Frequently Asked Questions | Andrew Holloman DDS in Clearwater FL

What is dentistry?

Dentistry is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions, disorders, and diseases of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Often considered necessary for complete oral health, dentistry can have an impact on the health of your entire body.

Why is visiting the dentist so important?

Visiting the dentist regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Dental care is important because it:

Helps prevent tooth decay
Protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss
Prevents bad breath – brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly will help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath
Gives you a more attractive smile and increases your self-confidence
Helps keep teeth looking bright by preventing them from becoming stained by food, drinks, and tobacco
Strengthens your teeth so that you can enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for the rest of your life!

My teeth feel fine. Do I still need to see a dentist?

Your teeth may feel fine, but it’s still important to see the dentist regularly because problems can exist without you knowing. Your smile’s appearance is important, and your dentist can help keep your smile healthy and looking beautiful. With so many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Today’s dentists offer many treatment choices that can help you smile with confidence, including:

Professional teeth whitening
Fillings that mimic the appearance of natural teeth
Tooth replacement and full smile makeovers

What should I look for when choosing the right dentist for me?

Choosing a dentist who “clicks” with you and your family is important, and you may wish to consider several dentists before making your final decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine whether the dentist is right for you. During your appointment, consider the following:

Is the appointment schedule convenient?
Is the office easy to get to and close by?
Does the office appear to be clean and orderly?
Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?
Does the dentist explain techniques for good oral health?
Is information about cost presented to you before treatment is scheduled?
Is your dentist a member of the ADA (American Dental Association)?

How can I take care of my teeth between dental checkups?

ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss at least once!
Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities.
Avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities) and avoid tobacco (this can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and eventually lead to oral cancer).
Don’t be afraid to brush your tongue! By brushing your tongue, you will remove food particles and reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria. Tongue brushing also helps keep your breath fresh.
Be sure to schedule your routine checkup. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months.

At what age should I start taking my child to see the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six months of age and no later than one year of age. During this time, your child’s baby teeth will be coming in and your dentist can examine the health of your child’s first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months.

How often should I see the dentist?

Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. Your doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.

What is a cavity?

A cavity is a small hole that forms inside the tooth because of tooth decay. Cavities are formed when plaque buildup on the outside of the tooth combines with sugars and starches in the food you eat. This produces an acid that can eat away the enamel on your tooth. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems. Cavities can be prevented by remembering to brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss between teeth at least once.

What is a filling?

A filling is a synthetic material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after all of the tooth decay has been removed. Fillings do not generally hurt because your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. Fillings are made from a variety of different materials, including composites, gold, or ceramic. If you need a filling, be sure to talk to your doctor about what type is best for you and your teeth.

How often should I brush my teeth?

According to your dentist and the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least two times a day. Brushing keeps your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy by removing bacteria-causing plaque. It is also recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride when you brush your teeth. You should spend at least a minute on the top teeth and a minute on the bottom teeth, and remember to brush your tongue; it will help keep your breath smelling fresh!

When should I change my toothbrush?

Your toothbrush will eventually wear out, especially if you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time. Your dentist recommends that adults and children change their toothbrush every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to read the directions because you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently. Patients with gum disease are encouraged to change their toothbrush every four to six weeks to keep any bacteria from spreading. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If you’ve been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible.

What is gum disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, and, if detected, is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease:

Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
Chronic bad breath
Loose teeth, or loss of teeth
Extreme tooth sensitivity
Receding gum line
Abscessed teeth

If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?

Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

How do I schedule my next checkup?

Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.

Dental Bridge FAQ

A missing tooth is problematic not just because it causes issues with chewing and speaking, but also because missing teeth can cause the surrounding teeth to stray out of position. Not to mention it keeps you from having the great smile you want.

The recommendation for replacing missing teeth is usually either a dental bridge or dental implant. A dental bridge “bridges” or closes the gap in the patient’s smile using an artificial tooth made of porcelain.

Is a bridge better than an implant?

A dental implant is basically an artificial tooth root (typically made from titanium) that is anchored in place of a missing tooth root. Unlike implants, bridges do not replace a tooth root. A bridge uses one or more surrounding teeth as supports to attach a crown that fills the missing tooth space. The implant process takes longer (about 4 months) and costs a bit more. If there is healthy bone to support the implant, implants are the best long-term solution. A bridge, however, costs comparatively less, but might need to be replaced more frequently over time. It is also more difficult to properly care for.

How long does a dental bridge last?

A dental bridge is not permanent. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, it is not unusual for the life span of a fixed bridge to be over 10 years. However, if maintained poorly, dental bridges may need replacement much sooner. The bridge’s lifespan depends greatly on how thorough a patient is with his or her dental hygiene.

Dental Implants FAQs

If you're looking to replace missing teeth and achieve your ideal smile, dental implants are a great option. The process includes placing a titanium screw into your jaw bone. This structure eventually bonds to your jaw bone to act as a natural tooth root. A porcelain tooth/teeth are then attached to the implant(s). Dental implants actually become an integrated part of your mouth just like real teeth. You’ll be able to brush, floss, eat and smile as if you’d had these teeth your entire life.

How much does a dental implant cost per tooth?

There is no set price for dental implant treatment, as this varies according to what procedures will be necessary for each patient. Dental implants are highly customized to make them appear as natural as possible. On average, the cost for treatment is $5000. After your free consultation with Dr. Holloman, you will be given a treatment plan estimate for your procedures. Our treatment plan coordinator will then be available to help with financing if needed.

Will I experience a lot of discomfort with the procedure?

Although the process sounds painful, patients report that they suffer minimum pain and swelling following the procedure. You are given local anesthesia, which causes the tissue of your jaw bone to go numb. As a result, you do not feel any pain during the entire process. In the event a patient is anxious about the surgery, sedation is available for those in need.

How do I care for my new dental implant?

Implant teeth need the same care as natural teeth. You should brush and floss as usual. Routine check-ups and cleanings by your dentist and hygienist are important in caring for your new implant supported tooth/teeth.

Can I chew and eat normally with my new implant supported tooth/teeth?

Yes! You will be able to eat, speak and smile with confidence knowing they are strong and secure.

Dental Veneers FAQ

If you have stained, chipped or worn teeth, porcelain veneers may be the perfect option for you! Veneers are thin shells made of tooth-colored porcelain that are custom made and bonded to your teeth to improve their appearance by changing the color, shape, size or length.

How much do veneers cost?

Much of the cost of veneers is due to the highly specialized materials and custom fitting that are required to make them. This porcelain is also the only dental material that can mimic the slightly translucent texture of real teeth. The average cost per Veneer is $1500. After your free consultation with Dr. Holloman, you will be given a treatment plan estimate for your procedure. Our treatment plan coordinator will then be available to help with finances if needed.

Do veneers ruin your teeth?

No. In fact, they are designed to fit over your teeth to enhance their natural appearance. Veneers are bound to the teeth and kept firmly in place. The adhesive used to bind the veneer to the tooth does not damage the tooth structure. Another added benefit is that veneers are stronger than natural tooth enamel, therefore they can’t be stained by liquids such as soft drinks and coffee.

How long do dental veneers last?

The average lifespan of veneers is 9 to 15 years without chipping or breaking. If they are properly cared for they can last much longer. It is possible for veneers to have issues sooner if the teeth are not maintained with good home care and regular professional cleanings and dental check ups.

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