Questions For Your Temple Dentist?
At Lakewood Dental Trails, your concerns are our concerns. We want you to know that we are always more than happy to answer your questions so you can feel confident and informed about your oral health needs. Our dental team is highly experienced and knowledgeable about dentistry, and you can turn to any of them with your questions. They will either give you the information you need or find someone who can.
We've shared a few of the questions that our patients frequently ask. If you have others, don't hesitate to call us at (254) 206-3200 or email us using our convenient online contact form.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Patients commonly ask us why we need to take dental x-rays. The answer is that even the most
comprehensive visual exam doesn’t give our dentists in Temple TX the complete picture. Much of what can go wrong with your oral health starts inside teeth or under the gums that we can’t see without a dental x-ray.
Dental x-rays provide a detailed picture of your oral health so we can accurately diagnose or monitor a condition. They also become part of your dental history and are always available to view in the future.
How Often Do I Need Dental X-Rays in Temple?
How often we need updated x-rays depends on your dental condition, but the general guidelines from the American Dental Association are as follows:
Bitewing x-rays—These images capture your upper and lower back (posterior) teeth in two x-rays, one for each side. Each patient is different, but we typically recommend four bitewings every six to 12 months.
Full mouth x-rays—If you have no history of cavities or gum disease, we typically recommend one full mouth x-ray. However, if there is a significant lapse in care or other specific concerns, our dentist may recommend an additional x-ray.
Diagnostic x-rays—If you experience a toothache, we need to take an x-ray to see inside and between your teeth. We can’t treat what we can’t see, and a dental x-ray helps our dentist diagnose the problem and plan treatment accordingly.
Your Safety Is Our Priority at Lakewood Dental Trails
At Lakewood Dental Trails, your safety is our priority. Our digital imaging technology minimizes your radiation exposure by as much as 90 percent compared to film x-rays.
We provide maximum protection by using a shielded apron that x-rays can’t penetrate and limiting x-rays for pregnant women and very young children.
If you have other questions about x-rays or how we keep you safe at our Lakewood, TX dental office, please call us at (254) 206-3200.
No, dental fillings do not cause pain. You may feel mild pressure or that someone is working on something in your mouth, but it is not a great discomfort because we use powerful local anesthesia to numb the treatment area.
If you’re still feeling nervous or unsure, talk to your dentist in Temple, TX, about our sedation dentistry options:
- Oral Conscious Sedation
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
About Tooth Decay and Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth decay occurs when acids adhere to the enamel, leading to erosion. This happens when you consume too many sweets or acidic foods and drinks. It’s also common in patients who don’t brush and floss at least twice daily or visit the dentist every six months for professional teeth cleanings.
In our dental office, we use tooth-colored fillings to treat cavities. These composite options are cosmetically superior to silver amalgam, and they don’t expand or contract with changes in oral temperature. Typically, your dentist removes less enamel when placing tooth-colored fillings than when placing amalgam fillings.
Tooth-colored fillings are mercury-free.
Contact Your Dentist to Book a Dental Checkup and Teeth Cleaning
To learn more about our dental treatments and services or to book a consultation with the dentist, call us today. You can also book online.