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 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Which type of toothbrush should I use?
A: Our clinical experience has convinced us that the Philips Sonicare far surpasses any manual brush on the market.  Please check with our front desk for prices and a demonstration of the Sonicare FlexCare Platinum. 

Q: Is one toothpaste better than others?
A: Generally, no. However, it's advisable to use a fluoride containing toothpaste to decrease the incidence of dental decay, cold and sweet sensitivity.  We recommend our patients use what tastes good to them as long as it contains fluoride, doesn't have any additives (such as a whitening agent) and has low abrasive properties.

Q: How often should I floss?
A: Flossing of the teeth once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy.

Q: What's the difference between a "crown" and a "cap"?
A: These restorations are used to repair a severely broken tooth or teeth that have had root canal treatment.  By covering all or most of the tooth after removing old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and all decay, these restorations are meant to last for long periods of time. The restoration material is made of gold, porcelain fused to gold or porcelain. Dentists refer to all of these restorations as "crowns". However, patients often refer to the tooth-colored ones as "caps" .

Q: What's the difference between a "bridge" and a "partial denture"?
A: Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to the surrounding teeth or, in some cases, from implant to implant. A partial denture is a removable denture replacing only the missing teeth.  They are attached by clasps to the surrounding teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures.

Q: Do I need to have a root canal just because I have to have a crown?
A: No. While most teeth which have had root canal treatments do need crowns to strengthen the teeth and to return the teeth to normal form and function, not every tooth needing a crown also needs to have a root canal.

 

 

 


 

200 Russell Street
Hadley, MA 01035
413-584-6275