Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Worcester, MA

Do you see children?

Yes! Our team is happy to treat patients of all ages, and we offer a large menu of kid-friendly services, including sportsguards, dental sealants, silver diamine fluoride, and more!

How often do I need to get a dental checkup and teeth cleaning?

The American Dental Association, along with our dentists at Community Dentists of Worcester, recommends receiving a professional checkup and cleaning twice a year, or once every six months to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Why are dental implants so popular?

Dental implants have become a popular tooth replacement solution over the last decade because of the unique advantages that they offer compared to traditional prosthetics, like dentures and bridges. They restore the entire structure of missing teeth, from the roots upward for increased stability, strength, and security. They also have the ability to last for over 30 years with the proper maintenance, making them an excellent investment.

Is it normal for gums to bleed when you brush?

Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing is often an early sign of gingivitis, which is the beginning stages of gum disease. While in many cases maintaining good at-home oral hygiene and continuing to visit the dentist for a professional cleaning every six months can help keep the issue from progressing and reverse it, not doing this can make your symptoms get worse. To keep this from happening, it’s crucial to brush twice a day, floss daily, rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash, and always schedule your checkups and cleanings bi-annually.

Will dental insurance cover the cost of dentures?

It’s important to note that not all dental insurance plans are the same, but many will cover between 50 and 80 percent of the cost of dentures because it’s an important and necessary restorative treatment. To learn whether yours will, it’s best to contact them directly to ask.

At what age should I begin getting screened for oral cancer?

We screen patients of all ages for oral cancer, regardless of whether they are at a high risk of developing the disease or not. We believe it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to this quickly progressing condition, which is why we’ll examine your gums, oral tissues, tongue, lips, and throat at each of your bi-annual checkups. The process only takes a moment, but for some patients, it can be lifesaving!

Do I need to replace my amalgam (metal) fillings?

While it’s not always necessary to have your outdated amalgam filling replaced, especially since they’re still deemed safe to have in the mouth by the FDA, if you’re experiencing sensitivity or discoloration of the tooth, our team can replace it with a tooth-colored filling to improve your symptoms. We use a biocompatible composite resin to fill cavities that can be customized to match the color of your natural enamel, making them virtually impossible to see by others.