FAQ: Dentist in Prosper, TX

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.

A dentist is a trained professional that has pursued higher education to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral problems. By the time a dentist begins to practice they have received at least eight years of education. During their training, they learn to care for people in all stages of life and treat a wide variety of oral issues.

A dentist can also pursue additional years of training in a specialty. If you’ve heard of a periodontist, orthodontist, endodontist, or prosthodontist- you are familiar with dental specialties. General dentists can also be highly trained in specialty services if they pursue continuing education to expand their skillset.

Coming to the dentist for the first time as an adult can be scary. We are here to walk you through what to expect at your first visit.

At this appointment, the doctor and his team will be assessing your unique dental health and needs. The appointment will begin with you filling out a health history. Many people do not know that systemic health problems are directly related to your oral health. A dentist can even diagnose systemic conditions by identifying oral manifestations. For example, uncontrolled diabetes is associated with fast-moving periodontal disease.

Up next, the team will take a set of x-rays designed to evaluate your oral health. X-rays are vital in diagnosing decay or other dental issues because they are the only diagnostic tool that can accurately detect changes in the density of your teeth and evaluate the bone that supports them.

If you are lucky, you will also see a dental hygienist at your first visit. This professional went through extensive training to detect and treat gum disease.

Finally, the doctor will come in and review the x-rays, dental health exam, and address any specific concerns you have. It’s important to be honest with your doctor. As providers, they went into dentistry to help people heal and make it easier for them to live fulfilling lives without having to worry about dental pain or insecurities. Let our team at Prosper Smile Studio help you gain back confidence in your dental health!

A cavity is a hole that forms on the tooth due to decay. The bacteria in your mouth break down sugar and starches into acids. The acid is strong enough to eat away the dense enamel. After a cavity begins to form, it moves inward toward the root of your tooth. It is important to treat cavities early to avoid treatment more extensive than a simple filling.

How often you should see a dentist is determined by several factors. For most people, the answer is every six months. By maintaining regular six-month visits, you are avoiding dangerous bacterial buildup that can compromise your oral health.

If someone has a history of periodontal disease, it is typically recommended that they come in every 3-4 months. They are encouraged to maintain shorter breaks between visits because their bodies have experienced irreversible tissue damage caused by oral pathogens. They are at high risk for further tissue damage and eventual tooth loss if their oral health is not maintained.

It is recommended that children see a dentist starting as early as six-months-old. It is generally advised that your child has a dentist when their first tooth erupts. There are multiple benefits from early visits. The biggest barrier when it comes to pediatric dental care is the comfort of the child. By starting visits at an early age, your child will become familiar with the environment- setting them up for success in the future. It is also advised to keep your child on a regular 6-month maintenance schedule to catch issues early, preventing damage to their oral and overall health.

You should brush your teeth at least twice per day. The purpose of brushing (and flossing) is to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria are the cause of a strong majority of dental complications. If bacteria is left uninterrupted on the surface of your tooth, it matures and increases in its ability to damage the tissues in your mouth. We recommend an electric toothbrush, used for at least two minutes, twice per day.

Gum disease is a bacterial infection in your mouth. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, which means the infection is confined to the soft tissue that supports your teeth. If left untreated, the condition can progress into periodontal disease which means the bone that supports your teeth has experienced damage from the infection.

Gum disease requires professional intervention to halt tissue damage and prevent tooth loss, long-term.

Bad breath is one of the biggest concerns we hear about from patients. There can be multiple causes. The first one to rule out is any presence of gum disease. If you are noticing stubborn malodor in your mouth, it could be caused by bacteria- so visit a dentist to evaluate the root cause.

Another pro tip to avoid bad breath is to use a tongue scraper 2-3 times per week. Our tongues develop a coating over time that harbors smelly compounds. By scraping your tongue, you’re removing the bacterial layer to get fresher breath.

Floss removes the bacteria in between your teeth, which makes up for 40% of the bacteria on the tooth surface! Not only that, but bacteria also find a safe home in the spot between your tooth and gums. If it is left to live in that space, it will destroy the tissue. We recommend daily flossing, but feel free to start with a few times per week until you can find a way to work it into your daily routine.

There are multiple solutions to getting more confidence in your smile. A great first step is to start with professional teeth whitening. Many professional whitening services will get your teeth 6-8 shades brighter in just one sitting! People are often shocked at how much a brighter smile affects their happiness.

If you are unhappy with the alignment of your smile, you can pursue orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth. Invisalign is a discreet way to straighten your teeth. With clear aligners, you can work toward a smile that is not only more aesthetically pleasing, but also healthier and easier to maintain.

If you are looking for a faster, permanent solution to your smile insecurities, veneers are a great option. A veneer is a thin façade that is permanently bonded over your natural tooth to give you the look, shape, and shade that you are looking for. Veneers are designed to look and feel natural to give you a brilliant smile that you can be proud of.