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Den's Dental Blog

Hello! My name is Den. This blog is going to cover a range of dental topics. I am not a dentist or a dental nurse but I have recently undergone a lot of dental treatment. This treatment has given me a great insight into the world of dentistry and I would like to share everything I have learnt with you here. Last year, I developed terrible pain in my mouth. I was diagnosed with severe tooth decay. The dentist removed the problem teeth and then inserted false ones in their place. He also whitened my teeth to improve my smile. I hope you find my blog useful.

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Questions You Might Consider Before Your Next Visit to a Dentist

by Myrtle Banks

Your dentist will always be the best person to speak to when it comes to questions you have about procedures they offer and your overall oral health. However, there are some commonly asked questions that you can consider before you even visit your dentist so you know what to expect and know what follow-up questions you might ask. Note the following.

1. What are sealants and are they for everyone?

Sealants are very thin coats of plastic that are painted on teeth in order to protect them from damage and decay. These sealants seep into the cracks and crevices of teeth and help to keep them strong and prevent damage from sugar, bacteria, and the like.

Typically it's recommended that children get sealants on their teeth once their permanent teeth and molars come in, and they're usually recommended for the back teeth or molars first and foremost. However, adults can benefit from sealants and especially if they smoke, drink acidic colas regularly, and otherwise have a higher risk for damaging their teeth. Note that sealants do need to be checked for chipping and other signs of wear with your regular dental visits, so remember that they are not necessarily permanent and may need to be reapplied.

2. What if dental drills are very bothersome?

Many people are afraid of dental drills and even the sound of them can make their teeth hurt as they anticipate the pain of the drill itself. If so, talk to your dentist about other options. Some dentists today use lasers to cut teeth or gums as needed and may even use a type of air abrasion. An air abrasion tool works like a very small sandblaster, using a tiny abrasive material that is blown onto the teeth with a strong current of air. This can be less painful than an actual drill.

3. Are fillings really safe?

Some people think that fillings in the teeth are unsafe because some types of fillings are made with metal including mercury, and it's easy to assume that the metal and mercury leak into your system and cause a number of diseases. However, many researchers have concluded that fillings are very safe for your teeth, and many dentists today don't even use metal fillings. They may use different types of plastics and putties, simply because these are sometimes easier to shape and form into cavities and because they aren't as obvious as metal. If you have any concerns about fillings still, address these with your dentist.

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