Frequently Asked Questions

Our greatest commitment is to you and your dental health. Our goals are to provide you with the utmost in comprehensive dental care and to educate you in the proper care of your teeth and mouth. If you have questions that are not answered to your satisfaction on this Web site, please do not hesitate to contact us at (610) 566-3326.

What should I expect when I visit Providence Dental Associates?
If you are planning your first visit to our office, please review our brief article, What to Expect . Maps, driving directions, and public transportation information are also available on our Office Location page.

What is minimally invasive dentistry?
We practice minimally invasive dentistry, which means that we perform the least amount of dentistry needed and always strive to preserve the maximum amount of tooth structure. We also use the strongest and longest-lasting materials, to reduce the need for future work, and we use procedures that keep the number of necessary appointments to a minimum. This means that you will retain the greatest portion of your own teeth, and that work will be done with the most advanced techniques and materials in the shortest amount of time possible.

How often should I get my teeth cleaned and examined by a dental professional?
Depending on the recommendations of your doctor, you may need to visit the office every three, four, or six months. Healthy adults most commonly need cleanings and exams every six months. X-rays should be taken once every one and a half years. Pregnant women should brush and floss regularly and professional cleanings should be scheduled every three months, as increased hormone levels make them more susceptible to gingivitis. Children over the age of three should visit the office every six months for cleaning, fluoride treatment, and examination. X-rays will not be taken until a child is five years old. Children with braces should shift to a three or four month cycle for professional cleanings, since orthodontia can impair one’s ability to effectively clean the teeth.

How often should I replace my toothbrush?
Replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head, if you use an electric toothbrush) every two to three months. Also be sure to replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick.

Are dental amalgam (silver-mercury) fillings safe? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently called for additional studies on the safety of dental amalgam fillings, which the American Dental Association (ADA) welcomes. ( Read the ADA’s press release. ) The ADA’s position is that the weight of scientific evidence indicates dental amalgam is a safe and effective restorative material. Still, patients should understand their dental filling options. The ADA has prepared an overview of dental filling options for patients. Your dentist will explain your options, based on your unique situation, and help you decide on the best restoration material.

Are there any dental concerns regarding reconstituted infant formula? Recent studies have raised the possibility that infants could receive a greater than optimal amount of fluoride through liquid concentrate or powdered baby formula that has been mixed with water containing fluoride during a time that their developing teeth may be susceptible to enamel fluorosis. Information about fluoride intake for infants and young children, which includes interim guidance on reconstituted infant formula, is posted on the ADA Web site .


Information on the following topics is also available:

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please do not hesitate to contact our office for an answer. We can be reached by telephone at (610) 566-3326 or by e-mail.

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