Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Even with excellent hygiene habits, it's easy to miss small areas of your teeth. Over time, the missed plaque will harden into tartar, which can only be removed with a dental hygienist's tools. When tartar accumulates beneath the gum line, the end result is red, puffy, inflamed gums – the beginnings of periodontal disease.

We offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services such as veneers, porcelain crowns, bonding using tooth-colored composite, and even orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. All our dentistry is done with an eye toward aesthetics. We know that it's important that your teeth are both healthy and attractive. If you'd like to find out which services can help you meet your goals, call our office to schedule your consultation.

Modern dental materials and technology have dramatically improved the appearance of dental crowns and bridges. The porcelain used in today’s crowns and bridges can be color-matched to blend perfectly with the shade of your natural teeth. With proper placement, your dental restoration should be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

If you are in pain, then you are having a dental emergency. Call us right away so that we can examine you, diagnose the problem, and create a treatment plan. Other signs that indicate the need for an emergency appointment include:

• A pimple-like lesion on your gum
• A broken or cracked tooth
• A foreign object lodged between your teeth
• Swelling in the gum
• A broken or lost dental restoration, such as a filling or a crown

You probably see the words general dentist on local signs and online, but you may wonder what that means.

Like your primary care physician, your general dentist is your main point of contact for oral health. General dentists provide most non-specialty services that patients of all ages need to stay healthy.

This includes preventive dentistry such as:

• Dental exams
• Cleanings
• X-rays
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants
• Mouthguards for sports
• Nightguards

General dentists also repair teeth that suffer from decay, fractures, or trauma. Restorative dentistry refers to:

• Fillings
• Bonding
• Dental crowns

Teeth replacement is a big part of general dentistry. It is designed to keep your smile looking good and ensure that you can eat a healthy diet.

• Bridges
• Partial dentures
• Dentures

Since cosmetic dentistry is not a dental specialty, most general dentists are the ones who will be designing a beautiful smile and offering enhancements such as:

• Teeth whitening 
• Cosmetic bonding
• Tooth-colored fillings and crowns
• Porcelain veneers

If you have a dental question or need help or advice, your general or family dentist can make treatment recommendations for you. If you require a trip to a specialist, general dentists usually have specialists in their professional network that they know and trust.

Invisalign has several advantages over traditional braces:

• Invisalign is practically invisible.
• Invisalign can be cleaned quickly and easily.
• No wires need to be tightened.
• You have fewer visits to the dentist.
• You remove the aligners to eat, so Invisalign doesn't limit the foods you can enjoy. 

Coming in for regular cleanings with one of our excellent dental hygienists will help keep your gums in great shape, but what you do at home also matters. Brush twice daily and floss every evening. Our hygienists will be happy to show you good brushing and flossing techniques.

Other steps you can take to prevent gum disease include:

• Don't smoke or chew tobacco
• Eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash. We'll be happy to recommend one.
• If you have a health condition affecting your dental health, such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, please let us know so we can take extra steps to help keep your gums healthy.

Root canals are not surgical procedures, and the recovery time is about the same as a tooth filling. Most people even say the procedure affects them less than a tooth filling! When you have a root canal, your endodontist specialist will clean and seal the tooth to remove any infection.

Root canal treatment takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the severity of your infection and the accessibility of your tooth’s canals. You should be able to drive or return to work right after your appointment.

Your endodontist will give you specific instructions for allowing your tooth to heal, but here are some general guidelines:

• Once the numbness wears off, you may feel some soreness or tenderness for a few days. Some people have a sore jaw after keeping it open for an extended period. Use over-the-counter pain reliever (like ibuprofen) to manage pain. If your endodontist prescribes a stronger medication, be sure to have someone drive you home or wait to take it until you’re home.
• You can eat after the numbness wears off, avoiding sticky or crunchy foods. If you have a temporary dental crown, it’s especially important to be careful about hard foods.
• Continue to brush and floss your teeth normally, though you may want to use care around the tender areas.
• Return to your dentist for your permanent restoration if instructed to do so.

No. Most forms of dental sedation will leave you drowsy but conscious and able to move and speak voluntarily. Dental sedation will put you into a deeply relaxed state. You may find that time passes faster and may not even remember parts of the procedure when it is over, but you will be conscious the entire time.

No, you're never too old for a healthier, more beautiful smile! While many people associate braces with teenagers, adults of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment.

At Logan Family Dentistry, we've helped patients in their 50s, 60s, and beyond achieve straighter teeth and improved oral health. Today's options, including traditional braces and nearly invisible Invisalign aligners, make adult orthodontics more comfortable and discreet than ever.

Dr. Logan can evaluate your specific needs and recommend the best approach for your smile goals, regardless of your age.