FAQ

We understand that dental treatment can sometimes be confusing or overwhelming to think about. Dr. Hattaway and our team have provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we hear at our office. If you have further questions, or to make an appointment with our dentist in Carrollton, Texas, call Indian Creek Dental today at 972-836-8653.

How often should I visit the dentist?
We recommend two dental appointments each year, in keeping with the recommendation of the American Dental Association (ADA). These six-month checkups give us an opportunity to intercede in the earliest stages of oral health concerns to renew smiles with the most conservative solutions.

What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is commonly referred to as gum disease. This occurs when plaque and tartar build up at the gum line and irritate or damage the soft tissue. We offer numerous periodontal therapies to renew oral health following gum disease.

Can I bring my kids to your office?
We welcome children and adults in our office, and we are happy to provide a variety of children’s dentistry services to help your child develop and maintain a healthy smile.

Should I consider dental implants?
If you’re missing one or more teeth and are in relatively good oral and overall health, dental implant-supported tooth replacements may be your best option. Dental implant posts replace the root structure of lost teeth, making these restorations the most natural-looking and natural-feeling tooth replacement option.

Does teeth whitening work?
While over-the-counter teeth whitening products may not deliver on the promises they make, we offer professional teeth whitening that delivers predictable results up to ten shades brighter in most cases.

Do you take my insurance?
We are in-network with most major dental insurance providers, and we will process and file claims with almost any provider. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have about your coverage. Visit our Financial Options page for more details.

Do I really need a crown?
This is a loaded question, and a lot of factors have to be taken into consideration. When a crown is recommended, it usually needs to be completed to give the best prognosis for the longevity of the tooth. When a tooth needs to be restored, we must consider several factors. Is the tooth needing a crown because of decay (cavities) or fracture? Is the decay more than 50% of the tooth? Is the decay undermining a functional cusp of the tooth? Is the tooth in heavy use? Is there another tooth opposing the tooth to be crowned? All teeth can be restored with a composite resin initially, but sometimes this is contraindicated because unsupported enamel (the outermost layer of the tooth) has a higher chance of fracturing. If the tooth that needs a crown is restored with a direct composite (tooth-colored) filling, there is a higher chance of an unrestorable fracture leading to tooth extraction.

How long can I wait to get a dental filling?
This is a loaded question, and several factors must be considered. Does the tooth need to get a filling because of decay? Is the decay completely through the enamel (the outermost tooth layer)? Does the tooth need a filling because of severe wear or fracture? Do you know if the tooth is hurting? The sooner you address the problem, the more conservative your dentist can be. Many times if the tooth starts to hurt because of fracture or decay, the problem has increased exponentially, and the long-term prognosis of the restoration is guarded. You should treat the tooth immediately (less than three months) if the decay is completely through the enamel even if no symptoms are present.

Should I replace my silver fillings?
If the silver fillings are clinically sound and have no decay around them, you can clean them, and the appearance doesn’t bother you, then no. Some acceptable treatment modalities include replacing all silver fillings because decay can be missed even with xrays, and they can be the cause of tooth fracture. This treatment philosophy varies from dentist to dentist and should be a conversation you have with your current dentist to determine what is best for your unique scenario.