FREQUENTLY ASKED DENTAL QUESTIONS – FORT WORTH, TX

Ask Your Fort Worth Dentist

There is a lot to know when it comes to dentistry, so it’s OK if you have questions! Dr. Buck and our team are always happy to answer them. Below, we’ve gone ahead and responded to a few questions we receive every day, but if there is anything else you’d like to know, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

What Is Dentistry?
Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of disorders and diseases of a patient’s teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Properly performed dentistry is necessary for complete oral health and it has a significant impact on the health of a patient’s entire body.
What Is a Dentist?
A dentist is a specialist who has been trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health conditions and dental problems. Dr. Hu has completed many years of medical schooling in order to practice dentistry. After schooling, a dentist can receive either a DDS or DMD degree. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Some doctors specialize in pediatric dentistry as well, which means they work with children from infancy up through their teenage years. There are other specializations that a dentist may go to school for:
  • Oral and maxillofacial (includes pathology, radiology, and surgery)
  • Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
  • Endodontics (specialization in root canals)
  • Periodontics (specialization in gum disease)
  • Prosthodontics (specialization in dental implants)
How Often Should I Visit The Dentist?
While this answer can vary from person to person, in general, we recommend that everyone get at least two checkups and cleanings each year. These appointments allow us to remove cavity-causing plaque from your teeth as well as keep an eye out for problems so we can take care of them right away.
Should I Use A Manual Or Electric Toothbrush?
If you have good oral health and like the toothbrush you are using, then there is no need to switch. Both are effective at removing plaque and food particles from the mouth. For young children and those with mobility issues, however, we do recommend electric brushes, as they make it much easier to adequately clean the teeth.
Is Flossing Really That Important?
Despite the slew of news stories that came out a few years ago, yes, flossing is still an essential part of your daily oral hygiene routine. It’s able to clean parts of your teeth that your toothbrush simply can’t reach, which in turn will drastically lower your risk of cavities, gum disease, and even minor issues like bad breath.
How Long Will It Take To Fix My Tooth?
It depends! If you just have a small cavity, Dr. Buck can likely repair it in a single appointment with a tooth-colored filling. However, if your tooth is severely damaged or decayed, he may need to place a crown over it, which usually takes two appointments from beginning to end.
Are Regular Dental Cleanings Necessary?

Here at Hulen Crossing Family Dental, we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental appointment into a busy schedule can feel like a hassle, but it’s worth it. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily will keep many oral health problems away; however, it’s not a complete guarantee. Scheduling regular cleanings at Hulen Crossing Family Dental is highly recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.

Do I Still Need to See a Dentist If My Teeth Feel Fine?

It’s very important to schedule regular cleanings here at Hulen Crossing Family Dental. Dr. Hu can make a recommendation on you how often you should be coming in to best suit your dental health needs. Not all dental problems have obvious symptoms at first. Not only can we identify problems before they become painful and expensive, we can also help to keep your smile looking fantastic. We know how important it is to feel comfortable with your smile. This is why we offer many treatments to help improve patient aesthetics.

What’s a Dental Cleaning Like at Hulen Crossing Family Dental?

At Hulen Crossing Family Dental, an appointment will include a full oral examination, oral cancer exam, professional X-rays to catch cavities, and a full cleaning by our amazing hygienists. Your cleaning will remove tartar, debris, and plaque from your mouth.

 

Dr. Hu will coordinate with your hygienist and recommend a treatment plan for any problems that are found. We’ll also recommend any aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to improve your smile. Please call our office at (682) 207-6555 to schedule an appointment or for any additional questions.

At What Age Should I Bring My Child to See the Dentist?

Professionals throughout the dental industry as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) agree that a child’s first dental appointment should happen as early as six months of age. This is when the first baby teeth usually begin to show. Dr. Hu will be able to assess the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations for things like navigating teething periods, reducing the risk of decay, and good cleaning techniques.

When Should I Change My Toothbrush?

Dr. Hu recommends at least every three months. If you’re using an electronic toothbrush, make sure to check the recommendation for the type of toothbrush because you may not have to change the head of the brush as often. Other factors like gum disease might require changing toothbrushes more often. Also, after brushing, it’s very important to wash and rinse your brush out with hot water, then store it upright somewhere it can dry between uses. This will kill germs and bacteria and keep your toothbrush clean.

How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. Plaque and bacteria build up continually in our mouths. When this buildup is not treated in the early stages, it can result in gum disease. Risk factors that increase susceptibility to gum disease include smoking or chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics. Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause permanent damage in the form of bone and tooth loss. Dr. Hu recommends brushing and flossing every day as well as scheduling regular dental appointments as the best way to fight gum disease. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are the following:

 

  • Abscessed teeth
  • Extreme tooth sensitivity
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Loose teeth and/or loss of teeth
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Receding gumline

 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us as soon as possible. You can reach us at (682) 207-6555 or email us to schedule a consultation. Your dental health is our highest concern.

Will You Take My Dental Insurance?
Most likely yes! We accept a long list of PPO dental insurance plans, and to see how we could use your policy at your next appointment, just give us a call. We’ll go over your benefits with you, answer your questions, and make sure you know exactly how to get the most out of your coverage.
I Don’t Have Dental Insurance. How Else Can I Pay For My Care?
You can sign up for our in-house membership plan, which offers similar benefits to dental insurance for a lower price, or you can use CareCredit financing to break up your treatment costs into smaller payments. Both have helped countless patients get the care they need while staying on budget, and to learn more about either option, just give us a call.