Frequently Asked Dental Questions Killeen

Are dental checkups and cleanings every six months necessary?

Yes, six-month dental checkups and cleanings are some of the most effective ways to improve the health of your teeth, gums, and overall wellness. The mouth and body are closely connected, which means the problems that can form inside your oral cavity (mouth) can easily trigger more serious and costly diseases throughout the rest of your body. By seeing our team regularly (twice each year), we can identify early signs of decay, cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer, reducing the potential for more severe damage or infection.

What kind of toothbrush should I use?

You have two options: a manual or an electric toothbrush. Both can provide the same results, but you must know how to use them properly to ensure your teeth and gums are cleaned correctly. You’ll want to make sure you are brushing for at least two minutes, twice each day.

While you can set a timer or stopwatch and use a manual brush to achieve adequate cleanliness, electric devices offer an easier way to ensure you spend a full two minutes cleaning your teeth. Many come with a built-in timer, and they are superior in their ability to remove harmful plaque and tartar.

If I brush regularly, do I need professional cleanings too?

Yes. You may be diligent with your oral hygiene routine, carefully cleaning every morning and night for the full two minutes; however, you’re unlikely to reach every area of your mouth. A professional cleaning at your dentist’s office can ensure all nooks and crannies are treated with the help of specialized dental instruments. With the help of these tools, we can remove stubborn or hidden plaque and tartar that might otherwise cause cavities to form or gum disease to develop.

How necessary is it to floss?

We know flossing may not be your favorite thing to do, but it is an essential part of a good oral hygiene routine. Flossing removes plaque and tartar accumulations between teeth so that the risk of gum disease and dental decay decreases. Too often, patients suffering from these problems experience bone and tooth loss as well as more serious health conditions (i.e., diabetes, cognitive decline, heart disease, etc.). By continuing to floss, you can improve your well-being and your smile.

How long will it take to see results when fixing or replacing a tooth?

Each form of treatment is different, which means the timeframe for completion also varies. If you need a tooth-colored filling to repair a decayed or damaged tooth, you should only expect it to require one visit to our office. If a dental crown is needed to deliver added protection to a severely cracked or broken tooth, it may take 2-3 visits if you choose to receive a traditional restoration. Otherwise, we can have a new one put in place in a single appointment with our one-visit dental restorations.

If you need to have a tooth replaced, the process will likely take several weeks, months, or up to a year to see the results. This is because it takes time for the creation of these prosthetics as well as additional treatments that may be required to better prepare your mouth for placement.

Do you accept dental insurance?

Yes, you can call and talk to a member of our team about your plan and whether we are in-network. We are also pleased to accept Medicaid and CHIP as well as provide flexible financing through CareCredit. You don’t need to worry about being unable to afford high-quality dentistry when visiting Killeen Choice Dental.