Why should I visit the dentist regularly?

Many people only visit the dentist when they have a noticeable problem. While they may think that they are saving money, the reality is that the treatments to repair and restore their teeth and smiles cost more money and time than it does to visit the dentist at regular intervals. Visiting the dental office regularly ensures that you receive preventive care to stop problems in the earliest stages of development, and to hopefully prevent them from developing in the first place. We can monitor your oral health and help you learn the best ways to care for your teeth so that they remain healthy. You should visit our office twice each year.

Why do I need to floss?

Flossing

Brushing your teeth will clean the surfaces of your teeth but will not reach the areas between the teeth or below the gum line. Flossing ensures that plaque and bacteria are removed from your mouth before they can cause damage to your teeth.

How often should I brush and floss?

You should brush at least twice each day. It is especially important that you brush your teeth before going to bed. Use an ADA-approved soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. You should floss daily. We also recommend that you use a mouth rinse. Contact our office if you have questions.

How safe are dental X-rays?

Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays are extremely safe. In fact, you are exposed to less radiation with dental X-rays than you are in your day-to-day life from the sun. Advances in dentistry continue to make dental X-rays safer through digital imaging technologies and higher-speed X-rays. Additionally, federal law requires that X-ray machines be checked for safety and accuracy every two years. 

I'm terrified to visit the dentist — what can I do?

Our team at Mirci Dental will do all we can to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We will explain everything that we will do so that you understand, and will take steps to help you feel comfortable during the treatment itself. We pre-numb before providing any anesthetic with a needle, and offer several sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), conscious sedation with sleeping pills and IV sedation with an anesthesiologist. Please speak with our team if you feel even a little anxious. We take your feelings seriously and will work with you to help you receive the treatments you need.

When should my child visit the dentist for the first time?

We here at Mirci Dental like to see your child between 2 1/2 and 3 years of age. We call this visit our happy visit. You can also visit this page for more about your child's first visit.

When will my baby start getting teeth?

Baby Teeth

Babies actually begin to develop teeth in the second trimester of pregnancy (about 16-20 weeks.) Teeth typically begin to emerge between 6 and 10 months of age. You should begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two adjacent teeth.

Why are primary teeth important?

Primary teeth are critical to maintaining good oral health and proper development. Your child’s primary teeth facilitate:

We cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you take good care of your child’s primary teeth. Please make an appointment with our team if you have questions.

What is cosmetic dentistry, and how can it help me?

Smile

Cosmetic dentistry is a dental field that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth so that you can enjoy a more beautiful smile. It includes preventive care as well as restorative treatments. Some common cosmetic dental treatments include:

I've lost a tooth. What are my options for replacing it?

There are several options available to replace your missing tooth. When you visit our office, our dentists will examine your mouth, discuss your oral health needs and smile goals with you, and review your treatment options. We will design a customized treatment plan to restore your tooth and your smile. Some of the tooth replacement options we may discuss include:

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a procedure performed when injury, infection or decay reach the inner tissues of the tooth. Our dentists will clean out the infected pulp tissue within your tooth roots, sterilize the canals, and then fill them with medicated material and seal the tooth to prevent future infection. While root canals have a reputation of being painful, advances in dentistry have made it possible to perform your treatment comfortable as well as effectively.

What is a dental implant?

Dental implants are a type of restoration designed to replace both the root and the crown of your missing tooth. They consist of an implant post, typically made of titanium or another biocompatible material, and an implant restoration. Implants are surgically placed into your jawbone to replace your tooth root. After the implant post has been placed, our dentists will work with you to create a custom restoration (usually a crown, bridge or denture) to be fixed atop the implant post and complete your treatment.

What are the benefits of an implant?

In addition to restoring your smile and your ability to chew and speak normally, implants also promote better long-term oral health and function. When you lose a tooth, the supporting bone tissue begins to resorb and deteriorate, which affects the health and stability of the teeth in the surrounding area. Implants function just like your original tooth root, working to stimulate your supporting bone structure and keep it healthy so that your teeth remain stable in your mouth.

How long will my implant last?

Dental implants are designed to last for a lifetime. You can keep your dental implant in good condition by practicing good oral hygiene at home and by visiting our office regularly for preventive care.

Who is a candidate for implant dentistry?

Anyone who is missing a tooth is a candidate for implant dentistry. If you have a pre-existing dental condition, such as periodontal disease or tooth decay, or if you need to have a bone graft prior to having your implants placed, you will need to receive treatment for those issues before our dentists can provide you with an implant.

What is the best way to care for my implant?

You should care for your implant the same way that you would your natural teeth – with daily flossing, brushing at least twice each day, and visiting your dentist regularly to receive dental cleanings and other professional care.

How many appointments are needed to complete my implant treatment?

Each patient is unique, and the number of appointments needed will vary depending on the number of teeth being replaced, your oral health and medical history, the health of your supporting bone tissue, and the techniques and materials used during your procedure. Our dentists will provide you with an estimated timeline for your treatment after your consultation.

How much will my implants cost?

The cost of dental implants varies from patient to patient, depending on the condition of your mouth, whether any additional treatments are needed prior to your implant placement, the number of implants you are receiving and the type of restoration that will cap your implant. Our dentists will provide you with an estimate of your treatment cost after your initial consultation. Your insurance provider may cover at least some of the cost of your implant, and we recommend that you check with your provider about your benefits.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an oral condition that affects the gums and supporting structures in your mouth. It begins as a bacterial infection of the gums, and gradually progresses until it destroys your gums and bone structure. The milder stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis, while the more severe form of the disease is known as periodontitis. You should be checked for periodontal disease each time you visit our dentists.

What causes periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by the harmful bacteria trapped in plaque. As plaque hardens into calculus (tartar), the disease becomes more established in your mouth. Gum attachments begin to separate from your teeth and create pockets that harbor these harmful bacteria. If gum disease is allowed to progress without treatment, the condition may become irreversible.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

What do I do if I have bad breath?

Halitosis (bad breath) may be caused by any number of factors, including:

You can prevent bad breath by visiting our dentists regularly, staying hydrated, practicing good oral hygiene, using mouth rinses and by not using tobacco products. If your halitosis persists, we recommend that you consult a physician to determine if your bad breath is caused by a medical condition and receive an appropriate treatment.