Dental FAQs Lighthouse Family Dentistry

Dr. E. Taylor Meiser and his professional dental team provide high-quality, precise dental care. If you want to know more about our office and our services, we will answer dental FAQs for patients in our Annapolis, MD office on this page. Also, please let us know if you ever have questions about your current concerns or treatment options. We will always be happy to assist our patients.

Our Dental FAQs in Annapolis, Maryland

Dental FAQs in Annapolis, MD

There are several common questions that patients may have about their dental care options. Some of these questions may include:

Why is it important to visit the dentist regularly?

We understand that for many, a dental care visit can trigger anxiety and fear, two common factors in poor oral health. Routine dental care plays a vital role in your overall health and wellness.

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy serves several purposes including a reduced risk for disease and illness and the ability to enjoy a healthy diet. A healthy smile can also provide the confidence you need to be successful in social and professional situations.

During your regular visits, our team looks for the early signs of common oral health concerns such as tooth decay and gum disease. We also screen for signs of a TMJ disorder, bite problems, and oral cancer. Visiting with us regularly reduces the risk of complex dental problems and supports your best quality of life.

What do I do if I have a dental emergency?

Please contact Lighthouse Family Dentistry if you have a dental emergency. A dental emergency can be anything from a lost permanent tooth to a broken dental bridge or crown. However, we recommend that patients call a hospital if they experience severe pain or excessive bleeding. Especially after office hours, an emergency professional can treat sustained physical injuries. Our office can help repair any tooth damage or loss.

How can I quickly straighten my teeth?

Dental bonding and porcelain veneers can be used to cover slightly crooked teeth. Direct bonding typically takes one day, but porcelain veneers can take several weeks. However, if you have more moderate orthodontic needs, we will recommend ClearCorrect. These invisible aligners can take 9 to 18 months, although treatment times vary from patient to patient.

What are the best options for missing teeth?

Traditional dental restorations for missing teeth are removable dentures and dental bridges. Dental bridges are typically secured by adjacent natural teeth and use a pontic to replace a row of teeth. Removable dentures often use snaps or messy adhesives. Both traditional dental bridges and dentures do not fully restore bite function.

Dental implants offer a permanent way to restore one or multiple missing teeth. Implants can be used alone or may support a dental bridge or denture. Because implants fuse to the jawbone, they offer a permanent and stable restoration.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

A root canal is needed when a dental infection reaches the inside of the tooth. Common symptoms of a dental infection include toothaches, bad breath, jaw pain, cavities, and even tooth loss. Contact our office if you have noticed any of these signs and we can help.

Contact Our Dental Office Today

Do you have further questions about your oral health? Call 410-324-7287 or schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Meiser online.