reducing the chance of experiencing muscle pain and
headaches, as well as clicking of the jaws.

When should I take my child to his/her first dental visit? (Back to Top)
Your child's first visit to the dental office should be around his/her first birthday, but could be as early as their first
tooth coming in. We like to make their first visit a fun and pleasant experience. Your child can explore the office, ride
the dental chairs, and play with the water gun. We have a visual check-up of your child's teeth and discuss oral health care.

We understand that a child's first visit to a dental office may be a bit overwhelming. To help ease any possible anxiety,
we encourage you to take him/her with you on your check-up visit. Going with big brother or sister on their next
check-up visit is also beneficial. It is important not to wait for an emergency to bring your child in for their first visit.


I've been told I have Periodontal Disease and I need more appointments for my cleaning. What is involved?

What is Periodontal Disease? (Back to Top)
Periodontal disease is a serious infection involving the gums, bones, and other tissue surrounding the teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth and bone loss. It is possible, however, for your mouth to become healthier and
keep your teeth with the help of periodontal treatment.

You do not have to wait for a dentist to diagnose that you have periodontal disease. You can check for the following warning signs in your own home:

• Changes in the way teeth fit together when you bite.


• Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums.
  Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing.


• Loose or shifting teeth.
  Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth.


• Red, swollen, and tender gums.


Periodontal disease has three main stages: Gingivitis, Periodontitis, and Advanced Periodontitis. Early detection and treatment can help keep periodontal disease from progressing.

Gingivitis: Gums bleed easily and become inflamed caused by bacteria and plaque. Plaque grows in the space between the gum and tooth, which cause "pockets." Professional cleaning and excellent home care is usually enough
to restore healthy gums.

Periodontitis: Tissue-destroying enzymes are released due to high levels of bacteria and calculus. These enzymes
can cause bone loss and deeper pockets to form between the gum and tooth. Treating these enzymes is aimed at stopping further damage and slowing or stopping the progress of periodontal disease.

Advanced Periodontitis: Once this stage is reached, calculus, bacteria, and enzymes have caused gum and bone to degrade further. In this stage, there is the possibility of tooth loss. Treatment is critical at this point.

During the treatment of Periodontal Disease, homecare is extremely vital. Dr. Thomas as he and his staff will happily provide you with recommendations and the products needed to help manage the disease.

Why do I need additional hygiene appointments? (Back to Top)
Some patients develop heavier plaque and calculus than can be removed in a single session. In order to assure a thorough job, these patients often require additional deep cleaning appointments. These sessions also enable the hygienist to assess healing following the initial appointment.

Why do I need to come back in 3 months for my next cleaning? (Back to Top)
Gum disease can rapidly damage the bone and gums around your teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
If we prescribe a 3- or 4-month recall program, it is because your gum infection cannot be adequately controlled with two cleanings per year. Research and experience have shown that more frequent cleanings increase the chance of healing in those areas where pocketing has occurred. Many patients avoid the discomfort and expense of gum
surgery by following this recommendation. This is the most conservative way to treat your periodontal disease.

Will my insurance cover the additional appointments? (Back to Top)
Unfortunately, insurance coverage does not always correspond to individual needs. Most insurance covers two cleanings per year. Your coverage will depend upon the dental plan your employer purchased for you; so it is best to check your plan. You may be responsible for paying the additional cleanings. We prescribe 3- or 4-month cleanings only when it is indicated. We do this in order to save your teeth!