Our dentists and team are committed to helping you understand your oral health and treatment options. We invite you to review this frequently asked questions page and to contact Nelson & Bury Dentistry at 605-341-3670 if you have further questions. We will be happy to provide you with additional information and help you make an appointment with Dr. James Nelson, Dr. Matthew Bury and Dr. Mandy Nelson at our dental office in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Why should I visit the dentist regularly?
Many people only visit the dentist when they have a noticeable problem. While they may think that they are saving money, the reality is that the treatments to repair and restore their teeth and smiles cost more money and time than it does to visit the dentist at regular intervals. Visiting the dental office regularly ensures that you receive preventive care to stop problems in the earliest stages of development and hopefully prevent them from developing in the first place. We can monitor your oral health and help you learn the best ways to care for your teeth so that they remain healthy. You should visit our office twice each year.
Why do I need to floss?
Brushing your teeth will clean the surfaces of your teeth but will not reach the areas between the teeth or below the gumline. Flossing ensures that plaque and bacteria are removed from your mouth before they can cause damage to your teeth.
How often should I brush and floss?
You should brush at least twice each day. It is especially important that you brush your teeth before going to bed. Use an ADA-approved soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. You should floss daily. We also recommend that you use a mouth rinse. Contact our office if you have questions.
How safe are dental X-rays?
Dental X-rays are extremely safe. In fact, you are exposed to less radiation with dental X-rays than you are in your day-to-day life from the sun. Advances in dentistry continue to make dental X-rays safer through digital imaging technologies and higher-speed X-rays. Additionally, federal law requires that X-ray machines be checked for safety and accuracy every two years.
I’m terrified to visit the dentist — what can I do?
If you’re scared to go to the dentist, you’re not alone. It is estimated that approximately 75% of the population fear the dentist and have some degree of dental anxiety with approximately 10% of the population of avoiding seeing a dentist because of that anxiety.
At Nelson & Bury Dentistry, our doctors and staff offer gentle, compassionate care to ease the fear of those coming in for dental work. Here are some methods for calming your nerves when visiting the dentist:
- Communicate with our dental team: You don’t have to be embarrassed about your fear. Once we’re aware that you have dental anxiety, we will take steps to make your visit as stress-free as possible. Let us know exactly what parts of the visit make you anxious, and we’ll focus on easing your fear during your visits.
- Focus on your breathing: While you’re in the dental chair, try focusing on your breathing. Keep breaths even and slow. Take deep breaths that allow your heart rate to lower. This will help keep your body relaxed and your anxiety in check.
- Listen to music, a podcast, or an eBook
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation – Also known as “laughing gas,” because it often leaves patients in a state of euphoria, nitrous oxide sedation is highly beneficial for two reasons: 1. It takes effect almost immediately, so patients can be sedated at the time of treatment; and 2. It can be adjusted as necessary, should the effects of the sedation not be sufficient.
- Oral Conscious Sedation – An oral conscious sedative is an anti-anxiety pill that is taken approximately one hour prior to your treatment. The pill leaves the patient conscious, and alert should he or she need to respond to commands or questions, but the patient will have little to no memory of the treatment once the effects of the sedative wear off.
The type of sedation that is right for you will depend on a variety of factors. Discussing your fears with us will allow us to tailor a treatment that is best suited to your needs, as well as explain in detail your sedation options. Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us, and we will do everything that we can to ensure that you have a positive experience.
When should my child visit the dentist for the first time?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit the dentist for the first time about six months after their first tooth erupts or no later than their first birthday. These appointments are designed to help your child become comfortable in the dental office and ensure that he or she is growing and developing correctly.
When will my baby start getting teeth?
Babies actually begin to develop teeth in the second trimester of pregnancy (about 16 to 20 weeks.) Teeth typically begin to emerge between 6 and 10 months of age. You should begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two adjacent teeth.
Why are primary teeth important?
Primary teeth are critical to maintaining good oral health and proper development. Your child’s primary teeth facilitate:
- Proper speech production and development
- Proper chewing, nutrition and good digestion
- Straighter smiles — primary teeth hold the places of the adult teeth
- Excellent oral health
We cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you take good care of your child’s primary teeth. Please make an appointment with our team if you have questions.
What is cosmetic dentistry, and how can it help me?
Cosmetic dentistry is a dental field that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth so that you can enjoy a more beautiful smile. It includes preventive care as well as restorative treatments. Some common cosmetic dental treatments include:
- Teeth whitening
- Dental veneers
- Composite (tooth-colored) dental fillings
- Dental bonding
- Dental crowns and bridges
- Dental implants
- Orthodontics
I’ve lost a tooth. What are my options for replacing it?
There are several options available to replace your missing tooth. When you visit our office, our dentists will examine your mouth, discuss your oral health needs and smile goals with you, and review your treatment options. We will design a customized treatment plan to restore your tooth and your smile. Some of the tooth replacement options we may discuss include:
- Dental Implants
- Dental bridges
- Complete or partial dentures
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure performed when injury, infection or decay reach the inner tissues of the tooth. Our dentists will clean out the infected pulp tissue within your tooth roots, sterilize the canals, and then fill them with medicated material and seal the tooth to prevent future infection. While root canals have a reputation of being painful, advances in dentistry have made it possible to perform your treatment comfortably as well as effectively.
When should my child receive their first orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists® recommends that children receive their initial orthodontic screening by age 7. At this age, several permanent teeth have erupted and any developing problems will be easy to diagnose and treat.
Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
No! While the majority of patients who receive orthodontic treatment are children or teenagers, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles and oral health. As long as your teeth and supporting structures are healthy, you can receive treatment.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an oral condition that affects the gums and supporting structures in your mouth. It begins as a bacterial infection of the gums and gradually progresses until it destroys your gums and bone structure. The milder stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis, while the more severe form of the disease is known as periodontitis. You should be checked for periodontal disease each time you visit our dentists.
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by the harmful bacteria trapped in plaque. As plaque hardens into calculus (tartar), the disease becomes more established in your mouth. Gum attachments begin to separate from your teeth and create pockets that harbor these harmful bacteria. If gum disease is allowed to progress without treatment, the condition may become irreversible.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Red, swollen or tender gums, or other pain in your mouth
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard foods
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Sores in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of dentures or other removable appliances
- Halitosis (bad breath)
What do I do if I have bad breath?
Halitosis (bad breath) may be caused by any number of factors, including:
- Morning time
- Poor oral hygiene
- Cavities
- Periodontal disease
- Poorly fitted appliances
- Dry mouth
- Tobacco products
- Medical conditions or illnesses
- Dehydration, hunger or missed meals
- Certain foods
You can prevent bad breath by visiting our dentists regularly, staying hydrated, practicing good oral hygiene, using mouth rinses and by not using tobacco products. If your halitosis persists, we recommend that you consult a physician to determine if your bad breath is caused by a medical condition and receive an appropriate treatment.