.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions
You asked, we answered! Read our answers to our patients' most common dental questions below. Have something to ask us? Contact us today!
No. Thankfully, crowns can be placed without a root canal procedure. However, most patients who have had a root canal will need a crown to strengthen and restore the use of their teeth. Call our office today at 937-653-8650 for more information about our services or to schedule a consultation.
Yes! White, or tooth-colored fillings, are a great, natural-looking alternative to traditional silver ones. Besides their superior appearance, these fillings are usually less sensitive to temperature, bond to the tooth structure easily, and help strengthen teeth that have been weakened by decay. Unfortunately, if a tooth is very badly broken or decayed, we may not be able to use a filling. In this case, a crown may be necessary to provide a stronger, longer-lasting restoration.
No, the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there is no health reason to avoid using silver amalgam fillings. However, due to their appearance, many patients today request “white,” or tooth-colored fillings.
Crowns and caps are used to restore teeth that need extensive restorations. For example, to repair a severely broken tooth we will remove any decay, fillings, or loose material and then cover all or most of the tooth with a cap or crown. The material we use will be made of porcelain, composites, gold, or stainless steel. Dentists refer to these types of restorations as “crowns.” Patients may use the term “cap,” or “crown,” but there is no real difference between the two.
Generally speaking, there is no particular brand or type of toothbrush that is the best. However, we recommend patients use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help strengthen enamel and fight dental decay.
The brand of toothbrush you use is not as important as the type. The size of the head and type of bristle are the main factors you should keep in mind when buying a brush. We recommend toothbrushes with soft bristles and a small head. Over time, medium and hard brushes can cause irritation and lead to gum recession. Brushes with small heads are easier to use and allow you to clean around each tooth more thoroughly.
To maintain a bright, healthy smile, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice daily. In addition to brushing, flossing and using a mouthwash with fluoride every day will keep your teeth strong and help prevent decay. Be sure to avoid “scrubbing” your teeth, as this can lead to gum recession.
At Champaign Dental Group, we recommend that our patients come in for a wellness check-up at least twice a year. This includes many benefits including allowing us to clean your teeth and gums while also checking for signs of any oral health problems. Depending on your oral health and medical history, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
What you consume may be changing the color of your teeth. Coffee, tea, wine, chocolate, red sauces, even dark berries can stain your teeth. And remember, smoking is a bad idea for many reasons, one of which is that tobacco can discolor your teeth. Some medications may cause discoloration as well. Speak to your doctor if you believe this is the cause; perhaps they can prescribe something else. We can help you whiten your teeth with a plan that beats out over-the-counter products by far.
The exact cause of canker sore is unknown. Some factors may include genetics, allergies, stress, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Trauma to the inside of the mouth can result in the development of canker sores. Ill-fitting dentures, braces, toothbrush trauma or biting your cheek can result in canker sores. Certain foods may also be a factor. Citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse. Foods like chips, pretzels and hard candies have sharp edges that can nick and injure the soft tissue of the mouth. To treat a canker sore, rinse your mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash or warm salt-water (1Tsp. to 1C). If the canker sore is present for longer than 2 weeks, call Champaign Dental Group.
That’s OK. Just get to it as soon as you can. Consider the foods you select throughout the day if you won’t be able to brush. For instance, snack on an apple rather than a package of cookies. Smart choices, on the whole, make the most sense, and you’ll be healthier for it.
Sensitive toothpaste, which contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate are very effective in treating sensitive teeth. After a few weeks of use, you may notice a decrease in sensitivity. Highly acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, as well as high in sugar foods can increase tooth sensitivity and work against sensitive toothpaste. If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using desensitizing toothpaste, see your dentist. Home care products containing high fluoride can also be recommended to help reduce tooth sensitivity.
When you are asleep, production in your mouth decreases. Since your saliva is the mouth’s natural mouthwash, most people experience morning breath. Bacteria found on your teeth in the crevices and on the taste buds of the tongue, break down the food particles, which produce sulfur compounds. It is actually these sulfur compounds that give our breath a bad odor. During the day, your saliva helps to wash away bacteria and food particles. Your saliva also helps dissolve the foul-smelling sulfur compounds.
Yes! Brushing alone can’t get into every area between teeth and close to the gum line. When food particles get stuck between teeth, they can start to decay and bacteria can grow. This can lead to issues with the gums as well as cavities. Floss every time you brush. And brush after flossing to remove any bits from your mouth that the floss loosened up. Rinse, and you’re set. Remember, use a fresh piece of floss every time.
Typically, what you eat/drink and how well you clean your teeth determine your likelihood of getting cavities. Steer clear from consuming too much sugar, especially sticky candies and chewy treats that can get stuck. Drink plenty of water to keep the mouth well-hydrated so food particles do not stick to the surfaces of the teeth. Brush and floss at least 2X per day, and do so with intention – no cutting corners. Also, keep up with your twice-yearly dental exams as recommended. This way, if a cavity is beginning to form, we can take care of it before it becomes a bigger issue.
People often respond to bleeding gums with the wrong method of treatment. Usually, gums that bleed are a symptom of the onset of periodontal disease or gingivitis. But often, people stop brushing as frequently and effectively because it may be painful or it may cause the gums to bleed again. However, when gums are inflamed, brushing could help reduce the inflammation. More importantly, you should see your dentist to have a periodontal screening performed in order to determine the level of disease present and the best treatment course to pursue.
Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone structure, which if left untreated, can cause permanent bone destruction that can lead to tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to increase risk for conditions of heart disease, stroke, low birth weight in infants, pre-term delivery, respiratory disease, and prostate cancer. An advanced stage of periodontal disease exhibits inflamed gums pulling away from your bone and teeth. Other signs of periodontal disease include:
- bad breath
- red or swollen gums
- loose teeth or teeth that have moved
- sensitive teeth
- pus coming from around the teeth
- pain when chewing
- bleeding gums
Treatment of early periodontal disease can be performed in-office. However, advanced stages may require surgery. Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated successfully by seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly and following recommended care plans.
While our visual exams are very thorough, X-rays give an even deeper look into the structure of your teeth and jaw. Small cracks, fissures, breaks, and signs of decay are better detected with the high-tech X-ray devices used in the office. We can treat your issue before it worsens by finding the problem as early as possible. X-rays are painless and the radiation level is low.
We’ll clean, polish, and floss your teeth. We’ll look for any signs of tooth decay, cavity formation, disease, and even oral cancer. We’ll check for cracks or chips, make sure no teeth are loose or missing, and get rid of any tartar/plaque buildup that can infect the gums leading to periodontal disease. We may administer X-rays and give you a fluoride treatment, if necessary. We’ll also check your jaw for TMJ disorder. All your questions and concerns will be addressed during your exam, and we can also discuss any cosmetic services that you may be considering.
Problems with the teeth, gums, and oral area vary from person to person. Generally speaking, err on the side of caution. If you feel any level of pain or discomfort, if you’ve had an accident, or if something just feels “off,” contact us and ask questions or schedule an appointment. Go with your gut rather than trying to wait it out. In many cases, the problem won’t heal on its own, and we can help. These dental problems include a chipped/cracked tooth, tooth replacement, gum tenderness, swelling, or bleeding, a loose tooth or tooth loss, sores or lesions in the mouth, pain in the jaw, excessive/chronic halitosis (bad breath), problems with chewing or biting, or any other abnormal symptoms.
Proactive dental care is recommended for all of our patients. We highly recommend making two general cleaning/exam appointments yearly. When you keep up with your oral care, our team can keep you updated on any changes in your oral health, and help you combat any issues you may be experiencing throughout the year. We will take care of the problem before it worsens. Naturally, if you have reason to see us outside these two recommended visits, be sure to contact our office to make an appointment.
Before any surgeries, your specialist will give you information regarding dental premedication for any future dental appointments (ex. Stints/Joint replacements). Please contact Champaign Dental to request your prescription prior to your appointment. If you are unsure, please contact us and we can help.
At Champaign Dental, where we strive to make your dental care as seamless as possible, including handling insurance matters with ease. We proudly work with a variety of PPO dental carriers, ensuring that your coverage aligns with your needs. Among the many PPO plans we accept are Delta Dental, Superior, MetLife, Liberty, Aetna, and United Healthcare. We always advise our patients to verify our network status with their insurance provider for peace of mind.
Please note that while we accommodate most PPO plans, we do not participate in HMO plans, such as Medicaid, Molina, CareSource, Paramount, Dentamax, Buckeye Health, and the United Healthcare Community Plan. Your comfort and confidence in your dental care experience are paramount to us, and we're here to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding insurance coverage.