Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Waldorf, MD
Answering Common Questions
from Dental Patients
At Open Smiles Dental, we’re always happy to provide all of the information you need to feel confident in your smile’s health. While Dr. Akinwande will gladly answer any questions you may have during your appointments, we understand that sometimes, curiosity strikes when you’re not in our dental office. That’s why we’ve answered some frequently asked dental questions from our Waldorf, MD dentistry patients below. For any further questions, don’t be afraid to call us and ask!
What’s my best option for replacing my missing teeth?
Depending on the number of teeth you’re missing, Dr. Akinwande may recommend a dental bridge, a denture, or dental implants. Each of these solutions is tailor-made to look and feel like your natural pearly whites and make it easy to chew, speak, and smile once more. We can discuss the option that’s best for you during a consultation.
Will I be referred to a specialist for dental implant placement?
Many dental offices must refer their patients to a separate specialist for the surgical placement of dental implants, but not at Open Smiles Dental. Dr. Akinwande has completed enough continuing education courses to be awarded a Mastership in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. This means she can perform every step of the dental implant process under one roof for streamlined, convenient treatment.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Often, the jaw doesn’t have room to accommodate the wisdom teeth, which tend to emerge during a person’s late teens or early twenties. If these teeth aren’t removed, they could press against the other teeth, causing pain and increasing the risk of multiple oral health problems. Luckily, Dr. Akinwande has the extensive training necessary to perform comfortable, safe wisdom tooth extractions here in our dental office.
How often should I visit the dentist?
For the average person, we recommend seeing the dentist for two checkups and cleanings per year. Even if your mouth feels fine, many oral health concerns can develop undetected. That’s why regular exams are crucial; they let Dr. Akinwande locate them early on and administer swift, conservative treatment that saves you time and money in the long run.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
Whether you’re dealing with an excruciating toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or even a lost crown, the first thing you should do is call our dental office. We’ll work to get you seen for an emergency appointment as soon as possible so that we can relieve your pain. We’re usually able to see emergency patients later that same day; we even offer after-hours and weekend visits if the situation is truly urgent.
Will you accept my dental insurance?
Yes! We accept practically all PPO dental insurance plans and will even handle the claims-filing process on your behalf as a courtesy to you. That way, you’ll be able to save on your dental care without worrying about confusing paperwork.