Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the Difference Between a DDS and a DMD?
Answer: Dentists in the United States either have the initials DMD or DDS after their name. Some patients may wonder what the difference is between the two. But the truth is that the only difference is in the name: The dental degree and the education are the same. DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine and DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. Some dental schools award the DMD degree while others award the DDS degree.
Question: What are the Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders?
Answer: The pain, discomfort or tenderness in or around the temporomandibular joints are referred to as TMJ disorders.
Question: What is TMJ?
Answer: The temporomandibular joint, also known as TMJ, is the ball and socket joint that connects the lower jaw to the bone on each side of the head. The temporomandibular joint is stabilized by muscles that make it possible to open and close the mouth. The pain, discomfort or tenderness in or around these joints are referred to as TMJ disorders.
Question: What is Tooth Erosion?
Answer: Tooth erosion is the wearing away of tooth enamel by acid. The enamel is the hard calcified tissue that covers and protects the outside of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in our bodies. The saliva in our mouth contains calcium which helps to strengthen and remineralize the teeth, however, remineralization can not occur when a great deal of acid is present.
Question: Do Teeth Whitening Toothpastes Really Work?
Answer: Teeth whitening toothpastes seem to be popping up everywhere and you've got to wonder if they really work. Whitening toothpastes, like all other toothpastes, contain mild abrasives to remove surface stains. Teeth whitening toothpastes may have additional polishing agents and special chemicals that are more effective against stains than regular toothpastes. While whitening toothpastes can make your teeth appear a little lighter, by getting rid of stains, they do not actually bleach your teeth.
Question: Are Silver Fillings Safe?
Answer: Silver (Amalgam) filling material contains about 50% mercury and 50% of various other metals. While there have been no conclusive studies relating the mercury in amalgam to any dangers, mercury by itself is very toxic. With the introduction of new filling materials, amalgam is not used as often as it once was. More than 70% of all fillings today are placed in the tooth by the dentist with resin or composite materials. Amalgam has been deemed safe by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the FDA and the US Public Health Service. Important Update - June 2008 The FDA Admits Silver Dental Fillings May Not Be Safe.