Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to hands-on dental services, we also like to provide a lot of patient education, because as we all know, most of your dental care actually occurs at home with daily brushing and flossing. So you can safeguard you and your family’s smiles between appointments and know more about your dental options, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we hear every day. Can’t find the information you’re looking for here? No problem—just give our team a call!
Q) Why is it recommended that I visit the dentist every six months?
A) It may seem often, but by visiting Robison Dental Group every six months for dental hygiene and a dental exam, you decrease your chances of suffering from severe oral health problems. Because our office is equipped with a DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection system, we can check for the earliest signs of dental decay and cavities and halt the progression before you begin to experience pain or more serious complications. Early detection allows us to provide a more conservative treatment, saving you time, expense, and discomfort. Robison Dental Group also uses VELscope for oral cancer detection, and regular examinations mean you’re less likely to die from this serious disease.
Q) Why is oral cancer so serious?
A) Oral cancer kills more people nationwide than either cervical or skin (melanoma) cancer, and only half of the patients diagnosed with it survive more than five years. The painless, sneaky disease often goes undetected until it spreads to the neck and lymph nodes, at which time treatment becomes less effective. Drs. John and J.D. Robison will perform an oral cancer screening during your exam. If oral cancer is detected in the early stage, patients are more likely to survive.
Q) My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
A) Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from the patient brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep hygiene treatment to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, and it has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to create significant damage to your health, so call for an assessment now. We will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!
Q) What is an implant and how long do they last?
A) Implant restorations are a safe alternative to bridges, partials, or full dentures. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth because of a titanium anchor attached to the jawbone. Once the implants are secured, one of the Drs. Robison will attach a handcrafted, permanent crown to each post. The restorations will match your natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile. The life of the implant depends on your age, oral status, and personal hygiene. With proper maintenance, they last most people a lifetime.
Q) Who makes a good candidate for dental implants?
A) Most patients are good implant candidates; however, an ideal implant patient has good oral health, adequate bone structure, and doesn’t smoke or drink. We will evaluate your unique case to determine if implants are right for you.
Q) Does your office use lasers?
A) We use two kinds of lasers for precise, comfortable dentistry. DIAGNOdent is our cavity-detection laser. It will scan your teeth to find decay and areas prone to decay, and we will not have to inspect each of your teeth with a traditional dental hook.
Our soft-tissue laser allows us to treat gum disease, perform crown lengthening, harvest and place gum grafts, reduce gum tissue for aesthetics, and do biopsies. You will need no stitches after laser surgery, and bleeding is minimal. Most patients recover more quickly after laser surgery than they do following traditional surgery.