303 Hargrove Road East
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
Office: (205) 758-4809
Fax: (205) 758-4207

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many types of dental cleanings are there?
A: For patients with relatively clean teeth, the routine "dental prophylaxis" is all that is required. For patients with heavy calculus (tartar) accumulation above the gumline, a gross debridement is needed. For patients with calculus buildup below the gumline,
root planing is required to remove the calculus and smoothen the root surfaces which inhibits new calculus attachment. We
cannot know what type of cleaning you need until we examine you.

Q: Why do I have to have radiographs (X-rays) taken?
A: The only way for the dentist to examine the dental structures below the gums and inside the tooth and bone is with radiographs. Every exam requires dental radiographs, whether taken by this office or taken by another office, as long as they are current and of diagnostic quality (not too dark, light or blurry and need to show all relevant structures).

Q: Why is my tooth broken or discolored?
A : If your tooth is discolored or broken, chances are you have tooth decay (also called a "cavity"). Tooth decay means that your tooth is "decomposing or rotting" on the outside and/or inside. If left untreated, the tooth may eventually develop a toothache. If it does not hurt, you may not be aware of the problem. If left untreated long enough, it will certainly become unrestorable and need to be removed.

Q: What causes tooth decay?
A: The most common cause of tooth decay is excessive consumption of soft drinks or sweets (acids and sugars). Lack of brushing and flossing is another cause. Drugs, whether therapeutic or illicit, can have a negative effect on your mouth and cause tooth decay.

Q: Why do my gums bleed?
A: Your gums bleed due to inflammation caused by bacterial plaque and in some cases calculus (tartar) buildup that is above or below the gum tissue or in between the teeth. This buildup is due to improper or lack of brushing and/or flossing. Bleeding gums (gingivitis) can lead to a much more serious dental disease called periodontitis whereby your teeth can become very painful and/or loose and have to be removed.

Q: If my teeth or gums don't hurt, why should I fix any of these problems?
A: The presence of pain usually indicates a problem. The absence of pain does not indicate that you do not have problems. Tooth decay and periodontitis often do not produce any pain until the problem has become very serious and compromises your teeth such that they need to be removed.It is like waiting for your engine to develop a noise before taking it to the service department. Your dentist will tell you which of your dental problems is your highest priority.

Q: Do I need braces even if my crooked teeth don't bother me?
A: Teeth that are severely crooked, misaligned or crowded can develop decay or gum problems due to an inability to keep them clean. The gums can bunch up between them or they can develop premature and excessive wear because they are not aligned properly. It becomes more difficult to straighten teeth and correct jaw misalignment as a person ages.

Q: Does it take some time to get used to my dentures?
A: Yes. When you get a new denture (or set of dentures) your gums have to become used to them, even if you have worn dentures before. Your dentist may have to perform several adjustments to make them feel comfortable. If you have a jaw ridge that is too narrow, wide, bumpy or otherwise irregular, you may experience more problems than someone with a more ideal jaw ridge. If you had teeth recently removed, you will need to reline your dentures 2-3 months after the removal and possibly a year or so later to ensure proper fit. Some folks mistakenly believe that if/when they lose their natural teeth, substituting them with dentures will automatically enable them to eat, speak and function just like when they had their natural teeth. Nothing could be further from the truth; dentures are not teeth, they are plastic artificial prostheses
that resemble teeth.

Q: What can be done about my anxiety over dental visits?
A: Many people experience anxiety over dental visits just any other type of medical type of visit. If you suffer from medical anxiety, let your dentist's staff know prior to your visit. The staff and dentist can adjust your treatment and their pace to better meet your needs.

Q: What types of cosmetic dental procedures can improve my smile?
A: Options range from:simple tooth whitening, orthodontic treatment (tooth straightening), composite resin bonding (tooth colored restorative materials), porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers. Ask your dentist what options are best for you.