Question 1

Which type of toothbrush should I use?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a soft bristle toothbrush as it is the most comfortable and safest option. Depending on how vigorously you brush, softer bristles are easier on the gums, whereas hard bristle brushes can actually damage the gums, root surface and tooth enamel.

Question 2

Is one toothpaste better than others?

Accepted Answer

A: Generally, no. However, it’s advisable to use a fluoride containing toothpaste to decrease the incidence of dental decay. We recommend our patients use what tastes  good to them as long as it contains fluoride.

Question 3

How often should I floss?

Accepted Answer

A: Flossing of the teeth once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy.

Question 4

What's the difference between a "crown" and a "cap"?

Accepted Answer

A: These are restorations to repair a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth after removing old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and all decay.  The restoration material is made of gold, porcelain, composites, or even stainless steel. Dentists refer to all of these restorations as “crowns”. However, patients often refer to the tooth-colored ones as “caps” and the gold or stainless steel ones as “crowns”.

Question 5

What's the difference between a "bridge" and a "partial denture"?

Accepted Answer

A: Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures.

Question 6

Do I need to have a root canal just because I have to have a crown?

Accepted Answer

A: No. While most teeth which have had root canal treatments do need crowns to strengthen the teeth and to return the teeth to normal form and function, not every tooth needing a crown also needs to have a root canal.

Question 7

What causes "morning breath"?

Accepted Answer

A: “Morning mouth” is a common condition caused by the slowing of salivary flow during sleep. This permits the accumulation of desquamated epithelial cells, organic debris, and bacteria, which would otherwise be cleared from the mouth and swallowed. Everyone has this to an extent. Antimicrobial factors in saliva (enzymes and antibodies) are thought to be irrelevant to bad breath; it is more related to the volume of salivary flow.

Question 8

What's your appointment policy?

Accepted Answer

At Alabama Dental Associates we set aside time for each individual patient. We ask that patients respect their appointment times. A 24-hour notice is appreciated if you are unable to honor your commitment. There will be a $26 charge for appointments broken without 24-hour notice.

Question 9

Emergency/After Office Hours

Accepted Answer

We know dental emergencies are never convenient or timely and we are commited to our patients’ health no matter the time. If you are a current patient and have a dental emergency after regular office hours, please call us at 205-956-8977.

Frequently asked questions