100 Essential Dental FAQ’s

Your first visit begins with a comprehensive examination focused on your oral-health goals. We may take high-resolution images, assess your bite and gum health, and discuss your priorities so we can craft a personalized long-term treatment plan.

Should you have recent X-rays from other dentists- please bring or send them as they may assist for diagnosis and we can prevent unnecessary radiation for patients.

Most patients benefit from visits every six months; some with complex care schedules return every three-to-four months to maintain ideal results. Each treatment plan is customized to the patient’s individual dental needs and treatment goals.

Your mouth reflects your overall health. Regular exams may detect early signs of decay, gum inflammation, and even conditions linked to diabetes or heart disease. Our dental exams also include oral cancer screenings. It is very important to detect cancer-if possible, with its first signs. Should there be non-healing oral lesions for more than two weeks it is important to examine and diagnose the areas with a possible biopsy and testing. Schedule your consultation with us for more information.

You’ll receive a gentle cleaning, plaque removal, periodontal evaluation, and diagnostic imaging when indicated—leaving with refreshed teeth and clarity about your oral health.

Delaying visits often turns small issues into more significant ones. Preventive care preserves natural teeth and reduces the future likelihood of restorative intervention and expense.

Digital X-rays reveal decay or bone loss invisible to the eye. Our low-radiation digital x-ray technology provides immediate, precise images. Digital x-rays have a lower radiation footprint than the conventional film radiographs.

Yes—digital radiography emits minimal radiation, less than a short flight, and we use lead aprons when applicable for extra protection.

Digital x-rays are a modern tool used to minimize radiation exposure to our patients. Dental X-rays sometimes get a bad reputation in holistic dental circles, mostly due to concerns about radiation exposure. At Advanced Dentistry of Richmond, we use modern digital X-rays, which emit extremely low levels of radiation—comparable to the natural background radiation you’re exposed to from everyday activities like eating bananas or taking a short airplane flight.

Fun fact: Taking a flight from New York to California exposes you to more radiation than a standard series of 20 dental xray images.

Use a soft-bristle brush—ideally electric—and a fluoride or hydroxyapatite toothpaste. We can recommend professional formulas that protect enamel and dental restorations. Keeping up with the latest “TikTok” or “Intragram” trend for toothpastes can lead to problems down the road. Ask us which product is best for you and your dental needs.

Yes. Flossing removes plaque between teeth and under the gums where brushes can’t reach. 

Flossing plays a vital role in preventing cavities between the teeth.

When patients skip flossing, it often becomes visible on dental X-rays as what we call “kissing lesions.” This term describes decay that develops where two teeth touch—an area easily missed by brushing alone. Over time, plaque accumulates in these tight contact points, and as bacteria remain undisturbed, the enamel begins to break down, leading to cavities on adjacent teeth.

Fun Fact: when people skip flossing, they leave approximately 40% of their tooth surface uncleaned.

No. Mouthwash is a supplement that freshens breath and reduces bacteria, not a replacement for mechanical cleaning. Mouthwashes can disturb gut and oral microbial flora, ask your dentist for advice on which mouthwash is recommended for you.

Halitosis also known as bad breath often stems from plaque, dry mouth, or gum inflammation. Professional cleanings, hydration, and tongue hygiene are often effective in remediating issues with halitosis. .

Should you suffer from Halitosis, contact us to schedule an appointment (804) 282-7260. We would love to help you!

Bleeding indicates irritation or gingivitis. Consistent cleaning helps; persistent bleeding may require periodontal therapy. 

When flossing techniques are important, the goal is to clean the tooth and surrounding gum, using the C-shaped flossing technique.

Gum disease is an infection of gum and bone tissue caused by plaque buildup. Early stages are reversible with deep cleaning; advanced stages may need regenerative therapy.
An early sign of gum disease is bleeding with brushing or flossing.
Call us at (804) 282-7260 to schedule your private consultation and determine your gum health.

Brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing once per day are essential for removing plaque and bacteria that cause decay and inflammation. Equally important is being mindful of how often you eat or drink—especially foods and beverages that are acidic or contain sugar. Frequent snacking or sipping exposes your teeth to repeated exposure to low pH and may increase the risk of enamel erosion and cavities.

By keeping your oral hygiene routine consistent and limiting the frequency of acidic or sugary intake, you can protect your teeth and gums for the long term.

Your child’s first dental visit should occur by age one or within six months after the first tooth appears. Early dental care is essential, as a child’s oral development is closely linked to overall growth and health.

Dental conditions such as crowding, a narrow dental arch, or spacing between teeth can sometimes result from habits like prolonged pacifier use. Additionally, children who snore may have underlying airway or growth issues that affect dental and facial development — an important reason to have them evaluated early.

Our team can help identify these concerns early and guide healthy development for your child’s smile.
Schedule an appointment today at (804) 282-7260

Baby teeth play a crucial role in your child’s development. They help guide the proper eruption of adult teeth and are essential for clear speech and effective chewing. These primary teeth act as natural “placeholders” for the permanent teeth to come.

Caring for baby teeth also helps children develop lifelong habits of self-care and discipline — values that extend far beyond oral health. A healthy mouth from an early age supports overall well-being and contributes to disease prevention throughout life.

Every six months, or more often if they wear orthodontic appliances or have dental conditions.

A dental sealant is a thin resin coating applied into the grooves of molars and premolars to prevent the ingress of contaminants, microbes and prevent decay—Sealants are ideal for kids and adults with deep grooves in their natural teeth. The resin acts as a barrier between the tooth and food to prevent tooth decay.

Sugary snacks, acidic drinks, teeth clenching, and smoking accelerate enamel wear and gum disease.

Nicotine restricts blood flow and slows healing, causing gum disease and staining while elevating oral-cancer risk.

A titanium screw that gets surgically placed into the bone and replaces a tooth root to support a custom crown for a permanent, natural-looking restoration.

Dental implants help preserve jawbone structure and function just like natural teeth, providing exceptional comfort and long-term stability. Unlike traditional bridges, implants do not require the reduction of adjacent healthy teeth—making them a more conservative and biologically sound solution for tooth replacement.

Most healthy adults are candidates for implants. Adequate bone and gum health are evaluated with 3D imaging. Implants need similar maintenance to natural teeth, they require daily brushing and hygiene to avoid complications.

Placement is comfortable under local anesthesia or sedation. We work with a team of expert surgeons who place the implants into the bone with precision and care. After healing, which typically takes several weeks to months, a custom crown is attached for seamless integration.

With proper hygiene and maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. Conditions like diabetes, smoking, grinding or other genetic and environmental factors can decrease the longevity of a dental implant.

Post-procedure soreness is minimal and managed with mild analgesics. Care should be taken of the surgical site and a post-surgery follow up appointment is recommended. As always if you have any questions please call us at (804) 282-7260.

Smoking increases failure risk but doesn’t always exclude candidacy; cessation before surgery is advised.

Smoking may result in delayed wound healing due to vasoconstriction- limiting blood supply to the surgical site.  Smoking also may interfere with bone formation which is critical for proper implant site development.

They stimulate the jawbone like natural roots, preserving facial structure.
When bone is not under functional load, the bone breaks down in a process called bone resorption. 
Call today at (804) 282-7260 to reserve your private consultation and see if you are a candidate for implant therapy.

A graft rebuilds jaw density when bone is insufficient for implant stability. Grafting procedures typically take several weeks to heal for bone formation. Grafts are recommended for most implant procedures to help maintain your bony ridge and ensure implant success.

A full-arch restoration supported by four or more (x) implants—an efficient, stable alternative to dentures. 

These procedures provide long term aesthetics and function for patients with a terminal dentition. Terminal dentition means that the teeth and supporting structures have been damaged to the point where they can no longer be reliably repaired or maintained for long-term comfort and function. At this stage, continuing to “patch” individual teeth often leads to ongoing problems, and replacing the teeth becomes the healthiest and most predictable option. 

If you are interested in learning more about these procedures, schedule your private consultation today by calling (804) 282-7260.

Periodontal therapy is the typical way gums are healed in dentistry. Gums must be restored to health prior to implant placement for a predictable and successful treatment outcome. 

We pride ourselves on not cutting corners and rushing into these treatments. This typically ensures longevity and treatment success.  The dental “foundation” must be stable to receive dental implants. Call today at (804) 282-7260 to schedule your appointment and see if you are a candidate for implant restorations.

Partial coverage is common for the crown portion; financing plans are available.
As a courtesy we will help you explore your out-of-network benefits, call today at (804) 282-7260 to explore your coverage.

Most patients return to work within a day or two; osseointegration completes in 3–6 months.

Yes — single or individual, bridge-supported, and full-arch solutions are available. Call today at (804) 282-7260 to see which option best fits your needs.

Metal-free or Zirconia implants are sometimes used but with limitations. Zirconia implants have a higher failure rate than titanium implants. Zirconia implants also have very limited restorative parts available making them uncommonly used. 

Titanium implants have high success rates and are biocompatible with the body. The body’s bone cells attach to sterile titanium surfaces.

Rarely—success rates exceed 95 % for titanium implants. Maintenance visits and regular cleanings are necessary for long term success.

Absolutely—existing dentures can be stabilized with implants for superior comfort, retention, and function. 

Patients describe these procedures as life-changing and wishing that they had done the treatment sooner. Call us today at (804) 282-7260 to reserve your private consultation and see if implant supported dentures are an option for you.

Use soft brushes and floss threaders or interdental aids; we will demonstrate techniques at your delivery appointment. A Waterpik can be used to help remove debris but traditional flossing is still preferred.

Implants look, feel, and function nearly identically to natural teeth. Most patients forget which tooth was replaced. Natural teeth have a periodontal ligament surrounding the tooth root. Dental implants do not have this ligament present, so there is no micromovement of implants as is present with natural teeth. 

Call us today at (804) 282-7260 to schedule your private consultation.

Yes — age is not a limiting factor when overall health and bone are adequate.

It can usually be replaced after implant removal and bone healing; failures are uncommon with proper planning and maintenance.

Yes — once integrated and fully healed in the bone, you can enjoy all foods with full confidence. Implant crowns are either screw retained or cement retained so patients can comfortably eat, speak and live without fear of the implant crown coming out.

We use guided-surgery technology and custom-crafted restorations to ensure precision, beauty, and long-term success. Our office collaborates closely with a team of trusted specialists to ensure implants are placed accurately and safely. This coordinated approach allows us to restore your implant with a beautifully natural-looking crown that fits comfortably and aligns properly with your bite.