General Dental Care & Treatment FAQs
If you have more general questions about seeing a dentist and different types of dental care, we have you covered! Check out some helpful answers below and click through to see more specific FAQs related to any dental treatment or care option.
How Often Should I See a Dentist?
It depends on your needs and your oral health. For routine check-ups and teeth cleanings, it’s typically best to see a dentist every six (6) months. Keeping up with this type of regular teeth cleaning schedule can be critical to:
- Removing plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing can miss
- Reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum problems
- Catching potential issues, such as cavities or gum disease, before they become serious (and may require more extensive dental treatments)
- Monitoring any changes in your oral health over time and adjusting your personalized care plan whenever needed.
When Should I Start Taking My Child to the Dentist?
Take your child to the dentist by their first birthday or within six (6) months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first.
Early visits to the dentist can help ensure that:
- Your child's teeth are developing properly.
- Your child gets used to routine dental check-ups early, which can be helpful in reducing anxiety later. At West Vancouver Dental, we call these, “Happy Baby Visits,” and they’re entirely focused on making sure your child is comfortable to take the stress and anxiety out of future visits.
- You have guidance and support on how to care for baby teeth, proper brushing techniques, and tips for preventing cavities.
- You and your child can establish good dental habits that serve as a strong foundation for lifelong oral health.
What Is Preventative Dental Care?
Preventative dental care refers to regular dental check-ups, routine cleanings, and daily care (like flossing and brushing) that can help:
- Maintain healthy teeth and gums for optimal oral health.
- Prevent problems, like cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
- Minimize the need for more extensive dental treatments.
Preventative dental care can also include treatments like sealants or fluoride treatments, which strengthen teeth and protect them from damage.
At West Vancouver Dental, preventative dental care is a core component of our general dentistry services, with routine oral exams, x-rays, and more included in every patient’s personal care plan.
When Should I See a Dentist for Tooth Sensitivity?
Visit a dentist ASAP if you’re living with ongoing or extreme tooth sensitivity.
While teeth can be sensitive from time to time, persisting and/or severe tooth sensitivity is often a sign of a serious underlying issue that won’t get better on its own. In fact, when that’s the case, tooth sensitivity — and the issue(s) causing it — can get much worse with time.
So, it’s generally advised that you book an appointment with a reputable, highly experienced dentist, like Dr. Hawthorne, who can:
- Figure out what’s causing your tooth sensitivity.
- Recommend the best course of treatment.
- Help you get some effective, lasting relief.
How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal?
You may need a root canal if you're experiencing issues like:
- Persistent tooth pain, especially when you’re chewing or biting
- Tooth pain that extends through your jaw, face, and/or other teeth
- Lingering tooth sensitivity with hot or cold items
- Swollen or tender gums
- Small, pimple-like bumps on your gums
- Tooth discoloration or darkening
- Deep tooth decay
If you’re dealing with any of these complications, book an appointment at West Vancouver Dental. We can identify the source of your symptoms and explain whether you need a root canal. To find out more, check out our root canal treatment information here or contact our team now.
Are Same Day Crowns Good?
Yes, same day crowns are generally a great option for many patients and various needs.
Convenient and durable, same day crowns are high-quality crowns you get in a single visit, rather than over days or weeks, which could be the case with traditional crowns.
Using cutting-edge technology and techniques, same day crowns can be custom-fit on the spot, saving you time while delivering beautiful results. Many patients choose same day crowns for their efficiency, durability, and natural attractive appearance.
Dr. Hawthorne and the West Vancouver Dental team provide same day crown services in Vancouver, WA, along with no insurance pricing options and flexible payment plans, so you can get the care you need, regardless of insurance or financial constraints.
For more answers, check out our same day crown services here.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
Dental implants are typically not painful, thanks to modern techniques that can keep patients comfortable through the procedure.
After the procedure, you may experience temporary, mild discomfort or soreness that’s manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.
For the vast majority of patients, the benefits of dental implants far outweigh any temporary discomfort they experience, offering:
- A long-lasting, natural-looking solution for missing teeth
- Improvements in both function and appearance
At West Vancouver Dental, Dr. Hawthorne and his team use the most advanced procedures and tools while taking every precaution to ensure your comfort during a dental implant procedure. For more, see our dental implant service details here.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and smiles. To do that, cosmetic dentistry usually includes various treatments designed to whiten, straighten, and/or reshape teeth.
Some common cosmetic dentistry services include:
- Teeth whitening
- Veneers
- Dental bonding
- Clear aligners, like SureSmile®
At West Vancouver Dental, we offer several cosmetic dentistry services tailored to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Using cutting-edge techniques and technology, we can brighten your teeth, correct alignment issues, and restore your smile's natural beauty.
Explore the options for cosmetic dentistry at West Vancouver Dental here.
What Should I Do If I Have a Dental Emergency?
If you’ve suffered serious trauma — or you’re bleeding severely or have other injuries — call 911 or visit your local emergency room ASAP.
Outside of these extreme situations, you may also have a more common dental emergency that the team at West Vancouver Dental may be able to treat ASAP. These dental emergencies can include (and are not limited to):
- Chipped teeth
- Knocked out teeth
- Dental abscesses
- Severe toothaches
- Tooth infections
- Loose or missing crowns
- Loose or missing fillings
- Broken dentures
In the event, you’re suffering from one of these (or a similar) dental emergency, you may want to:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek by the area that’s causing you pain.
- If your tooth broke, a crown was knocked out, or you have lost a crown (or filling), remove broken pieces from your mouth if you can. Save them.
- Call West Vancouver Dental ASAP for a same-day emergency dentist appointment.
Check out how we handle different dental emergencies here.
What Can You Do to Address or Ease Dental Anxiety?
We offer nitrous oxide and minimal sedation to help alleviate our patient’s dental anxiety and make them as comfortable as possible during their treatment.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose. It induces a state of relaxation and calmness, making dental procedures more comfortable for anxious patients. The effects wear off quickly after the procedure, allowing you to resume your daily activities promptly.
If you have questions or concerns about dental anxiety or sedation during dental treatments, please don’t hesitate to reach out here. We’ll respond quickly with helpful answers.
