EXPERT
Dr. Scott A Terry, DDS
Dentist
Dr. Scott Terry is a Dentist practicing in North Vernon, IN. Dr. Terry specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
32 years
Experience
Dr. Scott A. Terry, DDS
- North Vernon, IN
- Indiana University School Of Dentistry
- Accepting new patients
Your Child's First Dental Appointment
When should you take your child for their first dental visit? According to the American Dental Association, you should take your child to the dentist within six months of his...
Does tooth whitening damage your teeth?
When done properly, I have not ever known of damage done to any of my patient's teeth from whitening. Do yourself a favor and do it under the supervision of a dentist.
How do you clean composite bonding?
Cosmetically bonded teeth are cleaned the same way that teeth are cleaned that have not had treatment.
Can you straighten teeth without braces?
Absolutely you can. Clear aligners are one possible way to do so. One popular method you may have heard of is Invisalign. Be aware that Invisalign is a name brand of this type READ MORE
Absolutely you can. Clear aligners are one possible way to do so. One popular method you may have heard of is Invisalign. Be aware that Invisalign is a name brand of this type of treatment. There are a lot of other brands available. I would caution you to stay away from brands like Smile Direct Club, that do this type of treatment without the supervision and guidance of a dentist. You definitely should see a dentist first to make sure that your teeth and supporting foundation (gums and bones!) are healthy and you do not have cavities. Your dentist may do this treatment or be able to refer you to another dentist or orthodontist who would offer this. Good luck!
Is mouthwash really necessary?
No, mouthwash is not necessary. Was it a recommendation by a dentist? It can be helpful for different oral conditions such as gum disease and bad breath. It is most useful when READ MORE
No, mouthwash is not necessary. Was it a recommendation by a dentist? It can be helpful for different oral conditions such as gum disease and bad breath. It is most useful when combined with using dental floss and good brushing habits. It is also important to have a good dental cleaning and an oral exam. I try to steer my patients away from mouthwashes that contain alcohol, when possible. One very popular brand of mouthwash has 21% alcohol, which is 42 proof! That can be too much alcohol on the delicate oral tissues.
How often should you change your toothbrush?
The rule of thumb is to replace your brush every 3 months or if you have been sick. I recommend a soft brush. You may feel that a stiffer brush is better, but it may be causing READ MORE
The rule of thumb is to replace your brush every 3 months or if you have been sick. I recommend a soft brush. You may feel that a stiffer brush is better, but it may be causing damage to the gums.
Do braces change the color of your teeth?
Usually no, they don't change the color of your teeth. Sometimes color changes are due to incomplete cleaning around the braces or from cavities. If your teeth are changing color, READ MORE
Usually no, they don't change the color of your teeth. Sometimes color changes are due to incomplete cleaning around the braces or from cavities. If your teeth are changing color, it would be best if you visit your general dentist for an exam and cleaning. Most orthodontists do not provide this type of treatment when you are being seen for your braces.
What to expect when wearing dentures for the first time?
Getting used to complete dentures is pretty challenging. It takes each person a different amount of time. Remember that the best new dentures are nothing like your original teeth. READ MORE
Getting used to complete dentures is pretty challenging. It takes each person a different amount of time. Remember that the best new dentures are nothing like your original teeth.
Does massaging gums help receding?
If the gums have already receded, then no massaging them will not make them go back to normal. Gently massaging them with your toothbrush while cleaning them will prevent the recession READ MORE
If the gums have already receded, then no massaging them will not make them go back to normal. Gently massaging them with your toothbrush while cleaning them will prevent the recession from getting worse.
Do I need antibiotics for an infected wisdom tooth?
There are times that an infected wisdom tooth may require antibiotics, you should see a dentist to answer that question for your situation.
Can you floss between implants?
Individual implants usually floss just like natural teeth. Sometimes implants can be part of a bridge and that may require a little different technique or special floss.
I had some bleeding in my gums while brushing. Could it be serious?
This is not healthy. Bleeding gums are generally considered a sign of gingivitis or gum disease. It can also be a sign of more serious medical issues. Think about this, wouldn't READ MORE
This is not healthy. Bleeding gums are generally considered a sign of gingivitis or gum disease. It can also be a sign of more serious medical issues. Think about this, wouldn't you worry if your fingers bled when you cleaned them in the morning?
For small kids how frequent should dentist visits be?
I would recommend that your child be seen every 6 months unless there are more severe problems. Decay in primary teeth can worsen very quickly and lead to infection and pain.
Are electric toothbrushes any better for the teeth?
I really like an electric toothbrush and use one myself. They are especially helpful for people who brush too hard and for people that have trouble with dexterity. If you get one, READ MORE
I really like an electric toothbrush and use one myself. They are especially helpful for people who brush too hard and for people that have trouble with dexterity. If you get one, I would recommend getting a good one like Sonicare. It has a timer to help make sure you are brushing long enough (2 minutes) and reminds you to move on to a different area each 30 seconds.
Front tooth cavity
I am not sure how much of your tooth is filling. However, a porcelain veneer is like a crown, but it only covers the front of the tooth and the biting edge. You may be a candidate READ MORE
I am not sure how much of your tooth is filling. However, a porcelain veneer is like a crown, but it only covers the front of the tooth and the biting edge. You may be a candidate for this. Porcelain is less likely to stain than tooth colored fillings. See your dentist and ask about your options.
I hope that this helps.
I hope that this helps.
I don't understand how I got Periodontal disease
Sometimes there can be genetic issues that can make you more prone to periodontal disease. It is important that you get properly examined and treated, to prevent damage to the READ MORE
Sometimes there can be genetic issues that can make you more prone to periodontal disease. It is important that you get properly examined and treated, to prevent damage to the supporting structures (gums and bone)
Is water-flossing as effective as regular flossing?
That's a great question. I don't care what the manufacturer says about the product, there is no way that these are as good as regular flossing. The real purpose of flossing is READ MORE
That's a great question. I don't care what the manufacturer says about the product, there is no way that these are as good as regular flossing. The real purpose of flossing is to remove dental plaque buildup that is "below" the gumline don't see how these devices could really achieve that. Save your money!
Thanks for asking,
Scott A Terry, DDS
Thanks for asking,
Scott A Terry, DDS
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket is a common term for a condition in which there is delayed healing in a tooth extraction site. Typically, we believe that the blood clot becomes lost. It is quite READ MORE
A dry socket is a common term for a condition in which there is delayed healing in a tooth extraction site. Typically, we believe that the blood clot becomes lost. It is quite painful. Usually, it will heal on its own with time. There are dressings and packings that can be placed by the dentist to provide pain relief.
