FAQs
My teeth don’t hurt; do I still need to see the dentist?
Absolutely! In fact, that is the most important time to see a dentist! Regular checkups and cleanings are crucial to your overall health. If we are able to keep an eye on things and catch potential problems early on, we can prevent a lot of the typical dental emergencies that people face, such as: broken teeth, pain, swelling, abscess, etc.
Regular cleanings along with adequate home care can prevent conditions such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. New research suggests a definite link between periodontal disease and heart disease/stroke. You owe it to yourself and your health to come see us on a regular basis!
How often should I visit the dentist?
Children, teens, and adults should come in at least every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or periodontal disease may need to come to our office more often. Dr. Tosto and our hygienists will make the recommendation that is best for you.
How do I take care of my teeth between dental checkups?
- ALWAYS brush twice a day for two to three minutes and floss at least once daily.
- Remember to brush your tongue as well, because this will remove food particles and cut down on the amount of plaque-causing bacteria.
- Make sure to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help prevent cavities. Incorporating an antiseptic mouthrinse such as Listerine® and using a Waterpik® every day will also improve your gum health dramatically!
- Avoid foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar. Sugar increases the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which can cause more plaque and tooth decay.
I’m very nervous about going to the dentist; is there anything that can make my visit more comfortable?
Having a fear of the dentist is very real! This is something we hear almost on a daily basis. One of the things that makes patients the most nervous is the “needle.”
Dr. Tosto uses a special computer-assisted anesthesia delivery system called The Wand® STA, which makes the “needle” virtually painless! In fact, we don’t even use the word “needle” in our office! The Wand regulates the speed and pressure at which the anesthesia is delivered, which makes the procedure much more comfortable.
A lot of the discomfort that is normally felt with anesthesia is because it’s delivered to fast and with too much pressure. Patients are always amazed when they realize they’re starting to get numb and didn’t feel a thing!
In other cases, it’s just the procedure itself that may make a patient nervous. We also utilize nitrous oxide to help patients relax during a procedure. Nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”) is a non-toxic and colorless gas that helps reduce the amount of anxiety that patients feel.
Nitrous oxide is completely safe with no side effects. You are able to drive yourself home from your appointment, becaus it is completely cleared out of your system shortly after the procedure.
What if I have an emergency and the office is closed?
If you are a patient of record and experiencing a dental emergency such as trauma, pain, or swelling, please call the office and there will be an emergency number on the voicemail to reach Dr. Tosto. If he is unavailable, please leave a voicemail on the emergency number and he will return your call as soon as possible.