Frequently Asked Questions
-
I don't have a toothache, and I brush and floss regularly. Do I really need a check-up?
Regular teeth cleanings performed by a dental professional are the best way to keep your teeth and gums looking, feeling, and functioning well. During a typical cleaning, plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) are removed from the surface of your teeth. We'll also polish your teeth and floss to test the condition of your gums.
The exam portion of your visit includes a visual assessment of your teeth and occlusion (bite), along with an appraisal of your current dental restorations. When X-rays have been taken, Dr. Truong will carefully review them to identify areas of decay and possible cysts, tumors, and other abnormalities. He will also screen for the early signs of gum disease and oral cancer.
In between cleanings and exams at our Austin dental office, brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the most important thing you can do to maintain your oral health. Brushing after every meal is even better, if you can. Additionally, clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners, and remember to brush your tongue! Brushing your tongue makes a big difference in how clean your mouth feels and smells.
-
If my filling is still in place and my tooth does not hurt, why does my dentist want to replace the filling?
Constant pressure from chewing, grinding, and clenching can cause dental fillings to wear away and even crack. If the seal between your tooth and the filling breaks down, food particles and decay-causing bacteria can work their way under the filling. You then run the risk of developing additional decay in that tooth. Left untreated, decay can progress to deeply infect a tooth and cause pain, abscesses, and loss of the tooth.
If Dr. Truong notices a weakened or damaged restoration during your exam, he might suggest replacing it to preserve as much of your remaining healthy tooth as possible.
-
Is there anything that can calm my nerves during an exam?
Nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas," is one of the safest anti-anxiety agents used in our Austin dental office. Inhaling nitrous oxide creates a sense of well-being and relaxation, which helps anxious patients feel more comfortable throughout their dental visits. It's also useful for individuals who have a strong gag reflex that interferes with dental treatment.
Nitrous oxide has very few side effects, and you will remain fully conscious and able to communicate with our team. Administering nitrous oxide requires only a small mask over the nose, and the effects can quickly be reversed by breathing pure oxygen for several minutes.
-
What is “comprehensive dentistry”?
Our goal is to have all concerns known and resolved before a dental emergency occurs. After all, it’s never a good time for a toothache or a broken tooth! We see patients with many different needs for many different reasons, from routine preventive care and dental emergencies to life-changing restorative and cosmetic treatments.
A large part of comprehensive dentistry is the development and fulfillment of ongoing maintenance plans, which helps minimize the chance of original problems reoccurring. After your exam and consultation, Dr. Truong will work with you to customize a treatment plan that fits your individual needs and budget. Good oral hygiene at home is also important, but in-office exams are critical to keeping your smile healthy because our team has the ability to remove plaque your toothbrush can’t. Digital X-rays help us monitor structures that aren’t always obvious to the naked eye.
In a way, comprehensive care really refers to our commitment to the present and the future of your smile. Not only do we want to keep it healthy, but we want to make it beautiful, and make it last.
-
A couple of my teeth have been worn down and need to be replaced. Should I opt for crowns?
Crowns cover teeth to restore them to their appropriate shape and size after large fillings, fractures, and/or weakening forces such as intense grinding. In all of these cases, crowns not only cover teeth but provide added support. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, cover dental implants, restore severely discolored or misshapen teeth, and even protect a weakened tooth that's in danger of breaking.
Using the extremely precise and efficient CEREC system, Dr. Truong can place most crowns in just one office visit.
-
I experience severe anxiety during dental visits. Is oral conscious sedation right for me?
Oral conscious sedation medications are measured and evaluated by pharmacists and physicians on a safety scale called the therapeutic index; the higher the number on the scale, the better the safety rating of the drug. The sedation medications we use in our Austin dental practice have very high numbers on this index.
When Dr. Truong is working with you to choose a drug protocol, he takes factors such as your age, weight, and level of dental anxiety into careful consideration. Your health history, including medications (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and supplements), alcohol consumption, and tobacco usage are also critical. Prior to your sedation visit Dr. Truong will guide you through the proper preparation steps and let you know what to expect after treatment.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort or remaining effects from a sedation dentistry visit. Immediately after treatment, you might feel a little wobbly while the medication wears off, but Dr. Truong will give you simple, helpful instructions for the rest of your day.
