Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Gum (periodontal) disease treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. At Whitehouse Family Dental, we offer treatment to address periodontal disease at every stage.

Gum Disease Treatment

Gingivitis

The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Signs include inflamed, swollen, or bleeding gums. Treatment includes: 

• Professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
• Detailed instructions for improved home care techniques
• Recommendation of specific oral hygiene products
• A follow-up visit to ensure the inflammation has resolved

Moderate Gum Disease

When the disease progresses beyond gingivitis but hasn't caused significant bone loss, we may recommend: 

• Scaling and root planing ("deep cleaning") to remove bacteria and toxins from below the gumline
• Application of targeted antibiotics to control bacterial infection
• More frequent cleaning appointments (usually every 3–4 months)

Advanced Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

When periodontitis causes deeper pockets and bone loss, treatment may include:

• Surgical pocket reduction procedures to access deeper areas for cleaning
• Soft tissue grafts to address gum recession
• Bone grafting to help rebuild areas of bone loss
• Referral to a periodontist (gum specialist) for complex cases

Successful gum disease treatment depends on consistent professional care and excellent home care. If you notice signs of gum disease, including bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or receding gums, call Whitehouse Family Dental at (419) 877-5404 to schedule an evaluation. 

Yes, Whitehouse Family Dental understands that dental anxiety is real and can prevent patients from receiving the care they need. We offer several sedation options to help nervous patients feel relaxed and comfortable during their appointments.

Our Sedation Options

We provide nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation to accommodate different comfort levels.

• Nitrous oxide offers mild relaxation while allowing you to remain fully conscious and responsive.
• For patients who need more profound relaxation, oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment to achieve a more profound calming effect.

Procedures Where Sedation Is Helpful

You know your comfort level better than anyone, and sedation can help you relax with any procedure. Many patients find sedation especially beneficial for:

• Composite fillings, especially multiple restorations in one visit
• Root canal therapy 
• Dental implant placement procedures
• Crown and bridge preparations
• Extensive cosmetic dentistry work
• Periodontal treatments
• Wisdom tooth extractions
• Any procedure for patients with severe dental phobia

Safe Sedation Sedation Tailored to Your Needs

All sedation is carefully monitored throughout your procedure to ensure your safety and comfort. We'll discuss your medical history, current medications, and anxiety level to determine the most appropriate sedation option for your specific needs.

Your Comfort is Our Priority

Don't let dental anxiety prevent you from achieving optimal oral health. Call Whitehouse Family Dental at (419) 877-5404 to discuss sedation options and schedule your comfortable dental care.

Preventing cavities requires a consistent, comprehensive approach to dental care at home and with your dentist in Whitehouse, OH. While regular professional care is essential, your daily habits form the foundation of cavity-free teeth.

Effective Daily Oral Hygiene Habits

The most powerful cavity prevention happens in your daily routine:

• Brush thoroughly twice daily for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss between all teeth at least once daily to remove plaque from spaces your toothbrush can't reach.
• Consider adding an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to your routine.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when bristles become frayed.

The Role Diet Plays in Oral Health

What you eat significantly impacts your cavity risk:

• Limit sugary foods and drinks, especially those that stick to teeth.
• Reduce frequent snacking, which keeps teeth constantly exposed to acids.
• Drink water throughout the day to rinse away food particles.

Professional Preventive Care Matters

Your visits with us complement your home care:

• Regular cleanings remove hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing can't eliminate.
• Professional fluoride treatments strengthen enamel against acid attacks.
• Dental sealants provide additional protection for healthy teeth.
• Digital x-rays help us detect cavities in their earliest stages.

Ready to up your cavity prevention game? Call our team at Whitehouse Family Dental at (419) 877-5404 to schedule your next appointment. We proudly serve Whitehouse, Waterville, Monclova, Swanton, Perrysburg, and Maumee patients with comprehensive preventive dental care.

Many patients wonder about insurance coverage for smile improvements when visiting our cosmetic dentist. The answer largely depends on the procedure and your specific plan.

Dental insurance typically covers procedures that address function and health, but rarely covers purely cosmetic treatments. However, some procedures fall in a middle ground:

Partially Covered Cosmetic Procedures

• Dental crowns (when medically necessary)
• Tooth-colored fillings (coverage varies by plan and tooth location)

Procedures Not Typically Covered

• Porcelain veneers
• Professional teeth whitening
• Cosmetic bonding

Making Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable

At Whitehouse Family Dental, we offer several options to help make your dream smile more accessible:

• Flexible Financing — We accept CareCredit and Cherry financing, which allows you to break treatment costs into manageable monthly payments, often with interest-free periods for qualifying procedures.
• Membership Plan Savings — Our in-house dental membership plan provides discounts on most cosmetic procedures while including your preventive care. There are no waiting periods, annual maximums, or complicated claim forms.
• Phased Treatment Approach — For comprehensive smile makeovers, we can develop a phased approach that spreads procedures over time to accommodate your budget.

Our team will work with you to maximize available insurance benefits and find the most cost-effective path to your smile goals. Call Whitehouse Family Dental at (419) 877-5404 to schedule your consultation and discuss personalized treatment and payment options.

Tooth loss affects more than your smile’s appearance. You might be surprised to learn that a single missing tooth can set off a cascade of oral health problems that worsen over time.

What Happens after Tooth Loss

Shifting Teeth

Without a tooth to hold its position, neighboring teeth gradually drift into the space, causing misalignment throughout your mouth. Over time, this can lead to:

• Difficulty chewing efficiently
• Excess wear on certain teeth
• Increased risk of fractures and chips
• Jaw joint problems and TMJ pain

Progressive Bone Loss

Constant stimulation of tooth roots helps maintain jawbone density and volume. Without the roots, bone begins to deteriorate, putting adjacent teeth and risk and making future tooth replacement more complex.

Facial Appearance Changes

As jawbone density is lost, facial features can collapse inward, creating a prematurely aged appearance. You might notice:

• Pronounced wrinkles around the mouth
• A shortened distance between the nose and chin
• A sunken look to the cheeks

Nutritional and Overall Health

When chewing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, many patients unconsciously modify their diets to avoid nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. This shift in diet can affect: 

• Nutritional balance
• Digestive function
• Energy levels
• Overall systemic health

It's easy to see how crucial it is to replace missing teeth, whether with a dental bridge, partial, or implant. To learn more about these options, call us to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists in Whitehouse, OH.

Adjusting to new dentures is a gradual process that varies from person to person. Many patients adapt within four to six weeks, but it may take two to three months for your mouth and muscles to adjust to the new appliance.

A Timeline for Adjusting to Dentures

• First Week — The initial adjustment period is typically the most challenging. Your dentures might feel bulky or loose, and you may experience increased saliva flow. Speaking and eating will require practice as your tongue and cheek muscles learn to work with your dentures.
• Weeks Two to Four —  At this stage, most patients are more comfortable with basic functions. Minor spots of irritation should lessen with adjustments as needed, and speaking becomes more natural. 
• One Month and Beyond — Most patients feel significantly more confident with their dentures. Eating becomes more comfortable, though very sticky or hard foods may still be challenging. Your dentist may recommend a follow-up adjustment to fine-tune the fit.

Our best advice is to be patient with yourself as you gradually get used to the fit and feel of dentures. At Whitehouse Family Dental, we provide personalized guidance and support throughout your adjustment period.

If you experience persistent discomfort or have concerns, don't hesitate to call our Whitehouse, OH, dental office at (419) 877-5404. We’re here to make the entire process as smooth and comfortable as possible. 

At Whitehouse Family Dental, we generally recommend that patients of all ages visit us every six months for routine checkups and professional cleanings. With regular visits, we can monitor your oral health, remove plaque and tartar buildup, and catch minor issues before they become major problems.

Personalized Teeth Cleaning Schedules

That said, dental needs vary between individuals and at different life stages. Some family members may require more frequent visits, such as:

• Patients with active periodontal (gum) disease might need cleanings every 3–4 months
• Children going through orthodontic treatment may benefit from more frequent monitoring
• Patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, which can affect oral health
• Those with a history of frequent cavities or rapid tartar buildup

Your Custom Recommendation

Our dentists will evaluate your oral health condition during your initial exam and recommend a personalized schedule that's right for you. We'll adjust this recommendation based on changes in your oral health over time.

An Investment in Your Smile

Regular preventive visits are typically covered by most dental insurance plans and are included in our membership plan for uninsured patients. These routine appointments are one of the best investments you can make in your family's long-term oral health, and often prevent the need for more extensive and costly treatments down the road.

If you're due or overdue for a routine checkup, call our Whitehouse, OH, dental office at (419) 877-5404 to schedule an appointment.  

Yes, Whitehouse Family Dental understands that dental anxiety is real and can prevent patients from receiving the care they need. We offer several sedation options to help nervous patients feel relaxed and comfortable during their appointments.

Our Sedation Options

We provide nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation to accommodate different comfort levels.

• Nitrous oxide offers mild relaxation while allowing you to remain fully conscious and responsive.
• For patients who need more profound relaxation, oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment to achieve a more profound calming effect.

Procedures Where Sedation Is Helpful

You know your comfort level better than anyone, and sedation can help you relax with any procedure. Many patients find sedation especially beneficial for:

• Composite fillings, especially multiple restorations in one visit
• Root canal therapy 
• Dental implant placement procedures
• Crown and bridge preparations
• Extensive cosmetic dentistry work
• Periodontal treatments
• Wisdom tooth extractions
• Any procedure for patients with severe dental phobia

Safe Sedation Sedation Tailored to Your Needs

All sedation is carefully monitored throughout your procedure to ensure your safety and comfort. We'll discuss your medical history, current medications, and anxiety level to determine the most appropriate sedation option for your specific needs.

Your Comfort is Our Priority

Don't let dental anxiety prevent you from achieving optimal oral health. Call Whitehouse Family Dental at (419) 877-5404 to discuss sedation options and schedule your comfortable dental care.

Contrary to outdated stereotypes, modern root canal treatment at Whitehouse Family Dental is not painful. The procedure itself relieves pain rather than causes it.

The Infection Hurts, Not the Treatment

When bacteria invade the tooth's pulp chamber, they create pressure and inflammation that can't escape through the hard tooth structure. This infection causes the intense throbbing pain that often brings patients to our office seeking relief.

Effective Numbing Techniques

Before beginning your root canal, expect the following steps to ensure your comfort: 

• Numbing with a topical gel to prepare the injection site
• Gently administering the local anesthetic 
• Allowing sufficient time for complete numbing
• Checking to confirm you're fully comfortable before beginning

Modern Technology for Comfortable Treatment

Our leading-edge equipment makes root canal treatment predictable and efficient:

• Rotary endodontic instruments work more smoothly than hand files.
• 3-D cone beam imaging allows for detailed planning and visualization of root anatomy.
• Digital radiography provides instant, detailed images with minimal radiation.

Additional Comfort Options

Thanks to our dentists' skill and expertise, many patients find they don't need additional sedation for comfortable treatment. However, if you have dental anxiety, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation methods.

If you're experiencing tooth pain, don't delay treatment out of fear. Call Whitehouse Family Dental at (419) 877-5404 to schedule an evaluation and experience our comfortable approach to dental care.

Yes, CEREC same-day crowns are just as strong as traditional lab-made crowns. Both are fabricated from high-quality ceramic materials designed specifically for dental restorations. The main difference isn't in strength but in how they're manufactured.

CEREC vs. Traditional Crowns

Advanced Materials

CEREC crowns are milled from solid blocks of lithium disilicate or zirconia—the same premium materials used in many lab-created restorations. These materials have been extensively tested and shown to withstand normal biting forces while providing natural-looking aesthetics.

Engineering Precision

At Whitehouse Family Dental, the precision of our CEREC system, combined with the Shumates' engineering background, ensures your crown fits perfectly. This precise fit contributes to the crown's longevity, as improperly fitted crowns can lead to stress fractures over time.

Clinical Track Record

CEREC technology has been in use for over 30 years, and millions of restorations have been placed worldwide. Clinical studies consistently show that the survival rates for CEREC restorations are equivalent to those of traditional lab-fabricated crowns when properly designed and placed.

Best of Both Worlds

With CEREC, you get the durability of a traditional crown without the wait. Our patients appreciate receiving their permanent restoration in a single visit while enjoying the confidence of a strong, long-lasting solution for their damaged tooth.

Need a Dental Crown? Call Us Today!

If you have a damaged or badly decayed tooth and need a solution without the wait, a CEREC crown might be for you. Call our Whitehouse, OH, dental office at (419) 877-5404.

The reasons for anxiety around dental visits vary, but typically include one or more of the following:

• Fear of Pain — Modern anesthesia techniques ensure pain-free procedures. Sedation adds an extra layer of comfort, allowing you to relax completely while we work.
• Past Traumatic Experiences — We acknowledge that negative dental experiences can create lasting anxiety. Our gentle approach and sedation options help you develop new, positive associations with dental care.
• Fear of Needles and Injections — With sedation, you'll be so relaxed that you won't feel anxious about injections, and topical numbing gel further minimizes any discomfort.
• Vulnerability and Loss of Control — Sedation helps you feel calm and in control while still allowing you to communicate with our team throughout your procedure.
• Embarrassment Over Dental Condition — Our judgment-free approach, combined with sedation, helps you feel comfortable addressing oral health issues without shame or embarrassment.
• Fear of the Unknown — We thoroughly explain what to expect during your procedure, and sedation helps you feel relaxed about the process.
• Tooth Sensitivity — Sedation reduces your overall sensitivity to stimuli, making treatment more comfortable even if you typically experience sensitivity.

Our experienced doctors carefully evaluate each patient's specific anxieties and medical history to recommend the most appropriate level of sedation for optimal comfort and safety.

Breaking the Cycle of Dental Avoidance

Sedation dentistry in Whitehouse, OH, enables you to receive the care you need without fear, breaking the cycle of avoidance and setting you on a path to optimal oral health.

Sleep apnea is a serious but treatable sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans, often without their knowledge. At Whitehouse Family Dental, we know how this condition can impact quality of life and overall health. Recognizing the warning signs can alert you to the need to contact us for treatment.

Key Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea often goes unrecognized because many symptoms occur during sleep. Watch for these warning signs:

• Loud, persistent snoring (though not all snorers have sleep apnea)
• Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
• Waking up gasping or choking
• Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or mood changes
• Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Hypertension that's difficult to control

Untreated sleep apnea can also contribute to serious health problems. Repeated drops in blood oxygen levels and sleep disruption can strain your cardiovascular system, increasing your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and irregular heartbeats.

Do You Have Sleep Apnea Symptoms?

If you or a loved one has any warning signs of sleep apnea, our doctors at Whitehouse Family Dental offer airway dentistry solutions that may help. Call us at (419) 877-5404 to schedule a sleep apnea evaluation.

We proudly serve patients from Whitehouse, Waterville, Monclova, Swanton, Perrysburg, and Maumee, providing solutions for healthier sleep and a better quality of life.

Proper care of your SureSmile® aligners maintains their clarity, prevents odors, and ensures treatment progresses as planned. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your aligners in optimal condition:

Caring for SureSmile Clear Aligners

Clear Aligner Cleaning Routine

Clean your aligners each morning and evening when you brush your teeth. Use a soft toothbrush with clear, unscented soap and lukewarm water. Gently brush all surfaces, rinse thoroughly, and shake off excess water before reinserting or storing them.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Never use hot water, which can warp the plastic and alter the precise fit.
• Skip colored or scented soaps that might stain or leave residue.
• Don't use toothpaste with abrasives that can scratch aligners.
• Avoid mouthwash for cleaning, as it may discolor the plastic.

When Not Wearing Your Aligners

Always store your aligners in their protective case when not in use. Never wrap them in a napkin or tissue—this is the most common way they get accidentally thrown away! Rinse your aligners before returning them to your mouth after meals.

Weekly Deep Cleaning

Once a week, use SureSmile cleaning crystals or denture cleaning tablets for a deeper clean. Soak for about 15 minutes, then brush and rinse thoroughly.

Preventing Stains and Odors

• Remove aligners before consuming anything except plain water.
• Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting aligners.
• Avoid smoking or vaping while wearing your aligners.

With proper care, your SureSmile aligners will remain virtually invisible throughout your treatment. If you have questions about aligner care, call Whitehouse Family Dental at (419) 877-5404.