Bright Smiles Dental in St. Charles, MO The following is a list of common dental related questions, answered by Dr. Lori Cochell, D.D.S. of Bright Smiles Dental in St. Charles, MO.
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Ask the Dentist

  1. Q: How old should my child be for their first dental visit?


    2. A: Examinations should be performed 6 months after the eruption of their first tooth. For most children, their first tooth comes in at age 6 months and their first visit should be by age 1. Often times this is a short visit, but the dentist will go over oral hygiene instructions and review dietary habits to help keep your child cavity-free.

  2. Q: What can cause loose teeth in adults?


    3. A: The number 1 reason for loose teeth in adults is periodontal disease. It is caused by a different bacteria than carries and often does not cause any pain. Once teeth start to loosen in adults with prognosis for treating periodontal disease in that area is very poor and often the teeth have to be removed. Another reason teeth can become loose in adults is due to a periapical abscess or recent trauma (both of these would be accompanied by a toothache).

  3. Q: Is it possible to be treated with Invisalign braces instead of having a mouth full of metal? Also, do the clear braces work as well as metal braces?


    4. A: Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that must be worn 22-23 hours per day. They can work just as well as metal braces. This product is especially designed for minor tooth movements and orthodontic re-treatment. All permanent teeth must be erupted so children under the age of 12 are not good candidates.

  4. Q: Under what circumstances should a patient get the deep-scaling or deep-cleaning procedure?


    5. A: It all depends on the diagnosis and evaluation by your dentist. Often if pocket depths are over 3 mm deep and tartar (hard buildup) beneath your gums is present, this procedure is necessary to remove that irritant. Often people don't visit the dentist for years and tartar builds up and can cause bleeding/swollen gums, this procedure is a starting point for taking care of your gums and getting you on a regular cleaning schedule.

  5. Q: Why would a tooth need a crown?


    6. A: A tooth would need a crown if it has had a large fracture, previous root canal treatment, or a large filling or fillings in the tooth.