FAQs

It is generally recommended to visit the dentist every six months for a routine check-up and cleaning. Regular dental visits help catch potential issues early, such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. However, depending on your oral health, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits, especially if you have specific conditions like gum disease or a history of cavities.

During a routine dental exam, your dentist will inspect your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. X-rays may be taken to assess areas that are not visible to the naked eye, such as between teeth or under the gums. Your dentist will also check your bite and jaw alignment. Based on the exam results, Dr. Bachman will recommend any necessary treatments or preventive care, such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, or sealants.

A dental cleaning is a professional procedure where a dental hygienist removes plaque, tartar (hardened plaque), and bacteria from the surface of the teeth and below the gumline. This process helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. Regular cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, as plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum inflammation if not properly addressed.

Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is key to preventing cavities and gum disease. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Additionally, limiting sugary foods and beverages, avoiding tobacco products, and using fluoride treatments can help protect your teeth and gums. Dr. Bachman may also recommend sealants or other preventive treatments if you’re at higher risk for dental issues.

Dental fillings are used to treat cavities by filling in the space left by decayed tooth material. Once the decayed area is cleaned out, the filling material (which may be silver amalgam, composite resin, or porcelain) is placed to restore the tooth’s shape and function. Fillings are often needed when cavities form due to poor oral hygiene or sugary diets. They help restore the tooth’s structure and prevent further damage or infection.

A root canal is a procedure performed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or damaged, often due to deep decay or trauma. During the procedure, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection. A crown is usually placed afterward to restore the tooth’s strength and function. Root canals are necessary when the infection has reached the tooth’s nerve, and if left untreated, it could lead to tooth loss.

Dental X-rays use a small amount of radiation, and the modern digital X-ray systems used at Bachman Family Dentistry minimize exposure significantly. Dr. Bachman takes every precaution to ensure the safety of patients, including using lead aprons and only taking X-rays when absolutely necessary. Dental X-rays are important tools for detecting hidden issues such as cavities, gum disease, infections, or abnormalities in tooth structure that cannot be seen during a routine exam.

If you experience a dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth, severe tooth pain, or a broken tooth, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately. In case of a knocked-out tooth, try to preserve the tooth by holding it by the crown (not the root) and rinse it gently with water. If possible, place the tooth back in the socket or keep it in milk until you can get to the dentist. Dr. Bachman is available for emergency dental care and can provide the necessary treatment to address the issue quickly and effectively.

If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your smile, there are several cosmetic dental options available, including teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and orthodontics (braces or Invisalign). During your consultation, Dr. Bachman will discuss your goals and recommend the most appropriate treatments to enhance your smile. Whether you have concerns about tooth discoloration, misalignment, or chipped teeth, Bachman Family Dentistry offers personalized solutions to help you achieve a beautiful smile.

If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Bachman Family Dentistry for more information. Dr. Bachman and his team are dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive dental care to ensure that all of your dental needs are met with professionalism and compassion.

The single most important thing you can do as a parent to prepare your child for this first visit is to have a positive attitude. Children are remarkably adept at picking up attitudes from those around them and will tune in if you are nervous. If you make negative comments about dentists or dental visits in the child’s hearing, your child will anticipate a negative experience. To help prepare your child for the visit, show your child a picture of the office and the dentist on the office’s website. Tell your child how important it is to have healthy teeth and that the dentist will help you in this goal. Consider a library visit to check out some children’s books on teeth, dentists and good dental care. If you wish, you can call us for suggestions. Remember that our pediatric dentist is specially trained in relieving the fears and anxieties of patients and that our staff is equally experienced at putting children at ease.

Sealants fill in the deep crevices on the chewing surfaces of each tooth. They block food particles from coming in contact with the teeth and causing cavities. Sealants are simple to apply and are an effective method of cavity prevention. We recommend sealants as a safe and effective way to prevent cavities in your child’s mouth.

The frequency of dental x-rays will depend on the health of your child’s mouth. Once the baby teeth in the back are able to touch one another, we recommend a series of x-rays to detect any cavities. We also recommend another set yearly dependent on if your child is at a high risk of developing dental problems, we may recommend more frequent x-rays.

Dental x-rays pose very little risk for children. Pediatric dentists are extremely careful about the amount of radiation to which their patients are exposed. Lead aprons and digital machines are used in our office to ensure the safety of the children and to minimize the amount of radiation to which your child is exposed.

Pediatric dentists are skilled in helping children feel at ease in the dentist’s chair. However, some children suffer from anxiety and may panic. In these cases, we will recommend nitrous oxide to help calm the child. If the child is especially fearful, we may recommend sedation or general anesthesia to ensure a safe and effective delivery of the necessary treatment.