Read Transcript We would like, in our office, when patients come in to feel comfortable, as if they're in their own home dealing with friends or family members, keep the anxiety level down as best we can. We'd like them to have a good experience and come back again, and that's what we would enjoy. Actually, that's what we like to hear from our patients, that our office is very welcoming and friendly and warm.
Dr. Swartzentruber and our Carmichael Dental Care team receive many similar questions from patients. To save you time, we’re providing answers to FAQs here, but we can offer more information any time before or during your visit to our Montgomery, AL dentist office. Just call 334-600-1423 or contact us through our online form.
- Can You See Me for a Dental Emergency?
- What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?
- Why Do I Need Dental X-Rays?
- My Gums Bleed When I Brush. What Should I Do?
- Isn’t Tooth Loss Just Part Of Getting Older?
Q: Can You See Me for a Dental Emergency?
We make every effort to see you ASAP after a dental emergency, usually on the same day. In fact, we reserve time on our schedule every day to accommodate emergencies. If you call our office after hours, we make it possible for you to directly contact one of our dentists. They can then advise you on what to do next. When you arrive, we’ll quickly treat you with patient-friendly technology. And you can get dental sedation if you need it.
Q: What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?
You’ve got lots of tooth replacement options at Carmichael Dental Care. Our Montgomery, AL dentists will help determine which one is right for your smile. For a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth, we often recommend a dental implant. We work with an oral surgeon to get the implant placed, then add a dental restoration of your choice. Implants can replace anywhere from a single tooth to an entire mouthful of teeth. If you’d rather not get implants or aren’t a good candidate for them, you can get a dental bridge or dentures.
Q: Why Do I Need Dental X-Rays?
Some areas in your mouth are just not visible to the human eye, such as between the teeth, below tooth enamel, and underneath the gums. We use digital X-rays to view these areas, which reduce your exposure to radiation by up to 90 percent when compared to film X-rays. When reviewing your dental X-rays, Dr. Swartzentruber looks for cavities, bone loss beneath the gum line, or any other area of concern. Digital X-rays are also used to detect wisdom teeth issues.
Q: My Gums Bleed When I Brush. What Should I Do?
Healthy gums normally don’t bleed. When you see bleeding during brushing, this is a sign that your gums are inflamed due to bacteria that have found their way into the spaces between your teeth and gums (known as “pockets”). The first step you should take is to call us at 334-600-1423. We will:
- Ask questions about your last dental cleaning and any new medications you may be taking to determine any related issues
- Put you on a very consistent brushing and flossing regimen
Bleeding gums is also a sign of periodontal (gum) infection, or inflammation associated with gingivitis. If detected early, we can treat periodontal disease and gingivitis with nonsurgical root planing procedures to remove bacteria and toxins from the infected areas. This stimulates tissue growth and healing.
Q: Isn’t Tooth Loss Just Part Of Getting Older?
The short answer is “no.” With the help of a good Montgomery, AL dentist, it is possible to keep your teeth for a lifetime! Through regular visits and preventive care, we can keep your mouth healthy and help you develop a home care routine to give your teeth the foundation they need to stay clean and strong.