12/15/2011
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Your dentist should obviously be able to answer any and all questions you might have, but perhaps you're feeling independent today.
A commonly asked question is what is the difference between a DDS and a DMD? It's really only a matter of type of dental school degree the doctor received. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Science/Surgery, while DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. The DDS degree was the original dentistry certification, while the DMD was created more recently. Basically, DDS specialize in dental surgery, while a DMD stresses the use of medicine for treatment. It may just depend on how you prefer to handle pain or may depend on the specific situation and whether surgery is necessary. After all is said and done, a DMD degree is equivalent to a DDS degree.
A less common, but still intriguing question is what is the Missing Tooth Clause? Most people have probably never heard of this, but anyone that has a dentist most likely signed a Missing Tooth Clause. Most insurance companies have this clause to protect them from having to pay for a replacement tooth if the tooth was missing prior to the purchase of the coverage. For example, if someone is missing a tooth and then decides to get a dental implant or bridge, the insurance company will not cover the procedure.
What is calculus? It's not just that class that was the bane of your existence in high school. More commonly known as tartar, calculus is the buildup of plaque on your teeth. Brushing and flossing can prevent calculus from building up, but the longer it accumulates on the teeth, it becomes more difficult to remove. Food and beverages are the culprit for plaque buildup. Your dentist can remove this buildup with ultrasonic and sharp tools.
Sometimes patients may be referred to a periodontist, which raises the question: What is a periodontist? Periodontology is the study of the supporting structures/tissues of the teeth and the diseases that affect them. A person must first receive a dental school degree, then they may go back to school to earn their periodontics degree. A dentist specializing in this field of dentistry is known as a periodontist.
A common, yet often overlooked question is how often you should change your toothbrush. This is subject to a bit of debate, but as a rule you should change your toothbrush about every 3 months. Often times a toothbrush is worn enough to replace before it appears to be worn out. Worn out bristles can cause gum damage and bleeding, especially if you already have sensitive gums. If your toothbrush appears to be worn or discolored, it's probably about time to replace it.
At Green Dental & Orthodontics our first priority is to make you smile! Dentist encino We achieve this not only by practicing the latest techniques , but also by providing you with gentle and comfortable service. As an eco-friendly dental office located in Sherman Oaks, we only use materials that are biocompatible and non-toxic that help beautify your smile while insuring the health of your teeth. Whether it's molding a new set of veneers or whitening your teeth with our Zoom Teeth Whitening, we promise to exercise our dental and orthodontic expertise to brighten your smile.
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The views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.