Archive for January 2014
Q: What causes tooth decay? A: Bacteria in your mouth form a sticky plaque and feed off of food debris while producing acids. The acids allow them to burrow deeper into the tooth where they continue to multiple.. Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area . . . Read more
Q:What can I do to treat canker sores in my mouth? A:Over the counter medicines have limited results. But may reduce the discomfort. Avoid acidic and spicy foods. Most mouth sores resolve by themselves in 14 days. If your sore does not go away than see a dentist to have . . . Read more
Q:How can I stop grinding my teeth? A:Typically people grind their teeth due to stress or their bite is out of alignment. See your dentist to have your bite checked and adjusted as needed. You may need a custom fitted night guard to help prevent damage to your teeth and . . . Read more
Q:Are there any alternatives to dentures? A:The only alternatives to dentures are dental implant supported bridges. The implant may need to be custom made if you do not have enough natural bone in which to place implants. Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area for . . . Read more
Q:What is a root canal? A:A root canal is a process in which the contents of the canal within the root of a tooth are cleaned away and the canal is sealed. Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area for over 20 years. www.michaelmaksimdds.com . . . Read more
Q:If gum disease is not causing pain why treat it? A:If periodontal disease is left untreated you will lose the bone which holds your teeth in. Also, there are scientific studies which prove that infections from gum disease can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Maksim has been . . . Read more
Q:I recently had x-rays taken and they show an abscess but I have no pain. What should I do? A:It is not unusual for a tooth to die without causing any pain. If the tooth is savable a root canal needs to be completed. If not, then tooth needs to . . . Read more
Q:What is the benefit of getting an implant vs a bridge? A:The implant is now considered the standard of care. An implant is as close to being like a natural tooth as possible. Also, a bridge requires the drilling down of the adjacent teeth. Dr. Maksim has been practicing . . . Read more
Q:Are women more likely to have dental problems? A:Yes. Women’s hormonal changes make them more susceptible to gum disease and decay. Pregnancy and breast feeding also deplete the body of minerals which restrengthen teeth through the saliva. Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area for . . . Read more
Q:How safe are dental X-rays? A:Advances in dentistry over the years have led to low levels of radiation emitted by today’s X-rays. However,this does not mean that all X-rays should not be done sparingly. Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area for over 20 years. . . . Read more