(972) 698-8000Frequently Asked Questions
Our patients ask us interesting questions every day, so we decided to answer some of the most common ones right here on our website to make everyone’s life a bit easier! If you still have a question after reading through this page, please don’t hesitate to give us a call and ask! We’re always happy to talk to you.
What happens if missing teeth are not replaced?
Missing teeth can diminish your sense of self-confidence, but they are more than just a cosmetic issue. When you lose even just one tooth, the surrounding teeth begin to shift, which can lead to bite problems and even cause the remaining teeth to fall out. As the teeth shift, gaps form, and this can increase the risk of dental decay, gum disease, and TMJ pain. Our Dentists offers a number of tooth replacement options including crown and bridge, dentures and partials, and dental implants to help you avoid future issues and restore your oral health and self-assurance.
What is a MAGD?
This stands for “Master of the Academy of General Dentistry.” A Mastership is the highest honor bestowed by the AGD This honor shows Dr. McKnight’s intense commitment to continuing education and high level of knowledge. In order to obtain the distinction of MAGD, a dentist must earn a minimum of 1,100 hours in continuing education courses, 600 of which must be in specific disciplines.
How long is a new patient visit? What will happen?
Our dentists believes in providing the most comprehensive care possible, and your first exam will be thorough as they learns about your health history and takes the time to fully understand your concerns and goals. In fact, our dentists often hears from patients that his exams are the most thorough they’ve ever had! Your first appointment will take about an hour. Our dentists uses digital X-rays and intraoral cameras to inspect your oral structures and determine the health of your mouth. After they has explained any issues and answered your questions, they will develop a treatment plan and give you suggestions for further care.
I snore. Is this a big problem?
Snoring may not seem like a big deal (except to your spouse), but it can actually be a sign of a more threatening problem. Sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing for 10 seconds or more while sleeping, and the symptoms include snoring, fatigue, constant waking, and stress. Sleep apnea raises your risk for serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. For some sufferers, a custom dental appliance can alleviate symptoms. Dr. McKnight is trained in sleep apnea and snoring therapy, so if you snore, contact our office today to find out how they can help.
I am scared of the dental drill. Does your office offer any alternatives?
Many people experience anxiety over dental visits, and some list the dental drill as one of the main factors contributing to their anxiety. If you experience discomfort because of the dental drill, Dr. McKnight offers air abrasion, an alternative that uses a high-pressure stream of tiny aluminum oxide particles to blast away decay. If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of the dental drill, ask Dr. McKnight about air abrasion during your visit.