Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions
Do you see children at your office?
Yes, we are a family dental practice and invite all ages to visit us for their dental needs. We pride ourselves on treating families just like we’d treat our own family members.
Where is your office located and is there ample parking?
I have dental anxiety. What can I do?
Dental anxiety is a fairly common condition. If you are struggling with fear and anxiety surrounding the dentist, Dr. Samela and Dr. Scearce will talk to you about what triggers these fears. We will walk you through the process and let you know that you are in complete control.
Do I need to arrive early for my appointments?
For your first visit, if you have not completed and submitted your patient forms in advance, online, than we recommend coming ten to fifteen minutes early to fill out your paperwork. This will help your visit run smoothly and on time. After that, it is okay to arrive for your appointments at the designated start time.
What is the best way to maintain oral health?
To maintain good oral health, it is important to see the dentist at least twice per year. It is also important to brush and floss daily and avoid sugary foods.
How often should I floss?
Flossing your teeth once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy.
Which type of toothbrush should I use?
The brand of the toothbrush is not as critical as the type of bristle and the size of the head. A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums, and a small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums. It’s unnecessary to “scrub” the teeth as long as you are brushing at least twice a day, flossing once daily, and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings.
Does it matter what kind of toothpaste I use?
Generally, no, but, it’s advisable to use a fluoride containing toothpaste to help decrease the incidence of dental decay. We recommend our patients use whatever brand they prefer as long as it contains fluoride.
What’s the difference between a crown and a cap?
These are restorations to repair a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth after removing old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and all decay. The restoration material is made of gold, porcelain, composites, or even stainless steel. Dentists refer to all of these restorations as “crowns”. However, patients often refer to the tooth-colored ones as “caps” and the gold or stainless steel ones as “crowns.”
What about “silver” fillings versus “white” fillings?
Although the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there is no health reason not to use amalgam (silver fillings), more patients today are requesting “white” or tooth-colored composite fillings. We also prefer tooth-colored fillings because they bond to the tooth structure and help strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. White fillings are also usually less sensitive to temperature, and they also look better. However, “white” fillings cannot be used in every situation. If a tooth is very badly broken-down, then a crown will usually be necessary and provide better overall satisfaction for the patient.
About Our Services
Cosmetic Dentistry:
Cosmetic Dentistry is any dental work that improves the overall appearance of your smile. It primarily focuses on the improvement of dental aesthetics including color, position, shape, size, and alignment. Greenwood Dental Smiles uses a unique combination of science and artistry to make a noticeable difference in your appearance.
Restorative Dentistry:
Restorative Dentistry is the diagnosis, treatment, and management of periodontal diseases. It also includes the rehabilitation of the mouth back to good health following a diagnosis. Teeth may be “restored” purely for overall health purposes, but also to reach an aesthetically-improved final product.
Preventive Dentistry:
Preventative Dentistry is caring for your teeth to keep your mouth and gums healthy. It includes at-home habits and behaviors to avoid cavities, prevent gum disease, limit enamel wear, and more and it also consists of consistent visits to Greenwood Dental Smiles for exams and cleanings. Daily brushing and check-ups are two of the most essential steps of preventive dentistry to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Dental Crowns:
Crowns are covers for teeth that are cracked or damaged due to more intense level of decay. If a tooth is too severely damaged to be fixed by a filling, a crown can be used to repair the tooth and protect it from future damage.
Pediatric Dentistry:
We want your child to feel completely comfortable at our office, so Greenwood Dental Smiles takes extra care to make sure they have a positive first experience that will lead them on a path to develop healthy habits for the rest of their lives.
