Frequently Asked Questions from your Ventura Dentist
What Is Dentistry?
Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of disorders and diseases in a patient’s mouth, including teeth, gums, and jaw. Dentistry performed adequately is necessary for complete oral health and has a significant impact on the overall health of a patient’s body.What Is A Dentist?
A dentist has been trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Dr. Yoong, your Ventura dentist, has completed many years of dental school to practice dentistry. After their education, a dentist can receive either a DDS or DMD degree.- DDS = Doctor of Dental Surgery degree
- DMD = Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Oral and maxillofacial (pathology, radiology, and surgery)
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
- Endodontics (root canals)
- Periodontics (gum disease)
- Prosthodontics (dental implants)
What is a Dental Hygienist?
A dental or oral hygienist is a licensed dental professional registered with a dental association in their country of practice. Before completing board examinations, dental hygienists must have an Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited university. Once registered, hygienists are primary healthcare professionals who can work independently or alongside dentists and other dental professionals. They have the training and education to prevent and treat many oral diseases. Learn more here. Dental hygienists assess a patient’s condition to offer patient-specific preventive and educational services to promote and maintain good oral health. The role of a dental hygienist is:- periodontal charting
- scaling and root planing
- preventing disease
- maintenance procedures for gum disease.
Are Regular Dental Cleanings Necessary?
Here at Healthy Living Dental, we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental appointment into your schedule can be challenging. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing will keep many oral issues away, but not all. Scheduling biannual cleanings at our dental office is highly recommended to maintain optimal oral hygiene and catch problems before they worsen and become costly and painful.Do I Need To See A Dentist Even If My Teeth Feel Fine?
It’s imperative to schedule regular cleanings here at Healthy Living Dental. Dr. Yoong, your Ventura dentist, recommends seeing you twice a year. Several problems can exist without knowing. We identify any issues before they become painful and expensive. We can also help keep your smile looking fantastic. We offer many cosmetic dentistry treatments to help improve patient aesthetics. Even a simple teeth whitening dental treatment can make a huge difference in your smile and confidence.What’s A Dental Cleaning Like At Healthy Living Dental
We recommend six-month dental cleanings for proper oral hygiene. At Healthy Living Dental, an appointment will include:- complete oral examination
- oral cancer exam
- professional x-rays to catch cavities
- thorough cleaning by our excellent hygienists.
At What Age Should I Bring My Child To See The Dentist?
Recommendations by professionals in the dental industry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) are as early as six months of age or when a child’s teeth begin to show. Dr. Yoong will be able to examine the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations.When Should I Change My ToothBrush?
Dr. Yoong recommends at least every three to four months. If you’re using an electric toothbrush, check the recommendation of the type of toothbrush. You may not need to change the head as often. If a patient has gum disease, Dr. Yoong recommends that you change your brush more often than every three months. Also, after brushing, it’s essential to wash and rinse your brush out with hot water to kill bacteria. Click here to learn more.How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. When plaque and bacteria build up in a patient’s mouth, it can cause gum disease. Periodontal disease can be caused by smoking and chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics. Advanced forms cause bone and tooth loss and permanent damage. Dr. Yoong, your Ventura dentist, recommends daily brushing and flossing and scheduling dental appointments every six months. The most common signs of periodontal disease are the following:- Abscessed teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
- Loose teeth and or loss of teeth
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Receding gum line
