Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What causes tooth decay? Tooth decay is caused by plaque in your mouth reacting with starchy and sugary deposits from food. This reaction produces acid which damages the enamel over time and weakens the tooth.

Question: How can I stop grinding my teeth when I sleep? Grinding your teeth can be very damaging and very difficult to stop. It can wear down your teeth to the gum line because the instinctive reflex to stop the grinding does not work when you are asleep. A night guard may be prescribed to prevent damage to the teeth. Call for an appointment to discuss your options that are available.

Question: My permanent tooth was knocked out! What do I do to try to save the tooth?  When a permanent tooth is lost or knocked out, it is VERY IMPORTANT that it is replaced as quickly as possible. If the dentist replants the tooth within 30 minutes, the tooth has the best chance of survival. The root of the tooth should not be touched. The tooth should not  be wrapped in tissues, handkerchiefs or gauze material. DO NOT store the tooth dry or in water.  The best way to tranport a tooth is to put it back in the socket. (Hold the tooth in the socket during transport.)  Call our office immediately at 281-351-5353 to arrange for your care.

Question: I am interested in having my teeth whitened. Do you offer teeth whitening at our office? Yes we do! Call today to set up an appointment to discuss our various ZOOM whitening programs that are available.

Question: What are the signs that a Root Canal is needed? Sometimes no symptoms are present, however, here are some signs to look for: Discoloration or darkening of the tooth, Severe toothache pain upon chewing or applying any pressure to the tooth, Prolonged sensitivity and pain to hot or cold tempatures after the hot or cold has been removed. A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. Call our office today to schedule an appointment for an examination.

Question: My tooth has recently started hurting. What should I do next? You should see your dentist as soon as possible if your toothache is : severe; lasts longer than 1-2 days; a fever, earache or pain upon opening your mouth wide. Call our office to schedule an appointment to discuss your tooth pain as soon as possible.

Question: Why do my gums bleed when I brush? Gums that bleed easily can be a sign of gum disease. Call our office today to schedule an appointment to discuss your periodontal needs.