Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What would it take to have a beautiful smile?
Today it is possible for everyone to have a beautiful
smile. Depending on your circumstances, we would counsel
you regarding various procedures from whitening to braces
(Invisiline invisible braces) to veneers (cosmetic procedure).
All will be discussed during your initial visit,
Q: Is it really necessary to have my teeth cleaned
every six months?
Because your teeth have such a direct effect on the health
of the rest of your body, it is important to have your
teeth cleaned and checked at a very minimum of once every
six months. Some people actually clean their teeth every
two, three or four months.
Research continues to discover the direct correlation
between dental health and your body. Therefore, it is very
important that you take care of any dental problems quickly
and with the least amount of intrusion into the tooth.
Q: What is the purpose of x-rays when I think my teeth
are good?
Even when we feel or even believe we have healthy teeth,
and brush, floss and clean regularly, problems can develop
without anyone knowing it. More than 90 percent of all
dental problems are absolutely painless. With the advances
in x-ray technology
(digital radiography), the procedure is quick and painless
and provides the dentist with a clear picture of the inner
workings of your teeth and gums.
Q: When I get a cleaning, why does the doctor have
to see me?
Although the hygienist is fully trained to clean the
teeth, they are not trained as thoroughly as the doctor
and cannot legally make diagnostic procedural recommendations
to the patient. Also, the doctor has been extensively
trained to determine exactly what is needed for each patient.
Q: What is the purpose of a 'deep cleaning' or a 'root
planeing'?
This procedure is used to remove the very stubborn tartar
and plaque deposits below the gum line below where your
personal flossing and brushing cannot reach. If a
patient is diagnosed with periodontal disease, the first
treatment to eliminate or contain the disease process
is a deep cleaning or root planeing. Since the tissue
and teeth can be very sensitive, the patient is given
a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated.
Usually the procedure is completed in four 2-hour appointments
and one-fourth of the mouth is treated each time.
Q: What is the difference between DDS and DMD?
Dr. Thorsheim is a DDS and Dr. Ceraso is a DMD. They are
exactly the same education, except that different universities name the degrees
differently.
Q: Does whitening or bleaching my teeth hurt them?
No. Except for some sensitivity, no one has ever been
harmed by our whitening procedures.
Q: Is it really true that health problems in the body
and mind could originate with bad teeth?
Absolutely! For example, there is a strong correlation
between periodontal disease and coronary artery disease
as well as stroke. More evidence is leading research to
the conclusion that blood diseases and diseases of the
mind, such as Alzheimer's, can be traced to inadequate
health of the teeth and gum tissues. If there is infection
or disease in the mouth, it affects the entire body.
Q: Why is it so important to have a proper 'bite' and
do you have the expertise to get my bite adjusted?
Doctors Thorsheim and Ceraso are highly trained and skilled
to detect problems with the bite and understand completely
what it takes to correct a faulty bite. If a person’s
bite is not correct or is "misaligned," several problems
could arise that one would seldom think would have anything
to do with teeth. For example, mild to severe headaches
could result as well as improper wearing or grinding of
the teeth. Also, ringing in the ears and jaw fatigue could
develop. Over time, small problems become magnified and
could cause other problems, therefore it is very important
that the bite be correct at all times.
Q: Could you tell me what I should do with my mouth
care between dental checkups?
Each patient's needs is unique. One should spend time with the hygienist who
will teach you what you should do to keep your mouth healthy.
Dental checkups should be only a small part of your oral
health care. To make the most of your checkups, all patients
should clean their teeth at least in the morning and evening
with a toothbrush recommended by your dentist, floss every
tooth thoroughly at least once each day, and avoid smoking.
Keeping your teeth clean as well as scraping your tongue
periodically with a small plastic tongue scraper will
also help keep your mouth fresh.
Q: Do the doctors take the time to actually talk to
me regarding my needs and wants related to my dental care
and if so, are the conversations confidential?
All patient-doctor discussions are confidential. Both
Doctors Thorsheim and Ceraso are caring individuals and
are very willing to consult you regarding your concerns
and answer any and all questions related to your dental
and associated physical health.
Q: Is it difficult to get an appointment with your
doctors?
We have appointments available to accommodate just about
anyone's schedule.
