5813 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Common Questions About Our Dental Care
We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit by around age three. Early visits help children become comfortable in a dental setting and reduce fear or anxiety later in life. When children only see a dentist for the first time due to pain, it can create negative associations. Starting early allows us to monitor development, prevent future dental issues, and establish healthy habits from a young age.
Tooth sensitivity can have many causes, including brushing too aggressively, gum recession, gingivitis, cracked teeth, teeth grinding, plaque buildup, acidic foods, tooth whitening treatments, age-related wear, or recent dental procedures. Sensitivity can often be reduced by using a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride-based toothpaste or rinses, and maintaining regular dental checkups every six months. Your dentist can help identify the exact cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
We strive to stay on schedule and provide timely care for every patient. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, we kindly ask that you notify us at least 48 hours in advance. This allows us to offer the appointment to another patient who may need care. You can reach us by phone at (412) 282-3206 or by email at myappointment@drHanlon.com.
There are several effective ways to replace missing teeth, and the right option depends on your individual needs.
- Fixed bridge: A bridge uses the teeth on either side of the missing tooth for support. These teeth are prepared for crowns, and a custom bridge with a replacement tooth is permanently cemented in place.
- Dental implant: A dental implant replaces both the tooth and its root by placing a small titanium post into the jawbone. Once healed, a natural-looking crown is attached. Implants are permanent, do not affect surrounding teeth, and feel very similar to natural teeth.
- Partial denture: Partial dentures are removable appliances that replace one or more missing teeth. They may be made with a metal framework or a flexible, lightweight nylon material such as Valplast®. Flexible partials tend to be more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
Your dentist will be happy to review these options with you and help determine the best solution for restoring your smile, comfort, and oral health.
You’re not alone, and we encourage you to share your concerns with us. Simply letting our team know that you feel anxious allows us to adjust your care and help make your visit more comfortable. If certain sounds bother you, you’re welcome to bring your own music and headphones. For patients with higher levels of anxiety, we may be able to prescribe medication to help you feel more relaxed before your appointment. In cases of severe dental fear, we also work with Ambulatory Anesthesia, a trusted provider that can administer sedation in our office to ensure a calm and stress-free experience.
This is a common and important question, but coverage can vary widely. Dental insurance plans are contracts between your employer and your insurance provider, which means no two plans are exactly the same. While our fees are consistent, your out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific benefits. Many patients choose to move forward with treatment even when insurance coverage is limited, as addressing dental concerns early often helps avoid more complex and costly procedures later. Our team is happy to review your benefits with you and discuss flexible payment options so you can receive the care you need without unnecessary financial stress.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can have several causes. Certain foods, tobacco use, and poor oral hygiene are common contributors. When food particles remain in the mouth, bacteria break them down and create unpleasant odors. Maintaining good oral hygiene is key—brushing, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash regularly can help. Cleaning your tongue is especially important, as odor-causing bacteria tend to collect toward the back of the tongue. You can use a tongue scraper or gently brush your tongue with a toothbrush to significantly improve breath freshness. If bad breath persists, a dental exam can help identify and address any underlying issues.
Yes. Dental veneers can be an excellent alternative for improving the appearance of mildly crooked, uneven, or spaced teeth. Veneers are custom-made, tooth-colored ceramic shells that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. They can effectively conceal alignment issues, worn enamel, chips, cracks, and discoloration, creating a straighter, more uniform smile without traditional braces. A consultation with your dentist will determine whether veneers are the right option for you.
Yes. We understand that dental pain and emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and we make every effort to see patients as quickly as possible. If you experience a dental emergency, please call our office at any time. Our answering system provides access to Dr. Hanlon’s personal cell phone number so he can be reached when urgent care is needed.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue and the supporting bone surrounding the teeth. It causes the attachment between the teeth and gums to break down over time. There are two stages of periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the early stage and affects only the gums; it is reversible with proper care. Periodontitis is more advanced, affects the bone, and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Preventing periodontal disease starts with consistent daily brushing and flossing, along with regular professional dental cleanings.
Silver (amalgam) fillings have been used successfully for many decades and are generally safe to leave in place if they are intact. However, tooth-colored composite fillings offer a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Many patients choose to replace silver fillings for cosmetic reasons or when existing fillings are cracked, worn, or have decay around or beneath them. Your dentist can evaluate your fillings and recommend replacement only when necessary.
Yes, we offer safe and effective professional teeth whitening options. One option is Opalescence, a carbamide peroxide gel used with custom-made trays designed specifically for your mouth. These trays are typically worn overnight for about two weeks and provide excellent results. We also offer the Tres White system, a 10-day whitening treatment that uses pre-filled, disposable trays with soft edges. Both options are professionally approved and designed to safely brighten your smile. Your dentist can help you choose the best option based on your goals and lifestyle.
An abscessed tooth is a serious infection that can develop due to untreated tooth decay, a cracked or broken tooth, or dental trauma. It often involves a buildup of pus and can cause significant pain, swelling of the gums, and sometimes facial swelling. In many cases, a root canal is the only way to save the affected tooth. If the tooth cannot be restored, extraction may be necessary. Prompt treatment is important to prevent the infection from spreading.
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. However, many people do not have enough space in their mouth for third molars to fully erupt. Wisdom teeth are also difficult to clean and restore due to their position at the back of the mouth, which increases the risk of decay and infection. In some cases, wisdom teeth become impacted and remain trapped beneath the gum or bone. Some individuals are fortunate and never develop wisdom teeth at all. Your dentist can evaluate whether removal is recommended based on your oral health and anatomy.
Root canals have an unfair reputation. In reality, the procedure is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. A root canal is necessary when a tooth becomes infected or abscessed, and the pressure from swelling is what typically causes discomfort. Once the tooth is properly numbed with local anesthesia, you should feel little to no pain during the procedure. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience actually is.
You should replace your toothbrush at least every six months. Ideally, changing it every three to four months is even better. Be sure to replace your toothbrush sooner if the bristles become worn, splayed, or brittle, as worn bristles are less effective at cleaning your teeth and gums.
Oral piercings are not recommended because they can cause significant dental and health issues. Metal jewelry can chip or crack teeth, increase the risk of infection, and irritate gum tissue. In severe cases, swelling of the tongue can interfere with breathing. For the health of your teeth and mouth, it’s best to avoid oral piercings altogether.
If a tooth is knocked out completely, there is a chance it can be saved if you act quickly. Handle the tooth only by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it under running water without scrubbing or removing any attached tissue. Place the tooth in a cup of milk and get to the dentist as soon as possible. Bringing the tooth with you and seeking immediate care greatly improves the chances of successful reimplantation.
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain designed to fit over the front surface of your teeth, much like a false fingernail. To place a veneer, a very small amount of enamel is gently removed, impressions are taken, and the veneer is crafted in a dental laboratory. Veneers can improve the appearance of slightly crooked teeth, brighten discolored teeth, and close small gaps, creating a more balanced and natural-looking smile.
Tooth decay occurs when plaque and acids remain on the surface of the teeth for extended periods of time. Everyone’s mouth contains bacteria, and when we eat, those bacteria feed on leftover food particles. As they break down these particles, acids are produced that weaken tooth enamel through a process called demineralization. Brushing regularly helps remove plaque before it can cause damage. Fresh plaque causes far less harm than plaque that is allowed to sit on the teeth for days, which is why consistent brushing and flossing are so important.
Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from birch trees and is commonly found in sugar-free gums and oral care products. It also occurs naturally in foods such as raspberries, strawberries, plums, and endive. Most harmful oral bacteria cannot use xylitol as a food source, which helps reduce cavity-causing activity in the mouth. Chewing xylitol-containing gum after meals can also stimulate saliva flow, helping to rinse away food particles when brushing isn’t possible.
If you take any medications, it’s important to inform your dentist. Certain osteoporosis medications, such as Fosamax, Boniva, and Actonel, as well as some intravenous drugs used in cancer treatment, have been linked in rare cases to a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. This condition involves delayed healing or breakdown of jaw bone tissue. It is very uncommon with oral osteoporosis medications, and symptoms usually appear after dental procedures like tooth extractions. Warning signs may include jaw pain, swelling, infection, exposed bone, numbness, or loose teeth. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist promptly.
Dental sealants are protective coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of children’s permanent back teeth shortly after they erupt. These teeth have deep grooves that can trap food and bacteria, making them more vulnerable to decay. Sealants act as a barrier, helping prevent cavities before they start. The process is quick, painless, and requires no drilling, making it an easy and effective preventive treatment.
A dental implant is a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth or stabilizing loose dentures. The implant is placed into the jawbone and allowed to heal for several months while the bone fuses securely around it. Once healed, a custom crown is attached to restore the appearance and function of a natural tooth. Dental implants require regular brushing and flossing just like natural teeth. While implants have a very high success rate, not everyone is a candidate, as factors such as bone quality, sinus location, and smoking can affect outcomes.
Some patients are concerned about radiation exposure from dental X-rays. With modern digital X-ray technology, radiation levels are extremely low and considered very safe. In many cases, the risk of missing serious dental problems without X-rays is greater than the risk of exposure. While we respect patient preferences, X-rays are an important diagnostic tool that allow your dentist to detect issues that may not be visible during a regular exam.
If your question wasn’t answered above please feel free to call our office and ask!