FAMILY DENTISTRY · 700 Plaza Circle · Suite M · Clinton, South Carolina · 29325 · 864-833-5673

Julie Childers, DMD, PA - Family and Aesthetic Dentistry


Dentistry Services
Dentistry Questions
Dental Hygenist
Dental Services Room

 

  1. Is tooth whitening safe Is tooth whitening safe?
    Tooth Whitening Safe Answer Yes. We first evaluate your teeth to se if whitening is recommended. If whitening is appropriate, we use Nite White Professional Whitening system. Fast, safe, and effective, the Nite White system has been proven to remineralize teeth while whitening, making teeth stronger.
  2. Do OTC bleaching products work?. Do OTC bleaching products work?
    Do OTC bleaching products work Answer There is some evidence that OTC bleaching products do whiten teeth, however, many of the products are too abrasive and can damage the teeth with extended use or misuse. Supervision by your dentist is always the safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth.
  3. Why is it important to restore baby teeth that have decay? Why is it important to restore baby teeth that have decay?
    Why is it important to restore baby teeth that have decay? AnswerIt is very important to maintain baby teeth because they hold the place for the permanent teeth. If a baby tooth decays or is removed too soon, the space needed for the permanent tooth is lost and can only be regained through orthodontics. Infected baby teeth can cause the permanent teeth to develop improperly resulting in stains, pits, and weaker teeth.
  4. What about "silver" fillings versus "white" fillings? What about "silver" fillings versus "white" fillings?
    What about "silver" fillings versus "white" fillings Answer Although the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there is no health reason not to use amalgam (silver fillings), more patients today are requesting "white" or tooth-colored composite fillings. We also prefer tooth-colored fillings because they "bond" to the tooth structure and therefore help strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. "White" fillings are usually less sensitive to temperature, and they also look better. However, "white" fillings cannot be used in every situation, and if a tooth is very badly broken-down, a crown will usually be necessary, and will provide better overall satisfaction for the patient.
  5. Why do I need x-rays? Why do I need x-rays?
    Why do I need x-rays? Answer X-rays are necessary to detect decay between teeth and areas not visible to the naked eye. Since gum and bone problems happen slowly over time, they are often not felt or detected from the surface. X rays are also necessary for detecting bone loss and infections at root surfaces. Many people are understandably concerned about excessive radiation. Our office takes digital radiographs, which use 80% less radiation than conventional x-rays.
  6. Highly trained dental assistants. What is the difference between a "bridge" and a "partial denture"?
    A. Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or in some cases implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than partial dentures.
  7. What are sealants? What are sealants?
    What are sealants answerA dental sealant (also called a pit and fissure sealant) is a plastic, professionally-applied material that is put on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities. Sealants provide a physical barrier so that cavity-causing bacteria cannot invade the pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
  8. At what age should children have their first checkup? At what age should children have their first checkup?
    At what age should children have their first checkup answer We like for children to have their first checkup around the age of three. They are able to follow directions and cooperate well during the cleaning appointment. We strive to make this a fun visit.
  9. Why do I need a cleaning and check up every six months? Why do I need a cleaning and check up every six months?
    Why do I need a cleaning and check up every six months answer It is vital to your total helath to have an exam and cleaning every 6 months. Not only do we clean deposits from your teeth and from under your gums, we also do an exam of the soft tissues of your mouth to check for any abmormalities.
  10. Why do most people have to have their wisdom teeth removed? Why do most people have to have their wisdom teeth removed?
    Why do most people have to have their wisdom teeth removed? answerWisdom teeth (3rd molars) can cause over-crowding of teeth in most patients. This can shift teeth, cause pain, and lead to severe dental problems. An impacted tooth can cause further dental problems, including infection of the gums, bone loss, or decay. It is not uncommon for cyst or tumors to grow around them. If they are angled into the molar in front of them, they can destroy that tooth – requiring both teeth to be removed. Infected wisdom teeth (any infected tooth actually) if left untreated, will develop into a life-threatening infection. Removing your wisdom teeth as soon as possible is your best option.