Frequently Asked Questions about General Dentistry in Issaquah and Renton, WA
At Michael J Scoles DMD in Issaquah, WA, and Renton, WA, we aim to make the dental experience transparent and stress-free. As part of that, we aim to answer all of your dental questions ahead of time, providing you with all of the information you need to keep your mouth healthy and your dental concerns low.
What is the role of a dentist?
A dentist’s overall focus is on maintaining and improving your oral health. That means evaluating your oral health during regular dental exams, educating you about oral health and disease prevention, and performing clinical procedures to take care of cavities, diseases, missing teeth or other issues that arise.
How often should I go to the dentist?
The typical recommendation for going to a dentist for a routine cleaning and dental exam is twice a year. Getting your teeth cleaned and your mouth inspected every six months is usually enough to remove built-up plaque and tartar and catch any developing diseases or cavities in your mouth. If you are at high risk for dental disease, however, you may need to visit more frequently. Those at high risk for dental disease include smokers, pregnant women, people with gum disease, people with diabetes and those who get cavities frequently.
What happens during a teeth cleaning and dental exam?
At a routine dental visit, you’ll get both a teeth cleaning and a dental exam. Dr. Scoles will talk with you about your dental needs and review your dental history, checking for problems you may not have noticed. The teeth cleaning will meanwhile involve scraping your teeth to clear them of any plaque that has built up into tartar, plus a polishing and flossing. We may also utilize digital x-rays or a 360-view camera to look more closely at your mouth and detect potential problems.
What are fillings?
Fillings offer a method for restoring damage to a tooth from decay or cavities. If you have decay on your tooth, you may need a filling. The process involves removing the decayed tooth material, cleaning the area, and then filling the space with tooth-colored composite fillings.
How do I know if I need a filling?
If you have tooth decay that has caused a cavity in one or more teeth, you may need to have a filling. Only your dentist can determine whether you have a cavity and whether a filling would be the appropriate treatment method for that filling. If Dr. Scoles detects a cavity and believes a filling is the right treatment for you, he’ll talk with you in depth about the process and answer any additional questions you may have.
If you have more questions about general dentistry or want to schedule a general dentistry appointment today, call our Issaquah office at (425) 392-6466 or our Renton office at (425) 228-6444.