Dental Services:FAQ

I just had x-rays taken elsewhere. Do you have to take another set?

If you have had a recent (within the last year) set of x-rays, ask your last dentist to transfer those x-rays to Carus Dental prior to your first visit. There is a good chance that we can indeed use those x-rays and save you the cost of an additional set of films. However, please realize that sometimes, when a set of x-rays is duplicated or printed out on paper, the quality of the images may not allow for adequate diagnosis. In those cases, new x-rays may be needed so that we can properly evaluate your dental health and find any dental problems.

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I'm moving. Can my records be transferred to my next dentist?

Carus Dental is more than happy to transfer your records in order to provide you continuity of dental care. Please allow adequate time for the records to be duplicated and mailed to your new dentist prior to your first visit.

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Can you see my entire family on the same day?

We prefer to schedule two family members per day just incase an unexpected emergency arises and you are unable to keep the appointments for any reason.

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How safe are dental x-rays?

There is little risk associated with the x-rays used in dentistry. Our dentists are very careful about limiting the amount of radiation to which our patients are exposed by only taking necessary x-rays. Furthermore, high-speed films and lead aprons are utilized to minimize the amount of radiation.

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Why don't I get my cleaning at my first visit?

Not every person requires the same type of cleaning or the same amount of time for a cleaning. At your initial exam visit, one of the items that we are determining is the level of cleaning that is required and how long it should take. If we were to set aside a certain amount of time for your initial cleaning based on a random guess before having examined your teeth and gums, you most likely would not get the quality dental cleaning that you deserve. After your initial exam, we will have a better idea about how long it will take to clean your teeth and the type of cleaning that is required. From that point on, your cleanings and exams most typically will occur at the same visit.

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Why do I have to get an exam when I just want my teeth cleaned?

In order to for us to assess your overall dental health including the type of cleaning that needs to be done, a comprehensive oral examination is necessary. Texas state law also requires that an exam be done within the previous12 months of a dental hygienist cleaning your teeth. (Sec. 262.151.(2).(B) of the Dental Practice Act contained within the Texas Occupations Code)

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What can you do to help my anxiety about receiving dental treatment?

Some of our locations offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as a means of helping reduce anxiety. Other locations have dentists who are trained in giving anti-anxiety medications, such as Valium, prior to your appointment. For challenging procedures, such as extractions, you may be referred to one of specialists who can offer you IV sedation. Please ask your dentist for options if this is a concern. We want to make your dental treatment as comfortable as possible.

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If I have a cavity, why doesn't it hurt?

At its earliest stages, a cavity may not cause much noticeable discomfort. This may be due to the location and depth of a cavity where it is away from the nerve. Our goal is to try to identify problems and to correct them before they can cause a toothache. Often, when a cavity starts to hurt bad enough to cause someone to come and see the dentist, it is past the time when something simple, like a filling, can fix the problem. Unfortunately, more involved dentistry is then necessary.

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If I have gum disease, why doesn't it hurt?

At its earliest stages, gum disease usually does not cause much noticeable discomfort. Our goal is to try to identify problems at their earliest stages and to correct them before they can cause discomfort. The changes in the surrounding bone and tissues associated with gum diseaes are often permanent. The sooner treatment is begun for gum disease, the less severe the damage will be to the bone and supporting tissues. As a result, the less likely you will be to ever experience the pain that can come from gum abscesses or extremely loose teeth.

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How do you treat gum disease?

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Why do I need to have a crown?

A tooth may need to have a crown if it is cracked, fractured, or weak. Crowns are also placed typically after a tooth has had a root canal in order to make sure that it stays strong. Finally, crowns are sometimes put on a front tooth in order to change its shape or color.

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What is involved with getting a crown?

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What is involved with getting a root canal?

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My teeth are yellow. Can you help me?

Carus Dental offers many cosmetic dentistry services including bleaching, veneers, and crowns. One of these options may be ideal for creating a whiter smile. Ask your dental provider about these options at your next exam. They will help you determine the best option for your specific needs.

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Do you do tooth whitening (bleaching)?

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Who do I call if there is an after hours emergency?

In the event of a true dental emergency (bleeding, swelling) outside of normal business hours, please contact the answering service. Each office has this number available on its answering machine. The answering service will inform the doctor-on-call of your problem and the doctor will then contact you directly. Please be aware that our policy does not allow for calling in any prescription for narcotic analgesics.

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What steps should I follow after an extraction?

• Do not rinse mouth today. Tomorrow rinse mouth gently every 3-4 hours (especially after meals) using one-quarter teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Continue rinses for several days.
• Bleeding. Following extractions some bleeding is to be expected. If persistent bleeding occurs, place gauze pads over bleeding area and bite down firmly for one-half hour. Repeat if necessary.
• Swelling. Ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel should be applied to the treated area – one-half hour on and one-half hour off for 4-5 hours.
• Pain. For mild to average pain use any non-aspirin type of medication you like.
• Food. Light diet is advisable during the first 24 hours.
• Bony edges. Small sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing. These are not roots; if annoying return to the office for their simple removal
• If any unusual symptoms occur, call the office at once.
• The proper care following oral surgical procedures will hasten recovery and prevent complications.

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What should I do if a crown comes off?

Temporary cement or denture adhesive can be found at your local grocery store in the toothpaste/toothbrush aisle. Place a small amount inside the crown and then reseat the crown back on the tooth. This will usually allow enough retention until you can come into the dental office where your crown can be recemented more ideally.

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What should I do if I lost a filling?

If the tooth is sensitive or sharp, for the short-term, you can find temporary filling material at your local grocery store in the toothpaste/toothbrush aisle. Place a small amount in the area where the filling was -- sometimes the use a Q-tip can help with this step. Contact your dental office so that they can arrange for you to come by and have the tooth evaluated in order to be repaired.

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