Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Corpus Christi, TX
Always Ready to Help Our Patients
Are you feeling unsure about a specific dental treatment? Determining whether Dr. Kerr’s office is right for your needs? Not sure how often you should be visiting for care? We get many questions from our office, which is why we want to help out however we can. Check out our frequently asked questions section below and call us if your question isn’t mentioned!
How often should I visit for a checkup?
We recommend that you visit once every six months to ensure no cavities or gum disease is present. It also helps us confirm that your brushing and flossing is working as intended. Those who have gum disease will need to visit more often, typically every three to four months.
Can you replace missing teeth?
There are multiple ways to replace teeth, including traditional dental bridges. These restorations are designed to fill the gap in your smile and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of place. Should you decide to pursue dental implants, our office is happy to partner you with an implant specialist and provide restorations for you at our practice.
Does my tooth need a crown or filling?
This depends on the damage present within the tooth. For example, minor cavities can generally be resolved with a tooth-colored filling, but more significant damage, either due to decay or injury, will likely need a crown. Dental fillings generally need to be replaced with crowns when they take up two-thirds or more of natural enamel.
Can you enhance my smile’s appearance?
Absolutely! We provide many cosmetic treatments in-house that work to resolve chips, cracks, gaps, or stains that no amount of brushing can remove. This includes porcelain veneers, metal-free restorations, direct bonding, in-practice and take-home whitening, and gum recontouring. Whether you want a single treatment or a variety as part of a smile makeover, we’re here to help.
Can I visit for a dental emergency?
In the event you are either experiencing a dental emergency or you’re not 100% sure, don’t be afraid to call us. Our office is no stranger to handling urgent dental issues and we are always on call if you’re in need of emergency care. We’re even happy to answer your urgent call on weekends if needed.
What’s the best way to prevent cavities?
While you can avoid the majority of cavities by simply practicing brushing and flossing at home, some patients may be more susceptible to them. In this case, we may recommend additional preventive treatments like dental sealants. Made from composite resin, sealants protect the most vulnerable areas of specific teeth, such as the molars.
My jaw hurts. How do I address it?
Jaw pain could be present due to chronic teeth grinding and clenching, however, it could also be due to an uneven bite or a previous jaw injury. In terms of dedicated treatments, our office is happy to offer equilibration, occlusal splints, and the TENS machine. This ensures you have multiple options to consider.