Frequently Asked Questions

SmilePedia is a free, comprehensive dental health information website. We provide evidence-based articles, interactive tools, cost guides, and educational resources covering every aspect of dental health, from preventive care to complex procedures.

Yes, SmilePedia is completely free. All of our articles, guides, glossary entries, and interactive tools are available at no cost. We believe everyone deserves access to quality dental health information.

Our content is written by health writers and reviewed for accuracy. We follow ADA guidelines and cite clinical research and peer-reviewed studies. While our content is educational, it is not a substitute for professional dental advice.

No. SmilePedia provides general dental health information for educational purposes only. We are not dental professionals and cannot diagnose conditions, recommend treatments, or provide personalized medical advice. Always consult a qualified dentist for your specific dental needs.

We continuously review and update our content to reflect the latest dental research, ADA guidelines, and best practices. Articles include publication and last-updated dates so you can verify the currency of the information.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush in the morning and before bed for optimal oral health.

Most dental professionals recommend a check-up and professional cleaning every six months. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits depending on your oral health status. People with gum disease, high cavity risk, or certain medical conditions may need visits every 3-4 months.

Yes, flossing is essential for oral health. Brushing alone only cleans about 60% of tooth surfaces. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and below the gum line where your toothbrush cannot reach, helping prevent cavities and gum disease.

Cavities (dental caries) are caused by bacteria in your mouth that feed on sugars from food and drinks, producing acids that erode tooth enamel. Over time, this acid erosion creates holes in the teeth. Factors like poor oral hygiene, frequent snacking, sugary foods, dry mouth, and certain medical conditions increase cavity risk.

Common signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or tender gums; bleeding when brushing or flossing; persistent bad breath; receding gums; loose teeth; and changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite. Early gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible with proper care, so early detection is important.

Research shows that electric toothbrushes, particularly oscillating-rotating types, can be more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis compared to manual brushing. However, a manual toothbrush used properly with good technique is still effective. The best toothbrush is one you will use consistently and correctly.

Safe teeth whitening options include professional in-office whitening (most effective), dentist-prescribed take-home trays with custom-fit and professional-grade gel, and over-the-counter whitening strips or toothpaste (mildest results). Avoid unproven home remedies like lemon juice or charcoal, which can damage enamel. Consult your dentist before whitening, especially if you have sensitive teeth or dental restorations.

For mild sensitivity, try using desensitizing toothpaste containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive brushing. If sensitivity persists or is severe, see your dentist, as it could indicate a cavity, cracked tooth, worn enamel, exposed root, or other condition that needs professional treatment.

A routine dental check-up and cleaning without insurance typically costs between $75 and $200, depending on your location and the dental practice. This usually includes an examination, X-rays (if needed), and a professional cleaning. Costs may be higher in major metropolitan areas.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans offer more flexibility in choosing dentists and typically cover a percentage of costs with any licensed dentist, though in-network providers cost less. HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans require you to choose a primary care dentist from their network and typically have lower premiums but less provider choice. PPOs generally have higher premiums but more flexibility.

Dental implant coverage varies widely by insurance plan. Many traditional dental plans cover a portion of implant costs (often 50% of the major procedure allowance), but some plans exclude implants entirely. Medical insurance may cover implants if they are medically necessary (e.g., after an accident). Check with your specific insurance provider for coverage details.

Dental savings plans (also called dental discount plans) are not insurance. Instead, you pay an annual membership fee to get discounted rates (typically 10-60% off) at participating dentists. They have no waiting periods, deductibles, or annual maximums. They can be a good option for people without traditional dental insurance.

Options include: dental schools (which offer reduced-cost care by supervised students), community health centers with sliding-scale fees, dental savings plans, payment plans offered by many dental offices, CareCredit or other healthcare financing, government programs like Medicaid (eligibility varies by state), and free dental clinics in your area. Our Dental Cost Calculator can help you estimate costs for specific procedures.

SmilePedia offers eight free interactive tools: a Dental Cost Calculator for estimating procedure costs, a Tooth Pain Checker for understanding symptoms, a Tooth Numbering Chart for dental anatomy, a Teething Timeline for babies, an Insurance Savings Calculator, a Brushing Timer, a Procedure Duration Estimator, and a Smile Assessment tool.

Our cost calculators provide estimates based on national averages and publicly available data. Actual costs can vary significantly based on your geographic location, specific dental provider, procedure complexity, materials used, and insurance coverage. Use our estimates as a general guide and always get a detailed quote from your dentist for accurate pricing.

No. All of our interactive tools process data entirely in your web browser. No personal health information, symptom data, or calculation inputs are transmitted to or stored on our servers. Your data stays on your device and is cleared when you close or refresh the page.

No. Our Tooth Pain Checker is an educational tool that provides general information about common dental symptoms. It is not a diagnostic tool and cannot replace a professional dental examination. If you are experiencing dental pain, please see a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Yes. All SmilePedia tools are fully responsive and designed to work on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Simply visit our tools page in your mobile browser to access any tool without downloading an app.

Modern root canal procedures are performed under local anesthesia and are typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Most patients report that the procedure itself is painless. Some mild soreness or sensitivity is normal for a few days after the procedure and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The toothache that led to the root canal is usually far more painful than the procedure itself.

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. The implant post (the titanium screw placed in the jawbone) has a success rate of about 95-98% over 10 years. The crown attached to the implant may need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear. Factors affecting longevity include oral hygiene, smoking, grinding habits, and overall health.

A dental crown covers the entire tooth and is typically used for teeth with extensive damage, decay, or after a root canal. A veneer is a thin shell bonded to the front surface of a tooth and is primarily used for cosmetic improvements like fixing chips, gaps, or discoloration. Crowns require more tooth structure removal than veneers and are generally stronger, while veneers are more conservative and best for cosmetic concerns.

Professional teeth whitening results typically last 1-3 years, depending on your habits. Factors that affect longevity include consuming staining foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine, berries), smoking, oral hygiene habits, and the type of whitening treatment used. Touch-up treatments can help maintain results. Over-the-counter whitening products generally produce shorter-lasting results.

Neither is universally "better" - the best choice depends on your specific orthodontic needs. Traditional braces are more effective for complex cases, severe crowding, and significant bite issues. Invisalign is ideal for mild to moderate cases and offers advantages like removability, easier cleaning, and a less visible appearance. Your orthodontist can recommend the best option based on your individual situation.

A professional dental cleaning (prophylaxis) typically involves: examination of your teeth and gums, removal of plaque and tartar (calculus) using specialized instruments, polishing of teeth to remove surface stains, flossing between all teeth, and a fluoride treatment (optional). The hygienist may also take X-rays and your dentist will examine your mouth for any issues. The entire process usually takes 30-60 minutes.

Wisdom teeth removal is recommended when they are impacted (trapped in the jawbone or gums), growing at an angle, causing crowding, partially erupted (which can trap food and bacteria), causing pain or infection, or developing cysts. Not everyone needs wisdom teeth removal - if they are fully erupted, properly aligned, healthy, and can be cleaned properly, they may not need to be extracted. Your dentist will monitor them with X-rays and advise accordingly.