Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? Find the answers here. If you don’t see your question/answer, please contact us.
What are sealants? Why do my kids need them?
The American Dental Association recommends that kids receive dental sealants as soon as their adult teeth erupt. Dental sealants are a quick, easy, and relatively cheap solution for preventing cavities. They are thin coatings applied to the biting surfaces that help prevent bacteria and other debris from getting into the deep crevices on the teeth. Young children are great candidates for preventative measures like sealants because in many cases, decay has not set in. Children’s teeth tend to benefit more from sealants because these pits and groves tend to be deeper and less calcified then they are in adults. Kids are notoriously bad brushers and tend to ignore the problem areas in the back of the mouth that lead to cavities and decay.
How often do I actually need to visit the dentist?
There are a few different ideas swirling around out there about how frequently you actually need to visit the dentist. Most people need to visit their dentist for a regular hygiene visit twice a year, or once every six months. There are exceptions to this rule, however. If you have gum disease, or a history of gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits. Another reason you may need to see the dentist more frequently is if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. The bottom line is that you need to at least see the dentist twice a year and you need to comply if it is recommended that you make those visits more frequent.
Why should I floss, isn’t brushing enough?
Flossing reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth. There are millions of these microscopic creatures feeding on food particles left on your teeth. These bacteria live in plaque which can be removed by flossing. Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing gets rid of the bacteria the toothbrush can’t get to. That’s the bacteria hiding in the tiny spaces between your teeth. If you do not floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth. Eventually it hardens into tartar. Plaque can be removed by brushing. Only the dentist can remove tartar. Ask your dentist to show you the proper way to floss. You will both notice the difference at the next cleaning appointment.
What are CEREC Same-Day Crowns?
The acronym CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics or CEramic REConstruction. At Yellowstone Dental Associates, we can use CEREC technology to create and fit a customized crown in a single office visit. Before modern dental technology, such as CEREC crowns, the process would require at least a couple of visits to a dentist office and a waiting period in which a patient would wear a temporary crown. Now, you can enjoy the convenience of having a durable and attractive crown placed in just one day to not interfere with your busy schedule.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
We are a paperless office, all forms are electronically handled and placed in each patient’s electronic chart. Please bring the following items with you to your first appointment for the convenience of data entry.
Dental Insurance Card (if applicable)
Identification such as Driver’s License, Military ID or State ID
Patient Health History or Medication History if necessary.
HIPAA Consent Form and Patient Authorization Form will be provided and available to be signed upon first visit
What should I do if I require pre-medication for my dental visit?
Please be sure to discuss this with your attending physician. Request a prescription from your prescribing doctors office prior to your dental appointment.