Common Concerns
What do I do after hours or on weekends when I have an emergency?
Call the office at 704-365-4142 to hear a recorded message of how to contact the doctor on call.
What do I do if my temporary crown comes off?
Save it and call the office. If it is on the weekend, you can wait until Monday unless you are uncomfortable. An easy home remedy is to purchase denture adhesive at the drug store and re-cement the temporary crown yourself.
Why do I need a crown on a tooth that has had a root canal?
The opening necessary to do the root canal treatment weakens the tooth and it may split if it doesn’t have a crown to support it.
Why are crowns so expensive?
They have to be custom made to fit your mouth and the materials they are made from are costly.
Are electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes?
For most people, yes; they make it easier to brush longer and more thoroughly.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is needed when a tooth becomes infected on the inside. The root canal procedure cleans the infection from inside the tooth and shapes it so that the roots can be sealed against reinfection.
What can I expect on my initial visit?
Your initial visit will be with Dr. Peery for a thorough exam, cleaning, and evaluation with ample time to discuss any problems or concerns.
When should I bring my child to the dentist?
While at present we recommend that you start bringing by age 3, this time frame is under review. Please ask for current concepts as the time draws near for your child. In any event, bringing your child with you to an appointment or two beforehand is a pleasant way to introduce them to dental care.
When should I start to brush my child's teeth?
As soon as your child’s teeth come in, begin brushing them with water only.
What do I do if I broke a tooth?
If it is during our business hours, call the office and we will get you in as quickly as possible. If we are closed and you are experiencing no discomfort, it is fine to wait until the office is open again. Calling early in the morning will allow us time to change our schedule if need be. Also you may leave a voice mail after hours as those are checked as soon as we arrive in the morning.
What do I do if a tooth is knocked out?
Find the tooth if you can. Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse off the root of the tooth in water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket. If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and get to the dentist as quickly as possible. Remember to take the tooth with you! Call 704-365-4142 for the contact information of the doctor on call.
Didn’t find what you wanted to know? Try these web sites:
American Dental Association: http://www.ada.org/public/index.asp
Academy of General Dentistry: http://forums.agd.org/agdSmileline
Or feel free to call us 704-365-4142.
