Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Dr. McCargar and his team at Scottsdale Dental Arts believe that the road to a beautiful smile begins with education. We have included some of the most commonly asked questions about oral health. It is important to us that all of your questions are answered, please contact us directly if you need additional information.

How often should I brush and floss?

Brushing and flossing are two of the most important steps that you can take to achieve optimum health. Not only do brushing and flossing keep your teeth clean, together, they can actually add years to your life by eliminating dangerous bacteria that lives around your teeth. Recent studies have found that this bacteria causes infection that can spread into your blood stream and cause heart disease. For a clean mouth and a happy heart, we recommend that you brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.

What kind of toothbrush should I use?

Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush with toothpaste that contains fluoride. Brush using a gentle back and forth motion, and make sure to clean all sides of your teeth, as well as your tongue.  Electric toothbrushes, such as those produced by Sonicare and Oral B, also provide a great, gentle cleaning, we are pleased to offer these for purchase at your dental appointment.

Why is it important to have my teeth cleaned?

Having your teeth cleaned is not only important for a beautiful smile, it is an integral part of maintaining your general health. When you have your teeth cleaned, we are not only removing the plaque and bacteria that cause decay and bad breath, but we are simultaneously taking a number of steps to protect your overall health. These steps include screening you for oral cancer,gum disease, and early detection of dental problems such as cavities.  Teeth should be professionally cleaned every six months; however those with compromised oral health may require cleanings more often.

I have heard that soda hurts my teeth. Is this true?

Yes, the acid in soft drinks (both regular and diet) has been found to dissolve the calcium out of a tooth’s enamel, leaving large areas soft enough for bacteria to enter the tooth and cause widespread decay.  Additionally, sweetened soft drinks add to the problem by coating the teeth in sugar, which is then converted into acid by the bacteria that live on the teeth.  We recommend that our patients limit their intake of soft drinks and follow a regime of good oral health that includes twice daily brushing, daily flossing, professional cleanings and exams at least twice per year.

I have silver (amalgam) tooth fillings and have heard that they are dangerous. Is this true?

Silver (amalgam) tooth fillings have been used to fill cavities since the 1800s. In recent years, the safety of these types of dental fillings has come under scrutiny because the amalgam used in the fillings is composed of mercury, silver, copper, and tin,  in high levels, mercury can be toxic.  After reviewing 34 recent studies, the FDA (in 2006) declared that these types of fillings are still a safe and effective option for treating cavities.

At Scottsdale Dental Arts, we are committed to providing you with the safest dental treatment possible, we offer only resin composite (tooth colored) fillings to our patients. These fillings are a safe, effective way to treat cavities, theyoffer the added benefit of being more aesthetically appealing because they blend better with the natural color of your teeth.

What is a composite bonding?

Composite bonding is a method that cosmetic dentists use to repair minor tooth imperfections such as chips, gaps, and stains.  Composite tooth bonding material comes in a variety of shades, the shades can be adjusted to match the natural color of your teeth. The cosmetic dentist then shapes the material to fill in chips and gaps, to cover any damaged areas of the tooth.  Composite bonding is often used to repair a broken front tooth, and is a quick and simple procedure that can greatly improve your smile in a short period of time.

I grind my teeth at night. What can I do to stop?

An abnormal bite, missing or crooked teeth, and stress can cause you to grind your teeth at night.  Known medically as Bruxism, chronic teeth grinding can lead to a number of health problems including headaches, tenderness in the jaw, and even a loosening, fracturing, or loss of your teeth.

If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth, our dental team can examine your mouth for symptoms of Bruxism and fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.

How long does a root canal last?

Like you, your dentist wants your root canal to restore your tooth so that it can last a lifetime. This is definitely possible and hopefully this will be your experience. There are times, when a root canal can fail. Bacteria and other toxins can continue to irritate the tissue around the tooth’s root and cause the root canal to fail.  If your root canal fails, your dentist will evaluate your specific situation and either retreat your tooth or extract it.

What is the most effective way that I can whiten my teeth?

Whitening your teeth can be one of the easiest things that you can do to improve the quality of your smile. Our office offers the most reliable teeth whitening products on the market today. Using the Opalescence Boost in-office tooth whitening system, a hydrogen peroxide based self-activating gel is applied to your teeth over four 15-minute sessions during one convenient appointment. This is followed by a brief fluoride treatment. In just a single visit, you can improve the brightness of your smile by 10 shades! With touch-ups and routine care, the effects of the Opalescence Boost whitening system can last indefinitely.

In addition to in-office teeth whitening, our office also offers the Opalescence take-home whitening system. This system allows you to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. Dr. McCargar will take an impression of your teeth and then create customized trays to accompany your take-home bleaching kit. Made of plastic, these trays fit snugly over your teeth, protecting your gums and tongue from the bleach, while focusing the powerful whitening gel to create a pearly white smile.