Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Arlington, TX
What Do You
Want to Know?
Is there anything on your mind when you look at your teeth in the mirror? What kind of concerns do you have? What do you want to know before you arrive for your first appointment? On this page, we’ve listed the answers to a number of questions that we’ve frequently heard from our patients. Reviewing this page should give you a better idea of what you can expect from your dental care. Don’t hesitate to reach out with additional questions!
When should I schedule my next appointment?
That depends on when you had your last one. Generally speaking, it’s best to have an appointment every six months (or twice a year) in order to prevent dental problems such as tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. We may recommend visiting more often depending on the state of your oral health.
Is a toothache really an emergency?
That depends on when you had your last one. Generally speaking, it’s best to have an appointment every six months (or twice a year) in order to prevent dental problems such as tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. We may recommend visiting more often depending on the state of your oral health.
Am I suffering from gum disease?
If your gums are swollen or bleed easily, you might be suffering from an early form of gum disease. The symptoms aren’t always obvious, but the condition should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible if you don’t want to confront the possibility of tooth loss. If you suspect that your gums have become infected, call us to ask about your treatment options.
Can you make my smile look whiter?
There are many reasons why teeth might start to look duller over the years, but fortunately there are plenty of options for brightening them again. Obviously, a professional whitening treatment is an excellent option for removing tooth stains, but there are certain forms of discoloration that will need to be hidden under a restoration such as a crown or a veneer.
Does a missing tooth need to be replaced?
It’s highly recommended that you replace the tooth as soon as possible no matter where it was located; even if the gap isn’t visible, it could still lead to dental drift and contribute to problems with your bite. We might recommend a bridge, dentures, or dental implants depending on your individual situation.
What does persistent jaw pain mean?
Persistent jaw pain is often linked to a TMJ disorder – in other words, a problem with the joint responsible for the movement of the lower jaw. It’s important to have a TMJ disorder checked by Dr. Whitmore as soon as possible so that he can narrow down the cause of the pain and treat it accordingly.
Is my insurance accepted at this practice?
We are in-network with a number of insurance companies (namely Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, and Delta Dental), but we accept other plans as well. Call us to learn more about how your particular insurance plan could help you save money at our practice.