Some commonly asked questions and answers from our Chandler Family and Cosmetic Dentists. If you have a more specific question or concern, you are invited to contact one of our Chandler Family Dentists and our Phoenix Cosmetic Dentists at Ahwatukke Dentistry, PLLC.

What is an X-ray & Why do I need X-rays?

An X-ray examination provides our Chandler dentists with important diagnostic information regarding your teeth's health, such as the condition of your teeth, their roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones; and as such, an X-Ray can help our Phoenix dentists to determine the presence and degree of periodontal disease (also known as "gum disease"), abscesses and many abnormal conditions, such as cysts and tumors. Further, an X-ray can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be availably detectable through visual examination.  Therefore, X-ray is a useful tool for our Chandler family and cosmetic dentists to evaluate the overall condition of your teeth and treatment in which we can assist you.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to appear in the back of your mouth. Usually, they appear in your early adult life. Sometimes, they appear much later in one's life; and yet, some never appear at all.  Normally, we have 32 teeth.  Through the course of our evolution, our jaws get smaller.  Therefore, sometimes wisdom teeth does not appear at all; or if they do, there is no room to grow. In that case, they would have to be removed because wisdom teeth can misalign your other teeth.

What is gum disease?

Periodontal disease, aka gum disease, is caused by the bacteria found in plaque that surround at the base of your teeth. Plague naturally appears from food deposit on your teeth.  Over time, plague calcified into tartar (calculus). Calculus can develop over time even with regular brushing; and eventually, bacteria will form, causing irritation, tenderness, and redness.  Your gum may bleed and recede from your teeth.  To prevent plague and calculus to form, you must get regular teeth cleaning.  Therefore, you should contact a Chandler hygienist to have your teeth clean on a regular basis.  Contact our Chandler dental hygienists and dentists for an appointment.

How do I cure gum disease?

In its mild and moderate states, gum disease can be cured through deep cleaning, scaling and root planning. The procedures aimed at removing plaque and calculus from the surface of the tooth adjacent to gum tissue. After the deep cleaning and scaling, treatment should continue at home through regular brushing at least twice daily (before going to bed and in the morning) and regular usage of perio-dental mouthwash.  Your Chandler Dental hygienist will look at booking you in for closer intervals at 3 month or 4 month visits instead of the 6 month visits. Advanced cases may require surgical treatment from a perio-sergeant.

How can fluoride help with tooth decay and gum disease?

Fluoride strengthens teeth making it more resistant to decay and calculus formation. Fluoride is a mineral that exists naturally in food.  However, in the U.S., most municipal water has additional fluoride treatments and provide additional protection for your dental health . Also, Fluoride is also presence in many consumer dental products. You and your family should use dental products, such as tooth pastes, with fluoride contents.  It is important to remember that high level of fluoride contents can irritate gum in some people.  If this happens, contact our Chandler family dentists to get an evaluation and recommendation of more sensitive dental products. 

What happens if I don’t get my teeth cleaned?

As stated above, plaque and calculus accumulate if you do not get regular cleaning.  The end result is that you can get periodontal disease over time. Supporting tissues around the teeth - gums, periodontal ligaments, bone can be lost. Your gum can become tender, sensitive, and may even bleed as a result of gum disease.  Periodontal pockets form which trap additional plaque. Once the bone that supports the teeth is lost, surgical intervention is needed. The end-result is that bad breath often accompanies this condition and the deteriation of your gum and teeth's health. Contact our Chandler family dentists for regular check-ups and cleaning.

I brush my teeth constantly but still have bad breath.

Brushing and flossing are definitely the first steps to eliminating bad breath. Brushing and flossing remove bacteria responsible for creating odorous sulphur compounds and the food they feed on. However, bacteria hide not only on and around the teeth but also on the tongue under a layer of mucous. Here they are free to create odors.

It is best to brush your tongue daily or you may want to consider a tongue scraper. Both are extremely effective at removing this protective mucous layer from the back of the tongue. Products on the market for bad breath are toothpastes and mouthwashes containing chlorine dioxide. The chlorine dioxide neutralizes the odorous sulphur compounds, instead of simply covering up the odor.