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Patient Education

Your Healthy, Beautiful Smile Is Our Priority

An educated patient will not only understand suggested treatments but will most often make the right decisions concerning the course of their current and future dental care.

At Brant Heritage Dental, we believe that education is the key to a productive and successful patient/dental office relationship. Our professional team is readily available to assist you with any questions or concerns. Listed below, for your reference, are documents to help our patients in their everyday dental care, as well as a list of commonly asked questions:

“A: We’ve all heard, “You are what you eat,” and this is especially true when dealing with our dental health. It is especially important to keep an eye on your midday snacks, and to take regular care of your dental needs throughout the day.

Many of us enjoy little snacks between meals; the problem is that these snacks, often starchy and/or high in sugar content, can leave the teeth and gums exposed to the decay-causing elements left behind by the snack. When snacking, try nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables instead of sugary and salty items like chocolate, chips and pretzels. Also, if you drink coffee, try drinking more water to cut down on stain issues.

To maintain a regular cleaning routine, try keeping a toothbrush with you for brushing after lunch each day in addition to brushing and flossing in the morning and evening. Also, be sure to maintain a regular appointment schedule with your dentist.
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“A: Recent studies have shown that by the age of three, a child is already at risk of having cavities which can be caused by something as innocent as putting a baby to sleep with a bottle of juice or milk. Along with taking our first look at your child’s oral condition, this first appointment is also largely focused on the parents and helping them to establish a good oral hygiene program and diet for the child. We believe that a child should have his or her first dental visit by the age of 3.

It is a little known fact that a child’s primary teeth are vital to the long-term health of their permanent adult teeth. The premature loss of primary teeth as a result of accidents or decay can cause serious problems, including poorly spaced and crooked adult teeth. As a result, it is just as important to care for a child’s baby teeth as it is for the adult teeth that follow.
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“A: Well, you might be surprised to learn the extent of what really goes on during your regular check-up. In addition to cleaning and polishing all the visible and hidden surfaces of your teeth, we also check for many potential problems. Tooth decay, oral cancer and periodontal (gum) disease are just a few examples of problems that can have serious consequences if left undetected.

We recommend that our patients visit our office at least twice each year to ensure their optimal oral health and to help avoid serious and costly problems. In certain cases, we may even recommend 3 or 4 visits per year in order to properly treat conditions that require more regular attention.

Maintaining a regular dental appointment schedule isn’t just good for your teeth, it’s an important part of your overall health.
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“A: Dental Implants are part of a tooth replacement treatment. They are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. These implants are metal posts or frames, usually made of titanium, that are surgically placed under your gums. They then fuse to the bone of your jaw and act as roots. Replacement teeth, called crowns and made of porcelain, are then attached to the implant. They will fit securely to your gums because they are held in place by bone, allowing them to look and function just like natural teeth.

Once the implants are in place, your dentist will typically wait a few months to proceed with crowns – temporary appliances are available for you to wear while you wait.

Give us a call today to set up an appointment to find out if dental implants are right for you.
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“A: Sedation dentistry is a very effective solution for people who experience anxiety prior to and during their dental visits. Sedation dentistry does not put you to sleep. It induces a sense of deep relaxation that enables you to feel comfortable while we carry out our work.

You may be a candidate for sedation dentistry if you have:

• intense fear of dental visits
• a bad dental experience in the past
• sensitive teeth
• fear of needles
• extreme dislike of the smells and tastes associated with dental procedures
• strong gag reflex or inability to keep mouth open during treatment
• difficulty with traditional “numbing” i.e. the numbing does not take
• extensive treatment or multiple procedures to be done at the same time

There are many options for sedation and one is sure to help you. Talk to us to learn more.
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“A: Your dentist recommends a soft toothbrush to protect your teeth and gums from the damage that a firm bristle can do to your teeth and gums especially when combined with overly aggressive brushing. A firm bristle toothbrush can actually damage the enamel on your teeth and cause your gums to shrink leaving your tooth roots exposed. A soft bristle brush combined with gentle pressure and the right brushing technique will provide all the cleaning power you need. For more information, ask your dentist for advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques at your next appointment.
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