Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Merrillville, IN
Answering Our Patients’ Dental Questions
If you want to be sure that you’re doing everything you can to take care of your smile, you should take the time to learn more about dentistry. Our team at United Dental Centers of Merrillville can explain anything you want to know about our services as well as your overall dental health. The following page addresses a number of frequently asked dental questions in Merrillville, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, please call us to set up a consultation so that you can get the answers you need straight from the mouth of a trained dental expert.
How often should I see my dentist?
The answer for most patients is “once every six months.” Things are constantly changing in your mouth, so it’s necessary to see a dental expert twice a year to check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues that might call for professional intervention. Additionally, we can check to see if any existing dental restorations will need to be replaced soon.
Are bleeding gums a serious problem?
More often than not, bleeding gums are a warning sign of gingivitis – the first stage of gum disease. The good news is that it is possible to reverse the symptoms of gingivitis by brushing and flossing regularly as well as keeping up with your routine dental appointments. That said, if gum disease is ignored for too long, it can turn into periodontitis. This can cause pockets to form between your teeth and gums; bacteria can get trapped in these pockets, leading to further problems.
Do I really need to swap out my toothbrush every 3-4 months?
The short answer is yes, if you want to maintain a healthy smile, you should get a new toothbrush every three or four months. The bristles on your toothbrush can become frayed, making them less effective at cleaning. Furthermore, even if you always rinse your toothbrush, bacteria and harmful particles can still accumulate on it, putting your smile at risk. Hence, it’s best to get a new toothbrush at regular intervals throughout the year. If you get the flu, it’s recommended that you swap out your toothbrush earlier than normal.
Will you accept my dental insurance?
Chances are that the answer is yes. We’re in-network with many PPO dental insurance plans so that our patients can save as much as possible on their dental treatments. Call us with your dental insurance information if you’d like to confirm that we take your plan. We can also help you figure out a strategy for maximizing your benefits.
How can dental care remain affordable if I’m uninsured?
There’s another option for managing the costs of dental treatment: flexible financing. We work with CareCredit, a trusted third-party financing company that offers several plans that make paying for dentistry easier. There are no hidden fees, and each plan has little-to-no interest. This means you can pay at a rate that’s comfortable for you and your bank account.
