What You Need to Know
Patient Resources
Ponemah Crossing Dentistry offers a wealth of resources tailored to meet the needs of our patients, including specialized pediatric dentistry for our younger clientele in Amherst, NH. Our dedicated team provides guidance on proper dental care techniques, nutritional advice for healthy teeth, and tips to make your and your family’s dental visits enjoyable and fear-free. With a focus on education and prevention, we empower families to take an active role in their oral health, ensuring children grow up with strong, healthy smiles.
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FAQs
How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?
Most patients benefit from visiting the dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam. This schedule works well for most healthy adults, though it can be personalized based on your needs. Patients with gum disease, frequent cavities, or orthodontic appliances may need to come every 3–4 months. Consistent visits help prevent problems before they begin and keep your smile healthy.
What happens during a routine dental cleaning?
During your visit, a hygienist gently removes plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone cannot remove. Your teeth are polished for a smooth finish and flossed to ensure no buildup remains between them. The dentist will also check your gums for early signs of disease, may apply fluoride for added protection, and use digital X-rays or cameras to detect issues you may not see or feel.
Why are regular dental check-ups important?
Regular check-ups protect both your oral and overall health. Small problems like cavities or gingivitis can develop quietly and progress into major concerns if left untreated. Preventive visits help you avoid emergencies, preserve your natural teeth, and support whole-body health, since oral conditions are linked to systemic issues such as diabetes and heart disease.
How can I prevent cavities naturally?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, drink plenty of water, and limit sugary or acidic snacks. Sealants for children, prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste for high-risk patients, and dietary counseling can also reduce your risk. Prevention is always easier and less costly than treatment.
Can cavities heal on their own without treatment?
Once a cavity breaks through the enamel, it cannot heal naturally. However, very early enamel demineralization can sometimes be reversed with fluoride, diet improvements, and good oral hygiene. Dentists monitor these early spots closely and may recommend treatments to strengthen enamel before a full cavity develops.
Is getting a filling painful?
No. The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anesthesia, so the procedure is comfortable. You may feel vibration or pressure, but not pain. Some practices also offer nitrous oxide or other options for patients with dental anxiety.
What is a dental crown and when do I need one?
A dental crown is a strong, custom-made “cap” that covers and protects a damaged tooth. You may need one if a tooth has a large filling, a fracture, has undergone root canal therapy, or is weakened by decay. Crowns are designed to look natural and restore function.
How long does it take to get a crown placed?
Traditional crowns usually require two visits: one for shaping the tooth and taking impressions, and a second for placing the permanent crown. Between visits, a temporary crown protects the tooth. Some offices offer same-day crowns using advanced technology.
How should I care for my crown or bridge?
Brush twice daily, floss once a day, and pay close attention to cleaning around your restoration. For bridges, floss threaders or water flossers can help clean underneath the replacement tooth. Regular dental check-ups will ensure your restoration and gums stay healthy.
How long do dental crowns usually last?
With proper care, most crowns last 10–15 years or longer. High-quality materials and preventive care help maximize their durability and extend their lifespan.
What are the signs I may need a root canal?
Persistent toothache, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling of the gums, or a small pimple-like bump near the tooth can signal infection inside the tooth pulp. A dentist will confirm with imaging and testing if root canal therapy is needed.
What happens if I avoid getting a root canal?
An untreated infection can spread, leading to abscesses, bone loss, or even serious systemic health issues. Timely treatment saves your tooth and protects your overall health.
When is a tooth extraction necessary?
Extraction may be needed for teeth that are severely decayed, infected, broken beyond repair, or impacted (as wisdom teeth often are). Dentists prioritize saving natural teeth whenever possible before recommending removal.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth may need removal if they cause pain, swelling, infection, or crowding. Even without symptoms, impacted wisdom teeth can create hidden problems. Panoramic X-rays are used to monitor them and guide recommendations.
What are dental implants and how do they work?
Dental implants are titanium posts placed in the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once healed, they are topped with custom crowns that look and function like natural teeth.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults with strong bone structure and healthy gums are candidates. X-rays or 3D imaging may be needed to confirm if implants are right for you.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, implants can last 20 years or more — often a lifetime.
What are the early signs of gum disease?
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums — especially when brushing or flossing — are common signs. Bad breath or gum tenderness can also indicate gingivitis. Regular dental visits help detect problems early.
Can gingivitis be reversed?
Yes. Gingivitis is reversible with proper home care and professional cleanings. Early treatment and consistent hygiene can restore gum health before it progresses.
What treatments are available for periodontal disease?
Treatment depends on severity. Early stages may be treated with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), while advanced cases may require medication or surgery. Individualized treatment plans stop disease progression and protect oral health.
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. Keeping gums healthy is an important part of supporting overall wellness.
How do I keep my gums healthy at home?
Brush twice a day, floss daily, and avoid tobacco. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated also supports gum health. Routine cleanings and check-ups keep gums strong and healthy long-term.
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Covid-19
The American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have changed some of their recommendations regarding COVID-19. Based on these updates, we are revising some of our guidelines and retaining others. Please rest assured that the health and safety of all our patients and staff remain a top priority. Below is a list of our current policies.
- We NO LONGER require that you wear a mask/face covering inside the building – masks are now OPTIONAL. Please respect those who choose to wear a mask/face covering in our practice.
- We CONTINUE to ask that if you are feeling sick, regardless of vaccination status, please stay home and notify us immediately that you need to change your scheduled appointment with us. Our office will help reschedule your appointment to a different day.
- Our office will continue to follow Standard Precautions as outlined by OSHA. Our clinicians will CONTINUE to be garbed in personal protective equipment throughout your appointment; treatment rooms will CONTINUE to be sanitized between patients; and all instruments will CONTINUE to be sterilized after use. We are committed to providing a safe environment for both our patients and our staff.
- We NO LONGER require that you use sanitizer or wash your hands upon entering the office; however, we will CONTINUE to have hand sanitizer available to you at multiple locations in our office if you would like to use some.
- We are NO LONGER asking that you remain in your car and call or text prior to entering our practice. We are happy to announce that our doors are unlocked again and encourage you to come right in upon arrival.
- We NO LONGER require you to answer COVID-19 screening questions and complete a temperature check upon entering the building.
- We NO LONGER require a screening if you have traveled by public transportation within two weeks of your appointment.
Keep in mind that we might need to update the policies listed above based on both the prevalence of COVID-19, both in our area and nationwide, as well as the recommendations of the ADA, CDC, and OSHA. We will notify you of any changes so that you know what to expect at future appointments.
For an appointment, connect with us at 603-673-7950.