Q&A

One of the most common causes of bleeding gums is plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline, which could lead to more severe conditions such as gingivitis. Proper oral hygiene can prevent this from occurring. We recommend proper brushing, flossing, and mouthwash in addition to preventive care visits with your dentist at least twice annually.

Other causes may be a vitamin deficiency, diabetes, medications such as blood thinners, smoking, or excessive alcohol use.

A chipped or broken tooth can be frightening, but the situation is less stressful if you know how to handle it properly. First, the dentist at Polaris Dentistry recommends you assess the damage to determine the severity. If the break isn’t severe and there is no pain, emergency dentistry may not be necessary. Either way, contact your dentist as soon as possible and schedule an urgent or regular visit. Then protect your tooth as much as possible by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Avoid aggravating the broken tooth with hard foods.

There are several options for replacing a missing tooth. Talk to your dentist about:

• Dental implants
• Implant-supported or tooth-supported bridges
• Removable partial dentures
• A flipper (a temporary tooth replacement)

Adults are often concerned about their wisdom teeth and whether to have them extracted. A good rule of thumb is to consult your dentist if your wisdom teeth are causing pain or infection. However, we recommend you discuss your concerns during a routine visit to the dentist. Ask if you need to develop a proactive care plan to address potential problems.

Your dentist and hygienist can only see the surface of the tooth without X-rays. X-rays allow them to view tooth and bone structure, detect decay and infection hiding inside and between teeth, and even spot cancer and other health-related problems.

When teeth are sensitive to cold, it is typically caused by weakening enamel or receding gums. These conditions, if left untreated, can allow nerves to be exposed, resulting in a painful reaction to cold food and beverages. It is important to know that tooth enamel cannot be restored, so consult your dentist and ask about preventive measures.

Dentists use crowns when:

• A tooth is cracked, chipped, or broken.
• A tooth needs a filling that’s too large for its remaining structure to support.
• A tooth has extensive decay or wear.
• A tooth is extremely discolored or misshapen.

Dentists also use crowns to cover a dental implant or hold a bridge in place.