Frequently Asked Questions for Your Boise Dentist

Boise Family Dental October 2023

 

What Is a Dentist?

A dentist is a specialist who has been trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Dr. Crump and Dr. Edminsten, your Boise dentists, have 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 degree and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Some doctors specialize in pediatric dentistry as well, which means that 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)

 

What Is Dentistry?

Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of disorders and diseases of a patient’s teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Dentistry performed properly is necessary for complete oral health, and it has a significant impact on the health of a patient’s entire body.

 

Are Regular Dental Cleanings Necessary?

Here at Boise Family Dental Care, we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental appointment into your busy schedule seems to be one of the most difficult things you have to do. Proper oral hygiene can be difficult to maintain. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing after every meal will keep many oral hygiene problems away, but not all.

Scheduling a cleaning at Boise Family Dental Care in Boise, ID twice a year is highly recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.

 

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

It’s very important to schedule regular cleanings here at Boise Family Dental Care. Our dentists recommend twice a year. There are many problems that can exist without us knowing. Not only can we identify problems before they become painful and expensive, but 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 Boise Family Dental Care?

Sixth-month cleanings are recommended for proper oral hygiene. At Boise Family Dental Care, 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.

The dentist 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 (208) 291-6794 to schedule an appointment or if you have 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) recommend starting dental checkups as early as six months of age. On average, this is when a child’s teeth begin to show. Our dentists will be able to examine the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations.

 

When Should I Change My Toothbrush?

The dentist recommends at least every three months. If you’re using an electronic toothbrush, make sure to check the recommendation of the type of toothbrush because you may not have to change the head of the brush often. If a patient has gum disease, the dentist recommends that you change your brush more often than every three months. Also, after brushing, it’s very important to wash and rinse your brush out with hot water. 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 in a patient’s mouth. When this buildup is not treated in the early stages, it can cause gum disease. Periodontal disease can also be caused by smoking and chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics.

Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause bone and tooth loss as well as permanent damage. The dentist recommends brushing and flossing every day as well as scheduling dental appointments every six months as the best ways 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 gum line

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us as soon as possible. You can reach us at (208) 291-6794 or email us to schedule a consultation. Your dental health is our highest concern.

 

Do You Accept Dental Insurance?

Here at Boise Family Dental Care, we accept most insurance and PPO plans, but check with us. Please call our office at (208) 291-6794 for more information about insurance. Prior to calling, have your insurance information ready. Also, please plan to pay your co-pay or deductible portion at the time of service.

 

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

For your convenience here at Boise Family Dental Care we accept cash, checks, cashier’s checks, Visa, Master Card, Amex, and Discover. If none of these payment methods suit your needs, we also provide payment plans through our office or third-party financing through Care Credit. We also provide discounts for those able to pay in full at the time of service. If you have any more questions regarding payment methods, please give us a call at 208-376-7413 and we’ll do our best to find the right solution for you.