FAQ’s and Dental Terms

FAQs

Answers for Your Dental Questions

Q) Can I meet the doctor before becoming a patient at your practice?
A) Absolutely! Give us a call and we will coordinate our schedules so that you can drop by, get a tour, and share a cup of coffee with Dr. Kalsi or Dr. Gautam.

Q) I would like my teeth to be whiter. What are my options?
A) We offer in-office Zoom! Whitening and custom take-home teeth whitening. Zoom! Whitening can lighten your teeth from 6 to 10 shades in one treatment.

Q) How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
A) We recommend that patients with good oral health schedule a checkup and hygiene visit at least twice each year. If you need more frequent visits, we'll let you know. Checkups are important because, even if you don't notice any pain or problems with your teeth, we may find signs of potential problems. For instance, demineralization is a precursor to decay, oral cancer often goes undetected until the later stages, and gum disease can progress unnoticed. At your hygiene appointment, we'll clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. We'll also make sure your gums are healthy and strong.

Q) What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
A) Patient comfort and safety is our top priority. Our practices include cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing reusable instruments in an autoclave, then sealing them for the next use. We disinfect treatment rooms between patient visits, and using disposable products when possible. We always wear disposable gloves during exams and treatment, for your safety.

Q) I brush every day, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?
A) In your checkup, we can look for the cause of your bad breath, also known as halitosis. Some patients suffer from bad breath caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or a smelly substance put off by bacteria. With modern procedures and products to promote fresh breath, our team can help you regain your confidence!

Q) My smile is missing teeth. What do you suggest I do?
A) You'll need to first schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. We can assess your oral health and discuss options for replacement teeth. In general, you can choose from crown and bridgework, partial or full dentures, or dental implants. As the most natural prosthetic to natural tooth structure, a dental implant offers the most long-lasting, comfortable, natural-looking choice.

Q) Do you accept referrals?
A) Yes, and thank you for your confidence. We appreciate your referrals and promise to extend the same comprehensive, caring service to your friends and coworkers that we give you every time you visit.

Q) When do you like children to have a first dental visit?
A) We want to see your child when they have teeth! Most children respond well to a dental visit around age two and three. But if you suspect or notice any problems with your child's mouth or teeth, call our Bradford dental office to schedule a visit immediately. It is helpful if you bring your child with you to a recall appointment so that they can see what to expect at our office. It’s important to establish a good oral health routine early.

Q) Does the dentist see emergency cases?
A) Yes. We will see emergency cases as promptly as possible.

Dental Terms

Detailed information on the most common dental procedures, such as bleaching, bridges, dentures, dental implants, fillings, and root canals.

Here is a link to an online dental dictionary