FAQs

Answers To Common Questions
Star City Dental - Juan M. Gonzalez, D.D.S.

1. I have heard about kid's sealants. What are sealants?
Sealants are invisible or slightly visible plastic-like filings. They are placed on children's or adult teeth on the pits and fissures of the teeth surfaces that are prone to decay. In a very high percentage of cases, they will prevent decay on these surface, or in some cases, they can stop the decay process in its earliest stages. They may be considered a very good investment towards the prevention of a more expensive permanent filling or crown for a tooth.

2. What is the problem with having dental work done in Juarez?
While being treated by a licensed dentist in the state of Texas, you are protected by the rules and regulations of Texas State Board of Dental examiners. A licensed dentist in the state of Texas has to demonstrate proficiency in their dental skills and knowledge and continue to be under the watchful eye of the state board during the time they keep their license active. You do not have the protection of the Texas state board while having dental work done in Juarez or out of the state of Texas.

3. Why does the dentist tell me I need a root canal every time that I have a cavity?
There are many reasons why one may need a root canal treatment. The most common being cavities that have spread to involve the pulp or nerve of the tooth, a tooth that has responded adversely to a filling or crown, or in some cases a tooth that has been traumatized by a blow. Root canal treatments may be recommended in conjunction with other treatment when it becomes apparent that the nerve of the tooth will be involved.

4. How can I keep from getting so many cavities?
Some of the more common methods of prevention of cavities besides proper brushing and flossing of ones teeth can involve a healthier diet, the use of toothpastes containing fluoride and in some cases the use of a supplement of fluoride as prescribed by the dentist. There are extreme cases of breakdown of our natural defenses in the mouth that require more stringent action whereby the dentist or hygienist will work together with the patient to help them overcome the decay process.

5. Every time I go to the dentist I have to take medicine for a hip replacement. I don't understand why I have to do this?
There are many conditions that require a person to be treated with a certain medication before undergoing dental treatment. The objective behind this is to prevent an infection of an artificial hip, as in your case, or any other type of artificial joint replacement. The infection can originate during dental treatment that is invasive in nature or that even causes bacteria from traveling from the gum tissue or other structures in the mouth all the way to the replacement joint.

6. Every time I go to the dentist I have to go through two appointments to get any work done. Where can I go to have my work done in one appointment?
Most dental offices take your valuable time into consideration. While it may be very convenient for you to only have to make one trip or appointment to the dentist, many offices prefer to evaluate the problem first so that there will be a better understanding of how the problem will be handled. At the second appointment or succeeding appointments, the correct time can be scheduled to correct or begin treatment for the problem.

7. I have a problem going to the dentist because I gag. What can I do?
There are lists of aids that can be used to treat people like you. They range from very simple suggestive prompts to use of topical anesthetics, acupressure points, and all the way to the use of drugs that the dentist may feel comfortable in using with you.

8. What is TMJ and how do I know if I have it?
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction or TMJ or TMD as is commonly called is a symptom improper function of the joint that connects ones lower jaw to the skull. It is a medical or dental health problem that can be related to the balance of the lower jaw, the supporting muscles, bite, and the actual joint itself. If you feel any clicking or popping of your joints or have difficulty in opening your mouth wide or have head and neck pain, you may be suffering from TMJ.

9. How often should one change toothbrushes?
The rule of thumb on using a new toothbrush should be to get a new one when the bristles get frayed. Frayed toothbrushes are less efficient in helping to clean your teeth and they can actually aid in retaining bacteria. While they normally last a period of 3-4 months, they will last some people longer and others less time.

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