Dental FAQ's

WHAT TYPE OF TOOTHBRUSH SHOULD I USE?
IS ONE TOOTHPASTE BETTER THAN OTHERS?
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FLOSS?
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CROWN AND A CAP?
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BRIDGE AND A PARTIAL DENTURE?
DO I NEED TO HAVE A ROOT CANAL JUST BECAUSE I HAVE A CROWN?
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

WHAT TYPE OF TOOTHBRUSH SHOULD I USE?

The brand of the toothbrush is not as critical as the type of bristle and the size of the head. A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums, and a small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums. It's unnecessary to "scrub" the teeth as long as you are brushing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings. back to top »

IS ONE TOOTHPASTE BETTER THAN OTHERS?

Generally, no. However, it's advisable to use a fluoride containing toothpaste to decrease the incidence of dental decay. We recommend our patients use what tastes good to them as long as it contains fluoride. back to top »

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FLOSS?

Flossing of the teeth once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy. back to top »

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CROWN AND A CAP?

These are restorations to repair a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth after removing old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and all decay. The restoration material is made of gold, porcelain, composites, or even stainless steel. Dentists refer to all of these restorations as "crowns". However, patients often refer to the tooth-colored ones as "caps" and the gold or stainless steel ones as "crowns". back to top »

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BRIDGE AND A PARTIAL DENTURE?

Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures. back to top »

DO I NEED TO HAVE A ROOT CANAL JUST BECAUSE I HAVE A CROWN?

No. While most teeth that have had root canal treatments do need crowns to strengthen the teeth and to return the teeth to normal form and function, not every tooth needing a crown also needs to have a root canal. back to top »

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

Periodontal Disease is a gum and bone disease. It is a bacterial and inflammatory disease that destroys the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Periodontal disease affects three out of four adults. It is caused by colonies of living bacteria called “plaque.” The greatest cause of adult tooth loss is periodontal disease.

In the early stages of periodontal disease there is little, if any, pain. Therefore, you may not notice the gradual onset of puffiness and occasional bleeding. Without thorough removal, toxins from plaque cause the disease process to continue. Periodontal disease left untreated may result in extensive bone destruction and possible tooth loss.

If detected in the early stages, periodontal disease can be treated and controlled. We refer to the timely diagnosis and treatment of the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease as “Soft Tissue Management”. Patients requiring soft tissue management will need more than a regular “cleaning” and in many cases more frequent follow-up maintenance. back to top »

Contact Us

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Our Location

2427 N. Hobart Pampa, TX 79065

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Pampa Dental Arts PLLC

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed