Be Prepared to Share Any Concerns so Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee Can be Proactive
Barring any emergencies, most people only see their dentist once or twice a year. Given the limited exposure you have to this particular healthcare provider, it’s always wise to come to your visit prepared to talk about any concerns you may have. While the hygienists and dentists at Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee always endeavor to be thorough throughout the course of your cleaning and exam, there may be some issues we can’t see with the naked eye. By simply sharing your uneasiness about any discomfort, sensitivity, discoloration, loose teeth, bleeding gums and the like, we can take a closer look and determine a course of action. Chances are, you could help us head off an issue before it gets worse – needlessly causing you more pain and costing you more money in the long run.
Write down any concerns you have prior to your visit – or save them in your Notes on your phone, and when you hygienists asks if there are any issues you’d like to discuss with the dentist, let us know. We’ll make a note in your file and the dentist will come talk to you about it to learn more and discuss next steps. Here are just a few of the concerns we hear about on a regular basis and what they might mean…
Discoloration of the Teeth: This may simply be a cosmetic issue – something Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee can happily help you with through one or more whitening treatments. However, if it’s a stand-alone tooth that you notice has recently started browning or turning gray, that may signal that your tooth is dying as a result of decay or trauma. There are several ways we can treat it. If we determine that the tooth may still be viable, a root canal can fix the issue. However, if the tooth is too far gone, we will likely have to extract and replace it with an implant. It’s important not to ignore a potential dead or dying tooth, as the bacteria from the affected tooth can spread to neighboring teeth, as well as the gums and jawbone.
Sensitive Teeth: “Dentin hypersensitivity” is not uncommon and is often signaled when the tooth or teeth are exposed to cold or hot temperatures, frequently experienced when eating ice cream or drinking a hot cup of coffee. Sweet or acidic foods may cause a similar sensation. It can be temporary or chronic, depending on the root cause. It may signal a larger issue, like Gastroesophageal reflux (also known as GERD), which occurs when stomach acid rises up through the esophagus. It may be a symptom of receding gumlines. Or it may be something as simple as you are brushing your teeth too hard, or you grind your teeth at night. Receding gumlines may require a more involved procedure – such as a gum graft, although – most times – you can ease the symptoms of teeth sensitivity by using a softer toothbrush, using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, wearing a mouth guard at night, or limiting the number of acidic foods you eat. While we can’t treat you for GERD, we can alert you to the potential issue and refer you to a gastroenterologist.
Loose Teeth: While loose teeth are something to get excited about when you’re a child (YAY – Tooth Fairy!!), they can be a cause of concern for adults. Loose teeth can signal a buildup of tartar – causing the gums to pull away from the teeth – which if left unchecked can lead to gum disease. Recent research also indicates that loose teeth may be a sign of osteoporosis or diabetes, requiring a closer look from your primary care physician. Trauma involving a blow to the mouth is another common cause of loose teeth in adults. Just because a tooth is loose doesn’t mean it will have to come out. Alerting us to the issue will grant us an opportunity to examine the possible underlying causes and create a treatment plan, which may include more regular cleanings, a splint to hold the loose tooth in place while the gums heal, or a more permanent solution like a crown.
Discomfort: The most common complaint we receive when we ask our patients if they have any concerns is a “toothache.” Often caused by an irritated nerve in the root, inside the pulp or in the gums surrounding a tooth, a toothache could signal an infection, tooth decay, a tooth fracture or gum disease. Once the cause of your toothache is determined, we may employ fillings, an extraction, root canal therapy, crowns, and/or antibiotics to kill any present infection.
While we wish everyone was happy to see us, we understand that some patients have a bit of anxiety about their visit to the dentist and merely want to get in and out. However, by being prepared to discuss anything you’re concerned about with regard to your teeth and gums, we can take steps to avoid a more serious condition. So, when your Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee hygienist asks if you have any concerns you’d like to discuss with your dentist, don’t draw a blank. Instead, speak up and make the most out of your visit to the dentist!
To learn more about Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee and our full suite of Preventative, Cosmetic and Restorative Services, visit us online! If you’d like to make an appointment, we’re accepting new patients. Simply call 770-945-5850, email office@gentrydentist.com or fill out our secure online contact form. We’re located at 3585 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd, Suite #101-A in Suwanee, and we can’t wait to meet you. Our office hours are Mondays-Wednesdays: 8am-5pm, Thursdays: 7am-1pm and Fridays: 8am-12pm (*select Fridays only). Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
