FAQs - James and Johns Island Dental Associates

Q: I need a root canal, and I’ve heard they are very painful. Should I be worried?

As dental procedures go, root canals have a reputation for being one of the worst. Much of this reputation, however, has been unfairly earned. With rare exception, root canals are very standard procedures that feel similar to having a dental filling completed or a porcelain crown placed. Relieve Pain with Root Canal Many patients are worried that their root canal procedure will be painful, but there is usually nothing to fear. The reason for needing a root canal is typically because a patient is already in significant pain due to an infection deep within a tooth. Root canal treatment is given to attempt to save the tooth and alleviate the pain, not to cause additional pain! Every root canal that is performed at our Charleston, SC dental office is done to remove damaged tissues and pulp from the tooth, which will typically provide instant relief in the affected area. Contact Our Office It is normal to feel uneasy about dental procedures such as root canals, particularly if you have never experienced them before. If you are scheduled for a root canal at James Island Dental Associates, we are available to answer any questions you may have about your upcoming procedure. Our caring Charleston dentists are available Monday through Friday of every week. Call us today at (843) 762-1234.

Q: Why does my child need to care for their baby teeth since the teeth will just fall out anyway?

If you are a parent, you may be wondering why we place such an emphasis on pediatric dental care at our Charleston, SC practice. After all, since baby teeth fall out during childhood anyway, why does it matter if children visit the dentist regularly? Importance of Primary Teeth There are several reasons to protect your child’s “primary teeth.” When learned early in life, good dental habits can set you up for decades of success. It helps to teach children to properly brush and floss while they still have their baby teeth so that they are fully prepared when their permanent teeth arrive. Even more importantly, baby teeth serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth that will eventually grow in and take their place. It is crucial that baby teeth remain in the mouth until the permanent teeth are fully ready to erupt — losing baby teeth too early due to decay, cracking, etc. could cause problems to the development of the dentition. It is also important to help keep your child’s tooth line along the gums healthy while they still have their primary teeth. Healthy gums typically mean a healthy mouth overall, and strong oral hygiene habits help reduce your child’s risk of developing gum disease. Contact Our Charleston Office At James Island Dental Associates, we are prepared to take care of all your family’s pediatric dentistry needs. For friendly, gentle, and caring kid’s dentistry in Charleston, SC, call our dental office today.

Q: What is the process for completing a dental implant?

At James Island Dental Associates, Dr. Weir and Dr. Thomas are proud to provide comprehensive implant dentistry. The benefit to you is that when you get dental implants in James Island, SC, you will be working with one of our dentists and the team members you know and trust. First Step of Implant Process After you've completed an initial implant consultation to determine if this is the right procedure for your needs, the next step is placing the implant. Dr. Weir and Dr. Thomas utilize advanced 3-D technology to help them plan the placement of your implant well before the procedure. This pre-treatment planning results in more accuracy, precision, and a reliable outcome on the day of your surgery. After Implant Placement Once we successfully place your implant, we give it time to heal and integrate fully with bone in your jaw. In this way, the implant becomes a permanent part of your dental anatomy just as your tooth root was. The healing process can take anywhere from three to six months. When you complete the healing process, our dentists create your final restoration. We can use implants to replace a single missing tooth with a durable and aesthetic porcelain crown. They are also capable of supporting multiple tooth replacement prosthetics such as a bridge or denture. Contact Our Office Dental implants are an excellent investment in your oral health and your smile, and your team at James Island Dental Associates looks forward to helping you through the process!