FAQ | Dental Patient Services

Faculty Clinics FAQ

You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits.

Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential to prevent dental problems and maintain the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities and other potential dental health concerns that include:

Medical history review: assess the status of any current medical conditions, new medications or illnesses that might provide insight to your overall health and dental condition.
Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): is essential for the detection of decay, tumors, cysts and bone loss, x-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
Oral cancer screening: check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
Gum disease evaluation: examine the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
Examination of tooth decay: utilize special dental instruments to check all tooth surfaces for decay.
Examination of existing restorations: check current fillings, crowns and etc.
Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible colony of living bacteria, food debris and saliva that forms on the teeth. These bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums and represent the beginning of periodontal disease.
Teeth polishing: removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
Oral hygiene recommendations: includes the review and recommendations of oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses etc.).
Review dietary habits: Eating habits play a very important role in dental health.

A useful dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. The Faculty Dental Practices professionals are committed to providing you with the best possible care through regular checkups and cleanings.

If you feel somewhat self-conscious about your teeth or just want to improve your smile, cosmetic dental treatments may be the answer to a more beautiful, confident smile.

The growing popularity of cosmetic dentistry is due to widespread awareness of the advances in affordable and painless cosmetic dental procedures and materials that can provide whiter, more radiant smiles for health and beauty conscious patients.

In many cases, cosmetic dental treatments can change your smile dramatically, whether by restoring a single tooth or through a full mouth makeover. Ask your Faculty Dental Practices professional how you can improve the health and beauty of your smile with cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Procedures:

Teeth Whitening by bleaching lightens teeth that have been stained or discolored by age, food, drink and cigarettes. Teeth darkened as a result of injury or certain medications can be bleached, but its effectiveness depends on the intensity of staining.
Composite (tooth-colored) Fillings, also known as “bonding,” are widely used instead of amalgam (silver) fillings to repair teeth with cavities and replace old defective fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are also used to repair chipped, broken or discolored teeth. Composites are the preferred material to fill gaps and to protect sensitive, exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession.
Porcelain Veneers are thin, custom-made, tooth-colored shells that bond to the front of teeth to create an attractive smile. They help restore or camouflage damaged, discolored, poorly shaped or misaligned teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers require minimal tooth structure to be removed from the surface of the tooth.
Porcelain Crowns (caps) are tooth-colored, custom-made coverings that encase and restore the entire tooth surface to its original shape and size. Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. They are ideal for teeth that have large, fractured or broken fillings or teeth that are badly decayed.
Dental Implants are artificial roots that are surgically placed into the jaw to replace one or more missing teeth. Porcelain crowns, bridges and dentures can be made specifically to fit and attach to implants and provide the patient a strong, stable and durable alternative to removable dental appliances.
Orthodontics now are made of less visible and more effective brackets and wires that make the straightening of teeth with orthodontics much more appealing to adult patients. In some cases teeth may be straightened with custom-made, clear, removable aligners that require no braces.

Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, there are many comfortable and effective ways to achieving a winning smile.

Many people are unaware that periodontal disease (the destruction of gum tissue and bone that hold our teeth in place) can affect your overall health. Periodontal disease is one of the most common infections, even more prevalent than the common cold. Periodontal disease is not only the number one reason for tooth loss, it can affect the health of your body.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that in its earliest stages is called gingivitis. It starts when an accumulation of plaque (a colony of bacteria, food debris, and saliva) is NOT regularly removed from the gums and teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins/acids that irritate and infect the gums and eventually destroy the jawbone that supports the teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can eventually lead to tooth loss!

There are numerous scientific studies that have demonstrated a relationship between gum disease and major medical conditions. These studies suggest that people with periodontal disease have a greater risk of systemic disease and that periodontal disease may cause oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and transfer new infections to major organs. Research suggests that periodontal bacteria in the blood stream may—

Contribute to the development of heart disease
Increase the risk of stroke
Compromise the health of those that have diabetes or respiratory diseases
Increase a woman’s risk of having a preterm, low birth weight baby

Researchers conclude that additional research is needed to understand the link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, but there is sufficient evidence to support the assertion that infections in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body.

To ensure a healthy, disease-free mouth, Faculty Dental Practices clinicians recommend regular dental check-ups and cleanings that include a periodontal evaluation. Also, diligent home care and a proper diet can help reduce the plaque and bacteria in the mouth.

Keep in mind the important mouth-body connection. Taking care of your oral health may contribute to your overall physical health!

Bad breath (halitosis) is an unpleasant and sometimes embarrassing condition. Many of us don't realize we have bad breath; but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning.

There are various causes of bad breath. In healthy people, the primary reason is microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduces bad breath by as much as 70 percent.

What can cause bad breath?

Morning breath is the result of saliva flow that almost stops during sleep, reducing the cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
Certain foods made with strong seasoning, such as garlic, onions or turmeric, etc. contain odor-causing compounds that enter the blood stream and transfer to the lungs from where they are exhaled.
Poor oral hygiene habits leave food particles that collect in the mouth and promote bacterial growth.
Periodontal (gum) disease breeds colonies of bacteria and food debris that reside under inflamed gums.
Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances may also contribute to bad breath.
Dry mouth (Xerostomia) sometimes caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing contributes to bad breath.
Tobacco products dry the mouth and contribute to bad breath.
Dieting causes chemicals called ketones to release in the breath as the body burns fat.
Dehydration, hunger and missed meals contribute to bad breath, while drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
Certain medical conditions and illnesses such as diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that contribute to bad breath.

Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath. Also, review with your dentist medications you take, recent surgeries you have had or illnesses you are suffering.

What can I do to prevent bad breath?

Practice good oral hygiene – Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from between the teeth and under the gum line. Brush, or use a tongue scraper, to clean the tongue including its back areas. Replace your toothbrush every two to three months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly each morning.
See your dentist regularly – Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.
Stop smoking or chewing tobacco – Ask your dentist about ways to break the habit.
Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
Use mouthwash/rinses – Some over-the-counter products provide a solution that only temporarily masks unpleasant mouth odor. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that alleviate bad breath by killing the germs that cause the problem.

In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and devise an appropriate treatment plan.

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it, because the disease is usually painless in its early stages. Unlike tooth decay, that often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are crucial to determine whether periodontal problems exist.

Periodontal disease begins when plaque (a sticky, colorless film of bacteria), food debris and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Regular and proper brushing and flossing will ensure that plaque is not left in place to do its damage.

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.
Certain tooth or appliance conditions– Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings may trap plaque and bacteria.
Many medications – A variety of medications such as steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure medications and oral contraceptives, have side affects that reduce saliva making it easier for plaque to adhere to the teeth and gums.
Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Changes in hormone levels—triggered by pregnancy, oral contraceptives and puberty—cause gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacterial toxins.
Systemic diseases– Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS and other systemic diseases contribute to periodontal disease susceptibility.
Genetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particularly close attention to the condition of their gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease:

Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
Persistent bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth.
New spacing between teeth is caused by bone loss.
Loose teeth are caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
Pus around the teeth and gums is a sign of infected gums.
Receding gums– Loss of gum around a tooth is a sign of periodontal disease.
Tenderness or Discomfort may be caused by plaque, calculus, and bacteria that irritate the gums and teeth.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Brushing and flossing help limit the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar), and both plaque and calculus begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.

Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing and the use of other dental aids.

Toothbrushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an American Dental Association (ADA) approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion that ensures you always feel the bristles on the gums.
Brush the outer, inner and biting surface of each tooth.
Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth.
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and efficiently remove plaque. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to clean several teeth at a time.

Flossing: Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces but prevents damage to the gums, teeth and bone, because it prevents plaque colonies from accumulating.

Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about two inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum line.
Gently move the floss up and down, to clean the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended, if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing: It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to ask your dentist or dental hygienist whether it is appropriate.

Over the years there has been some concern as to the safety of amalgam (silver) fillings. An amalgam is a blend of copper, silver, tin, and zinc, bound by elemental mercury. Dentists have used this blended metal to fill teeth for more than 100 years. The controversy is due to claims that exposure to the vapor and minute particles from the mercury can cause a variety of health problems.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), up to 76 percent of dentists use silver containing mercury to fill teeth. The ADA also states that silver fillings are safe and that studies have failed to find any link between silver containing mercury and any medical disorder.

The general consensus is that amalgam (silver) fillings are safe. Along with the ADA’s position, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization, the FDA, and others support the use of silver fillings as safe, durable, and cost effective. The US Public Health Service says that the only reason not to use silver fillings is if a patient has an allergy to any component of this type of filling. The ADA has had fewer than 100 reported incidents of an allergy to components of silver fillings out of countless millions of silver fillings over the decades.

Although studies indicate that there are no measurable health risks to patients who have silver fillings, we do know that mercury is a toxic material when we are exposed at unsafe levels. For instance, we have been warned to limit the consumption of certain types of fish that carry high levels of mercury in them. However, with respect to amalgam fillings, the ADA maintains that when the mercury combines with the other components of the filling, it becomes an inactive substance that is harmless.

There are numerous options to silver fillings, including composite (tooth-colored), porcelain, and gold fillings. We encourage you to discuss these options with your dentist so you can determine which is best for you.

With teeth whitening the number one aesthetic concern of many patients, it is fortunate that there are many products and methods available to achieve a brighter smile.

Professional teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel, and an ideal way to enhance the attractiveness of your smile. Over-the-counter products are available, but they are much less effective than professional treatments and not all are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, eventually revealing a darker or yellow shade. The color of our teeth also comes from the inside of the tooth that also may become darker over time. Smoking, and the consumption of coffee, tea and wine, may also make our teeth yellow and dull. Sometimes, teeth become discolored from taking certain medications as a child, such as tetracycline. Excessive fluoridation (fluorosis) during tooth development can also cause teeth to become discolored.

It’s important to have your dentist determine if you’re a good candidate for bleaching. Occasionally, tetracycline and fluorosis stains are difficult to bleach, and your dentist may offer other options, such as veneers or crowns, to cover up these stains. Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is also important to consider replacement of any old fillings or crowns before bleaching begins. Once the bleaching is done, your dentist can match the new restorations to the shade of the newly whitened teeth.

Because teeth whitening is not permanent, a touch-up may be needed every several years to keep your smile looking bright.

The most widely used professional teeth whitening systems:

Home teeth whitening systems usually come in a gel form that is placed in a custom-fitted mouth guard (tray), created from a mold of your teeth. The trays are worn either twice a day for approximately 30 minutes or overnight while you sleep. It usually takes several weeks to achieve the desired results, depending on the degree of staining and the desired degree of whitening.
In-office teeth whitening treatment is done in the dental office and the results are immediate. It may require more than one visit, with each visit lasting 30 to 60 minutes. With your gums protected, a bleaching solution is applied to the teeth. A special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent while the teeth are whitened.

Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after having their teeth whitened. This sensation is temporary and subsides shortly after you complete the bleaching process, usually within a few days to one week.

Teeth whitening can be very effective and can give you a brighter, whiter, more attractive smile.

With many state-of-the-art dental treatments and prevention options available from modern dentistry, there are fewer reasons for having to extract (remove) teeth. When something does go wrong with a tooth, we try to do everything possible to restore the tooth to its original function. Removing a tooth is the last option, because we know that removal may lead to severe and costly dental and cosmetic problems if the tooth is not replaced.

Losing a tooth can be a very traumatic experience. Injury, accident, fracture, severe dental decay and gum disease are the major reasons for having to remove a tooth. If teeth are lost due to injury or have to be removed, it is imperative that they be replaced to avoid the consequence of cosmetic and dental problems.

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone that helped to support that tooth begins to atrophy, causing the teeth on either side to shift or tip into the open space. Also, the tooth above or below the open space will start to move towards the open space because there is no opposing tooth to bite against. These movements may create problems such as decay, gum disease, excessive wear on certain teeth and TMJ (jaw joint) problems. These problems and movements do not manifest immediately, but will eventually appear, compromising your chewing ability, the health of your bite and the beauty of your smile.

Options for replacement of missing teeth:

Removable bridges are a good solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, especially in complex dental situations where other replacement options are not possible. They are usually made of tooth-colored, artificial teeth combined with metal clasps that hook onto adjacent natural teeth. Removable bridges are the most economical option for replacing missing teeth, but may be the least aesthetically pleasing. This is because the metal clasps on the appliances are often impossible to completely conceal.

Fixed bridges generally are made of porcelain or composite material that is anchored (cemented) permanently to an adjacent natural tooth. The benefit of this type of bridge is that it is fixed (not removable) and very sturdy. The disadvantage is that in order to create a fixed appliance, two healthy teeth will have to be crowned (capped) to hold the bridge in place.

Dentures are the option when most or all of the natural teeth are missing from one dental arch. Dentures are removable artificial teeth that are made to closely resemble the patients’ original teeth.

Implants are an excellent way to replace one or more missing teeth. They are also a great way to support ill-fitting dentures. A dental implant is an artificial root that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. An artificial tooth is placed on the implant, giving the appearance and feel of a natural tooth. Implants are very stable, durable, and are the most aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement option.

If you are missing teeth, ask us what options are available to you. Together we will select your best replacement option. Prevention and early treatment is always less involved and less costly than delaying treatment and allowing a serious problem to develop.

Most of us have fillings in our mouths that date back many years, some even may have been placed during our childhood. These fillings may now be old, dark and unattractive, making us feel self-conscious when we smile, laugh and talk. Old fillings are not only unattractive; they also may be defective. When a filling is old, the margins (space between the tooth and filling) eventually may open and permit bacteria and food debris to enter and cause dental decay.

Your dentist can check your fillings for defects and determine whether they need replacement. Also, if you simply want to replace fillings that are unattractive, you and your dentist can decide the order of replacement and what replacement options best suit you. There are many state-of-the-art dental filling materials and procedures available today that are quick, painless, and cost effective replacements for unattractive or defective fillings.

Options for replacing old, unattractive or discolored fillings:

Composite (bonding) fillings are tooth-colored fillings that can be closely matched to the color of your existing teeth. They are particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth and are one of the best ways to improve the health and beauty of your smile.

Crowns (Caps) are used when a tooth is too damaged and cannot be repaired with a filling or other type of restoration. A crown is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens the remaining tooth structure and can be made of gold, porcelain, and other tooth-colored materials.

Inlays/Onlays restorations are custom made fillings. They can be made of composite resin, porcelain or gold and are made by a dental laboratory and placed by a dentist. Inlays/onlays are usually best for the posterior (rear) chewing surfaces of teeth and are utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective/unattractive fillings or restorations that have been damaged by decay or trauma.

Porcelain veneers are used primarily in the front teeth. Veneers are very thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are individually crafted and permanently cemented to the front surface of teeth. They are a great solution for fixing discolored, pitted, chipped, malformed or slightly crooked teeth. Veneers are also used to fill unwanted spaces. Veneers are very durable, natural looking and do not stain. This makes veneers a very popular solution for restoring a smile impaired by old, unattractive fillings.

As you can see, there are various options for replacing old, unattractive fillings. These treatments provide strong, natural and long-lasting replacement solutions to enhance the function and beauty of your smile.

What's the difference between the Faculty Dental Practice and Loma Linda University School of Dentistry?

What insurance companies do you provide services for?

Will you bill my insurance company?

How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?

How can cosmetic dentistry help improve the appearance of my smile?

What does heart disease and other medical conditions have to do with periodontal (gum) disease?

What should I do if I have bad breath?

How can I tell if I have gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease)?

How often should I brush and floss?

Why is it important to floss?

What are porcelain veneers and how can they improve my smile?

Are amalgam (silver) fillings safe?

What can I do about stained or discolored teeth?

What are my options if I have missing teeth?

What can be done about old, unattractive, or discolored fillings?

When are sealants recommended?

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?