Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?
If you are in good general health, we suggest a routine dental checkup and dental cleaning twice yearly. If you have gum disease, diabetes, or other health conditions that affect your oral health, you should see a dentist at least every three to four months.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. Please contact our office at Associated Family Dentistry office Phone Number (920) 922-7012 to schedule an appointment.
How much does a dental visit cost?
It depends on various factors, including what procedures are performed, the number of X-rays needed, and what your dental insurance covers (if you have any). We will provide an accurate estimate at your appointment before commencing any procedures. Remember that paying for a routine dental cleaning and checkup is far less expensive than paying to treat cavities or gum disease.
Why is oral hygiene important?
Proper oral hygiene keeps harmful bacteria from attacking your teeth and gums, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and infections. In turn, these can lead to tooth loss and damage to the jawbone. As a result, you may experience difficulty chewing foods, bad breath, painful teeth and gums, bleeding gums, and other oral health issues.
Left untreated, oral health problems can contribute to or cause cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Individuals with Lupus and other autoimmune disorders are particularly susceptible to systemic infections that start as oral infections. The connection between oral health and whole-body health has been firmly established and should not be ignored.
Do I still need to floss?
Absolutely. Flossing between your teeth loosens food debris, bacteria, and plaque your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing the spaces between your teeth loosens these particles so they can be brushed or rinsed away. If you do not floss regularly, plaque hardens into calculus or tartar, contributing to gum disease and bone loss.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Dental X-rays are safe. The radiation from dental X-rays is extremely small (far less than you get from cell phones and televisions). Having X-rays taken once a year is quite safe and provides us with valuable diagnostic information regarding how your teeth and jawbone have changed over time.
What causes sensitive teeth?
Many individuals have teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages. There are many reasons behind heightened sensitivity. If it begins suddenly, it may be because of a cracked or broken tooth exposing the pulp. If the sensitivity develops slowly, it may be because the enamel has worn off the teeth, exposing the dentin or, in severe cases, the pulp.
If your teeth are sensitive, Dr. Sarauer can determine and treat the cause.
I have broken a filling. What should I do?
If possible, save the filling, but do not try to put it back in place. Call our office immediately for an appointment. In most cases, we can see you the same day. Bring the filling to your appointment to determine whether it can be reused, and we will fix the tooth.
What causes tooth decay and cavities?
Tooth decay is caused by harmful bacteria in the mouth converting sugars and starches from foods and beverages into acids. These acids eat away at your tooth enamel, eventually reaching the dentin and, in severe cases, the pulp of the teeth. If you don’t brush and floss properly, bacteria build up around the teeth and gums, leading to acid erosion of the teeth’s enamel.
I’m afraid to go to the dentist. What can I do about it?
Please let us know if you are afraid of the dentist or have dental anxiety. Dr. Sarauer and his staff will do their best to put you at ease during your visit. Remember that staying away from the dentist because of fear can cause small dental issues to become large dental problems later in life. Taking the first step is the most difficult part, but we are happy to do everything in our power to keep you safe and comfortable during your visit to our office.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
Call our office for any dental emergency, and we will do our best to see you as soon as possible. A dental emergency is any issue that could worsen or cause permanent damage if treated quickly. Some dental emergencies include:
- Gum or tooth infections
- Severely fractured, broken, or cracked tooth
- Severe toothache
- Lost filling or crown
- Lost tooth
- Painful wisdom tooth/teeth
- Swollen jaw
- Swollen/painful/bleeding gums
- Abscessed gums
If you cannot reach our office after hours and you have severe bleeding, a head injury, severe swelling of the face and gums, or you are having difficulty breathing, go to the closest emergency room or call 911 for assistance.
What do I do if I knock out a tooth?
Save the tooth if possible. Pick it up by the crown (the visible portion of the tooth). Do not touch the root. If possible, rinse it gently with milk or your saliva. If this isn’t possible, rinse it gently with water (swish it in a cup of cool water; do not blast it under the tap).
Put the tooth in a container of milk or saliva or place it between your cheek and gums. Do NOT wrap the tooth in cloth or a tissue! Bring the tooth to our office immediately so that we can put it back into place as quickly as possible. The sooner we can do this, the more likely we can save the tooth.
I broke a tooth. What do I do?
First, call our office immediately so that we can see you as soon as possible. If a portion of the tooth broke off, find that portion, put it in a container of milk or saliva, and bring it with you to our office. We may be able to cement it back into place. If not, we will repair the tooth with a crown, root canal, or other appropriate dental restoration.
Dr. Sarauer can answer your questions and attend to all your oral health needs. If you have a dental emergency or have questions about oral hygiene, please feel free to contact our office at Associated Family Dentistry office Phone Number (920) 922-7012. We look forward to hearing from you!