Frequently Asked Questions for Your Dentist in Lakewood

Dental FAQs Answered by Your Lakewood Dentist

What Is a Dentist?

A dentist is a specialist who has been trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health conditions and dental problems. Dr. Cabanban has completed many years of medical schooling in order to practice dentistry. After schooling, a dentist can receive either a DDS or DMD degree. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Some doctors specialize in pediatric dentistry as well, which means they work with children from infancy up through teenage years. There are other specializations that a dentist may go to school for:

  • Oral and maxillofacial (includes pathology, radiology, and surgery)
  • Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
  • Endodontics (specialization in root canals)
  • Periodontics (specialization in gum disease)
  • Prosthodontics (specialization in dental implants)

What Is Dentistry?

Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of disorders and diseases of a patient’s teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Dentistry performed properly is necessary for complete oral health and it has a significant impact on the health of a patient’s entire body.

Are Regular Dental Cleanings Necessary?

Here at Mimi M. Cabanban Family Dentistry DDS, we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental appointment into a busy schedule can feel like a hassle, but it’s worth it. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily will keep many oral health problems away; however, it’s not a complete guarantee. Scheduling a cleaning at Mimi M. Cabanban Family Dentistry DDS twice a year is highly recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.

Do I Need to See a Dentist Even If My Teeth Feel Fine?

It’s very important to schedule regular cleanings here at Mimi M. Cabanban Family Dentistry DDS. Dr. Cabanban recommends coming in twice a year. Not all dental problems have obvious symptoms at first. Not only can we identify problems before they become painful and expensive, but we can also help to keep your smile looking fantastic. We know how important it is to feel comfortable with your smile. This is why we offer many treatments to help improve patient aesthetics.

What’s a Dental Cleaning Like at Mimi M. Cabanban Family Dentistry DDS?

At Mimi M. Cabanban Family Dentistry DDS, an appointment will include a full oral examination, oral cancer exam, professional X-rays to catch cavities, and a full cleaning by our amazing hygienists. Your cleaning will remove tartar, debris, and plaque from your mouth.

Dr. Cabanban will coordinate with your hygienist and recommend a treatment plan for any problems that are found. We’ll also recommend any aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to improve your smile. Please call our office at 562-461-2991 to schedule an appointment or for any additional questions.

At What Age Should I Bring My Child to See the Dentist?

Professionals throughout the dental industry as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) agree that a child’s first dental appointment should happen as early as six months of age. This is when the first baby teeth usually begin to show. Dr. Cabanban will be able to examine the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations.

When Should I Change My Toothbrush?

Dr. Cabanban recommends at least every three months. If you’re using an electronic toothbrush, make sure to check the recommendation of the type of toothbrush because you may not have to change the head of the brush as often. If a patient has gum disease, Dr. Cabanban recommends changing toothbrushes more often. Also, after brushing, it’s very important to wash and rinse your brush out with hot water, then store it upright somewhere it can dry between uses. This will kill germs and bacteria and keep your toothbrush clean.

How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. Plaque and bacteria build up in a patient’s mouth. When this buildup is not treated in the early stages, it can result in gum disease. Risk factors that increase a person’s susceptibility to gum disease include smoking or chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics. Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause permanent damage in the form of bone and tooth loss. Dr. Cabanban recommends brushing and flossing every day as well as scheduling dental appointments every six months as the best way to fight gum disease. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are the following:

  • Abscessed teeth
  • Extreme tooth sensitivity
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Loose teeth and/or loss of teeth
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Receding gumline

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us as soon as possible. You can reach us at 562-461-2991 or email us to schedule a consultation. Your dental health is our highest concern.

Do You Accept Insurance?

Here at Mimi M. Cabanban Family Dentistry DDS we accept most insurance and PPO plans but check with us. Please call our office for more information about insurance at 562-461-2991. Prior to calling, please have your insurance information ready. Also, please plan to pay your co-pay or deductible portion at the time of service.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

For your convenience here at Mimi M. Cabanban Family Dentistry DDS in Lakewood, CA, we accept cash, check, cashier’s checks, Visa, Master Card, AmEx, and Discover. If none of these payment methods suits your needs, we also provide payment plans through our office or third-party financing through Care Credit. We also provide discounts for those able to pay in full at the time of service. If you have any more questions regarding payment methods, please give us a call at 562-461-2991 and we’ll do our best to find the right solution for you.