FAQs

JBH Smiles

  • What are dental implants?

    Dental implants represent the most advanced solution for replacing missing or extracted teeth. The procedure involves three essential components: a metal anchor that's surgically placed into your jawbone, a custom crown that serves as your replacement tooth, and an abutment that connects these two pieces together securely.
  • What causes sensitive teeth?

    Tooth sensitivity can develop from several different factors. Beyond untreated dental decay, the most common causes include: enamel wear from brushing too hard or using hard-bristled toothbrushes, tooth erosion from consuming excessive amounts of acidic foods and beverages, damaged fillings or tooth cracks that expose the sensitive inner layers, gum recession that leaves portions of the tooth root exposed, and nighttime teeth grinding. Sometimes sensitivity may also occur as a temporary side effect following dental treatments such as teeth whitening, crown placement, or cavity fillings.
  • How do you treat cavities?

    When tooth enamel becomes compromised, small holes begin to form in the tooth structure. Your dentist will need to address this issue, typically using a filling, to prevent further deterioration. The treatment process involves removing all damaged tooth material from the affected area, then filling the space with protective material to prevent additional damage. These fillings are crafted from resins or composite materials designed to safeguard the tooth.
  • How can I properly care for my teeth?

    Maintaining good dental health doesn't need to be complicated. To help you maintain optimal oral health and avoid unproven trends, here are proven methods for effective home care: brush your teeth regularly, use fluoride, clean between your teeth daily, maintain a healthy diet, schedule regular checkups, use mouthwash, and consider using a powered toothbrush.
  • What are symptoms of tooth decay?

    Tooth decay may not be immediately obvious, but symptoms will eventually emerge that require attention. If you experience any of these signs, you may have a developing cavity and should schedule a dental examination promptly: toothaches ranging from mild discomfort to sharp pain, pressure around the affected tooth, heightened tooth sensitivity, visible holes or dark spots on your tooth, or redness, swelling, or pus near a tooth. If you'd like additional information about tooth decay or suspect you may have developed a cavity, please schedule an appointment with us.
  • What is gum disease?

    Gum disease is an inflammatory condition that develops when bacteria-filled plaque invades the soft tissue of your gums. This causes the gums to become painful and swollen, and they may bleed during brushing. At this early stage, the condition is commonly referred to as gingivitis. Because initial symptoms are typically mild, they're often overlooked. However, without timely treatment, the condition can advance and become significantly more serious.
  • What are symptoms of gum disease?

    Gum disease presents numerous symptoms that typically intensify as the condition advances. Warning signs to watch for include: gums that are red, swollen, and tender, bleeding gums when brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods, teeth that appear longer due to receding gum tissue, pus forming between your gums and teeth, chronic bad breath, mouth sores, loose teeth, changes in how your teeth fit together, or changes in how your partial denture fits. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a professional evaluation of your teeth and gum health.
  • What happens if gum disease isn't treated?

    When gum disease progresses beyond the gingivitis stage without treatment, both the symptoms and effects can worsen significantly, and your overall health may be compromised. Research has established a clear connection between periodontitis and the development of serious chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver and kidney disorders, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and certain types of cancer.
  • What are dental implants?

    Dental implants provide the most sophisticated option for replacing missing or removed teeth. The treatment consists of three key components: a metal post surgically inserted into the jawbone, a custom-designed crown that functions as the replacement tooth, and an abutment that firmly connects these elements.
  • What causes sensitive teeth?

    Tooth sensitivity develops from various factors. In addition to untreated cavities, frequent causes include: enamel deterioration from aggressive brushing or hard-bristled brushes, tooth erosion resulting from high consumption of acidic foods and drinks, compromised fillings or tooth fractures that reveal sensitive inner layers, receding gums that expose root surfaces, and habitual nighttime grinding. Sensitivity may also appear temporarily after dental procedures like whitening treatments, crown installations, or filling placements.
  • How do you treat cavities?

    When tooth enamel is damaged, small cavities begin to develop in the tooth. Your dentist must treat this problem, usually with a filling, to stop further decay. The procedure includes removing all compromised tooth material from the cavity, then restoring the space with protective material to block additional damage. These restorations are made from resin or composite materials designed to protect the tooth.
  • How can I properly care for my teeth?

    Keeping your teeth healthy doesn't require complex routines. To ensure optimal oral health while avoiding unverified methods, follow these established practices for effective home care: brush your teeth consistently, apply fluoride, clean between teeth daily, follow a balanced diet, visit your dentist regularly, use mouthwash, and consider switching to an electric toothbrush.
  • What are the symptoms of tooth decay?

    Tooth decay isn't always immediately noticeable, but symptoms will eventually develop that need attention. If you notice any of these indicators, you may have a forming cavity and should arrange a dental examination soon: toothaches varying from minor discomfort to intense pain, pressure sensations around the tooth, increased tooth sensitivity, visible cavities or dark discoloration on the tooth, or inflammation, swelling, or pus around a tooth. If you need more information about tooth decay or believe you may have a cavity, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
  • What is gum disease?

    Gum disease is an inflammatory disorder that occurs when plaque containing bacteria infiltrates the soft gum tissue. This results in painful, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing. During this initial phase, the condition is typically called gingivitis. Since early symptoms are generally mild, they're frequently ignored. Without proper treatment, though, the disorder can progress and become considerably more severe.
  • What are the symptoms of gum disease?

    Gum disease displays multiple symptoms that generally worsen as the disorder progresses. Signs to monitor include: inflamed, swollen, and sensitive gums; bleeding gums during brushing, flossing, or consuming hard foods; teeth appearing elongated from gum recession; pus developing between gums and teeth; persistent bad breath; oral sores; mobile teeth; alterations in bite alignment; or changes in partial denture fit. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist for a comprehensive evaluation of your dental and gum health.
  • What happens if gum disease isn't treated?

    When gum disease advances past gingivitis without intervention, both symptoms and consequences can deteriorate substantially, potentially affecting your general health. Studies have demonstrated a definitive link between periodontitis and various serious chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, liver and kidney disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and specific cancers.