Dental FAQs in Elk Grove, CA
What is dentistry?
Dentistry is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions and diseases that affect the patient’s teeth and gums. This includes the repair of damaged tissue and smile restoration using prosthetics such as dental implants. Your oral health is directly linked to your overall health, making dentistry a crucial part of your total wellbeing.
Who Are Drs. Elsemary and Salem?
A dentist is a medical professional who’s been educated in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral health problems. Dr. Elsemary and Dr. Salem have been practicing dentistry for over 20 years.
Dr. Elsemary has continued his studies by participating in extensive post-doctoral training in oral surgery and root canal treatment. He’s further enhanced his expertise by completing the Master of Science Degree in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine from the University of Southern California.
Dr. Salem has also completed hundreds of hours of continuing education, including over two years of orthodontic training with the United States Dental Institute. He has comprehensive training in oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants.
Why is it important to visit the dentist?
Visiting Wackford Dental for routine checkups will help you maintain strong oral health while contributing to your overall health. Dental care is essential because we:
- Treat and prevent tooth decay and gum disease
- Keep your smile shining bright
- Protect against halitosis (chronic bad breath)
- Provide cosmetic care to enhance the way your smile looks
- Boost your self-confidence
My teeth feel fine. Do I still need to see a dentist?
Yes. Even if your teeth aren’t bothering you, it’s still crucial to see a dentist for routine checkups because many issues are difficult to detect in their early stages without professional care. Your smile plays a vital role in your everyday life — whether it’s making a strong first impression or allowing you to exude confidence around friends and loved ones, your smile matters.
Dental technology and training have improved tremendously over the years. That means you no longer have to live with stains, chips, cracks, or missing teeth. Dr. Elsemary and Dr. Salem can restore your self-esteem with our cosmetic treatments, including:
- Professional Teeth Whitening
- Dental Bonding
- Same-Day Crowns With CEREC
How can I improve my oral health between office visits?
The easiest and most effective way to care for your smile at home is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily. At Wackford Dental, we recommend using toothpaste that contains fluoride because it prevents cavities. Also, by avoiding sugary foods and tobacco, you can protect your smile from stains, cavities, and gum disease.
If your smile has been restored with one or more dental implants, we suggest using a toothbrush that has soft or extra soft bristles to protect the implant fixture from scratching.
How often should I visit the dentist?
We typically recommend that children and adults visit our office once every six months. But if you suffer from gum disease or are a high-risk patient for oral cancer, we may recommend more frequent visits.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that’s commonly referred to as gum disease. The plaque and tartar that develop on a patient’s teeth feed the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. In its earliest stages, periodontal disease is called gingivitis. The sooner we detect gingivitis, the easier it is to treat.
If gingivitis is allowed to progress without treatment, it can advance to the periodontitis stage where it can eventually lead to tooth loss. Common symptoms of gum disease are:
- Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
- Pockets of infection from around the base of teeth
- Teeth begin to pull-away from gums, making teeth appear larger
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Teeth fall out
How do I schedule my next appointment?
You can schedule your next visit to our Elk Grove office by calling 916-683-3841. From there, a member of our friendly staff will be able to answer any questions, schedule your appointment, or assist you however we can. If you’re a new patient, we’ll provide you with the necessary information you’ll need before your first visit.
