Frequently Asked Questions

How does Dr. Cole keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?

Dr. Cole subscribe to the latest industry journals and online professional chat groups to keep tabs on research and development in dentistry. They also take time on a regular basis for continuing education and hands-on programs. They not only share their learning with the entire team, but each team member keeps up with her own area of expertise through continuing education as well.

How do I know when it’s time to come in for a check up?

The time span between check ups can vary greatly with each individual, according to their current state of dental health. For example, an average, healthy adult typically benefits from a professional cleaning and check up every six months. You see, while twice daily brushing and daily flossing go a long way towards maintaining a healthy mouth, it’s wise to check for plaque that has hardened into tartar, requiring professional cleaning to avoid gingivitis, a form of gum disease. On the other hand, a person who has been treated for gingivitis may require more frequent visits to keep the disease under control and prevent further difficulties. When you visit our office, we’ll establish an appropriate recare plan for you based on the findings of our comprehensive oral examination.

My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?

If your child’s tooth is knocked out and there is no imminent medical emergency, such as uncontrolled bleeding, unconsciousness, or other bodily injury, preserve the life of the tooth by placing it in a glass of milk, and then contact us immediately. We’ll ask you to simply describe the situation over the phone so that we can help you determine the safest and most appropriate plan of action.

I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes off or breaks?

If your temporary crown comes off or breaks, carefully put it back in place (try using ChapStick!), then call our office to schedule an appointment so that a doctor can professionally re-apply it.

Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials . . .  Can you tell me more about these procedures?

With today’s technology, materials, and techniques, we have many options for restoring weak, broken, chipped, discolored, and/or missing teeth . . . bringing your smile back to its original shape and function. For example, we can apply an all-porcelain crown, also called a cap, to cover the entire outside of the problem tooth. Crowns can cover large areas of decay after they’ve been filled. Or, for smaller areas of decay, we can apply all-porcelain onlays or inlays, which are similar to crowns but retain more natural tooth structure. For unattractive front teeth, we can create pretty, natural shapes and shades by applying thin porcelain veneers to the fronts. For more information on any of these procedures, please feel free to talk with Dr. Cole during your visit.

My gums bleed when I brush my teeth. Should I be concerned?

Bleeding gums is never a good sign! However, the condition may or may not require professional attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by improper, rough scrubbing of the teeth instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled toothbrush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar buildup below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease.

If your problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods, or if it occurs every time you brush, it’s likely to be the result of some level of gum disease, and we recommend that you set up an evaluation appointment with Dr. Cole. We specialize in helping patients arrest and successfully treat all stages of gum disease through the use of our excellent non-surgical soft tissue management program.

Do I really have to floss every day? Can’t I skip it now and then?

It’s been said that you should only floss those teeth that you want to keep. And it’s true! A little regular flossing goes a long way and is truly critical for your overall oral health. It loosens food particles in tight spaces that your toothbrush cannot reach, gets rid of plaque buildup that toothbrushes alone cannot remove, and protects your gum tissues from irritation. All of this is necessary to avoid gum disease. So, just think of daily flossing as the finishing touch after brushing—insurance for your smile’s future.

My dentist now wants me to rinse my mouth with a prescription rinse for two weeks before my cleaning appointment. What is the reason for this?

The product you mention is chlorhexidine oral rinse (Periogard/Periodex). It is used to treat periodontal disease – an oral disease that starts with red, bleeding gums and progresses to loss of bone supporting your teeth. Chlorhexidine works by destroying bacteria. Its residual action helps to reduce the progression of periodontal disease. Chlorhexidine rinse must be used daily for at least two weeks without interruption to be effective. Occasional use will not work. After a two-week regimen of rinse, harmful bacteria will not regrow into colonies for 4 to 6 weeks.

One drawback to the use of chlorhexidine is a temporary, light staining of the tooth surfaces. A rationale for using the product BEFORE your dental hygiene appointment is that any staining can be removed by professional cleaning, but the residual antibacterial action will still continue.

Most adult teeth are lost because of periodontal disease, not tooth decay. Your dentist’s goal is to keep your teeth chewing and smiling for as long as possible.