FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
Do you have a question? Contact us today.
Q: What makes your practice unique?
A: Dr. Van Huffel has been treating patients since 1994 and provides high-quality care through a whole-patient approach. She practices conservative dentistry recommending only the treatments necessary to your optimal oral health. Because of her commitment, we enjoy wonderful relationships with our patients.
Q: Should I be concerned about mercury fillings?
A: The American Dental Association has stated that mercury levels in amalgam fillings is safe, however, our office prefers to take a conservative approach to patients’ health. Our office is completely metal-free and only places composite, all-white fillings. A natural-looking alternative to amalgam, composite fillings closely match the color of your teeth and are as durable as their metal counterparts.
Q: I’ve been told I snore. Should I be concerned?
A: Yes. Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition that should not be taken lightly. Sleep apnea causes the sufferer to stop breathing for 10 seconds at a time. The lack of oxygen signals the brain to wake up and breathe, and this cycle happens hundreds of times a night. Sleep apnea causes stress and exhaustion by depriving you of deep, restorative sleep needed to feel rested. That’s no way to go through the day. Additionally, sleep apnea carries with it serious risks including, heart attack, stroke, memory loss, and increased instances of accidents.
Q: Our family is active. Are mouthguards important?
A: Yes, very important! As many as 40% of all sports injuries involve the face. Concussions are also more likely without protection for teeth. There’s no reason to risk an emergency trip to our office, or the hospital, when a mouthguard can be used to prevent damage.
Q: What is bruxism and how is it treated?
A: Bruxism is just a fancy term for teeth grinding, a condition that affects both children and adults, which usually occurs when sleeping. Both children and adults suffer with bruxism, which can be triggered by several external factors including stress, and oral health issues such as misalignments. Bruxism can be the culprit behind a sore jaw, headaches, and earaches, and the constant grinding and clenching of teeth contribute to TMJ disorder. Dr. Van Huffel discusses with you how to stop the damage from this unconscious habit.