Associates in Dentistry - Charles L. Kincaid DDS PA®

Are dental X-rays necessary?

YES! Many diseases, lesions and conditions can only be detected with the use of X-rays. It is impossible to see directly between the teeth or under the gums or bone. Many times the patient has no signs or symptoms of disease and regular X-rays help on the detection of diseases, bone fractures, cysts, tumors, lesions much earlier that just the examination alone. X-rays enable the dentist to identify problems early so that pain and extensive costly treatment can be avoided.

I am a new patient, what happens on my first visit for a cleaning?

Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment so you can fill out the paperwork needed for your patient file and start your treatment on time. Remember to bring your insurance card and one form of I.D. so we can also add them to your personal file. As a new patient, your exam and cleaning will take approximately one hour, depending on your oral health. If you do not have current x-rays, they will need to be taken. So if you had them taken in a different dental office, please make sure to contact your previous dentist and request a copy. Those x-rays, if available in digital version, can be e-mailed to us. Oral hygiene instructions will be given along with suggestions on how to take care for your teeth. If any further treatment is needed we will explain the dental problems found and present a treatment plan for you.

When Should I take my child to the Dentist for the first time?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should visit a dentist when their first tooth comes in or no later than their first birthday!

How often should I see the Dentist for a check up and a cleaning?

Most children and adults should see their dentist for a regular cleaning and check up every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental check ups and cleanings more than twice a year. Going to a regular check ups will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy as well as detect any early problems such as gum disease, oral cancer and cavities. This is the best way to maintain good oral health!

What is the difference between a crown and a filling?

A crown, also called cap, completely covers a tooth to restore the tooth to its normal shape and size.. A crown is necessary for a tooth that has been severely fractured (cracked), damaged or decayed. It also provides strength and durability and is specially important for teeth that are subject to great wear and abrasion, such as your back teeth (molars). Dental fillings are of two main types: Silver (Amalgam) is a mixture of mercury and an alloy of silvers, this filling is hard, durable but not very esthetic. The second one is Composite (White) fillings, these fillings, also known as porcelain fillings, is a mixture of tooth colored resin mixture filled with silicon dioxide. Following preparation, the dentist places the composite layers on the tooth using a light specialized to harden each layer. The tooth is grinded and then a filling is placed shaping to fit the tooth and restoring it. When the tooth, after several fillings are placed, becomes thinner to the point where no further restoration is possible, a crown is recommended to cover what's left of the tooth and keep it "alive".

What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint, also known as TMJ, is the ball and socket 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.


These are questions frequently asked by our patients, if you have any suggestions, please contact us so we can update this page with your suggestions!