Our Forney Dental FAQs page has all the answers to your most asked questions about dental care. We are here at Forney Dental with Dr. Morrison to help you feel informed and confident about your dental care.
Got Questions About Dental Care? Find Your Answers Here
When it comes to your oral health, it is completely natural for you to have dental questions about dental treatments, procedures, and what to expect during your dental visit. Our dental team designed this dental FAQs page to help you easily find answers to common dental concerns and daily oral care questions.
Dr. Melina Morrison and the staff at Forney Family Dentistry & Orthodontics want patients to feel more comfortable and confident in their dental care. The answers provided here address a variety of topics.
If you are looking for reliable information on dental care topics, this is a good place to start. If you do not see your question answered here, feel free to give us a call. We are more than happy to assist you.
Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of disorders and diseases of a patient’s teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Properly performed dentistry is necessary for complete oral health and has a significant impact on a patient’s overall health.
A dentist is a specialist trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health conditions and dental problems. Dr. Morrison has completed many years of training to practice dentistry. After completing schooling, a dentist can earn either a DDS or a DMD degree. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Some doctors specialize in pediatric dentistry, meaning they work with children from infancy through adolescence. There are other specializations that a dentist may go to school for:
- Prosthodontics (specialization in dental implants)
- Oral and maxillofacial (includes pathology, radiology, and surgery)
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
- Endodontics (specialization in root canals)
- Periodontics (specialization in gum disease)
Here at Forney Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental appointment into a busy schedule can feel like a hassle, but it’s worth it. Brushing for 2 minutes twice a day and flossing daily will help keep many oral health problems at bay; however, it’s not a guarantee. Scheduling regular cleanings at Forney Family Dentistry & Orthodontics is highly recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.
It’s very important to schedule regular cleanings here at Forney Family Dentistry & Orthodontics. Dr. Morrison can recommend how often you should come in to best suit your dental health needs. Not all dental problems have obvious symptoms at first. Not only can we identify problems before they become painful and expensive, but we can also help to keep your smile looking fantastic. We know how important it is to feel comfortable with your smile. This commitment is why we offer many treatments to help improve patient aesthetics.
At Forney Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, an appointment includes a full oral examination, an oral cancer exam, professional X-rays to detect cavities, and a full cleaning by our amazing hygienists. Your cleaning will remove tartar, debris, and plaque from your mouth.
Dr. Morrison will coordinate with your hygienist and will recommend a treatment plan for any problems she finds. We’ll also recommend any aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to improve your smile. Please call our office to schedule an appointment or for any additional questions.
Professionals throughout the dental industry, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), agree that a child’s first dental appointment should happen as early as six months of age. This timing is when the first baby teeth usually begin to show. Dr. Morrison will be able to assess the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations for managing teething, reducing the risk of decay, and using effective cleaning techniques.
Dr. Morrison recommends at least every three months. If you’re using an electronic toothbrush, make sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your model, as you may not need to change the head as often. Other factors, like gum disease, might require changing toothbrushes more often. Also, after brushing, it’s very important to wash and rinse your brush with hot water, then store it upright somewhere to dry between uses. This process will kill germs and bacteria, keeping your toothbrush clean.
Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. Plaque and bacteria build up continually in our mouths. When this buildup is not treated early, it can lead to gum disease. Risk factors that increase susceptibility to gum disease include smoking or chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics. Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause permanent damage in the form of bone and tooth loss. Dr. Morrison recommends brushing and flossing every day and scheduling regular dental appointments as the best ways to fight gum disease. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are the following:
- Abscessed teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth and/or loss of teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Receding gumline
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us as soon as possible. Your dental health is our greatest concern.
Here at Forney Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, we accept most insurance and PPO plans, but please check with us to confirm yours is included. Call our office for more information about insurance. Make sure you have your insurance information handy when you call. Also, plan to pay your co-pay or deductible portion at the time of service.
For your convenience, we accept cash, checks, cashier’s checks, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If none of these payment methods suits your needs, we also offer payment plans through our office or third-party financing through CareCredit. We also offer discounts for those who can pay in full at the time of service. If you have any more questions regarding payment methods, please give us a call, and we’ll do our best to find the right solution for you.
