FAQ - Dental Calculus
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Is there something wrong if there is a big hole after dental calculus falls out?


First of all, is it normal that a chunk of calculus falls out on itself?
The calculus was kinda between 2 teeth and now there is a triangular hole between the teeth on the backside and its freaking me out. is that normal?
so are there supposed to be little triangular holes between every teeth, at least the front ones?
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That's great! Why would you want calculus buildup sitting around in your mouth contributing further to your gum disease? Sure, chunks of calculus fall out themselves from time to time - not often, but sometimes. Still, you need to have the rest of the calculus on your teeth cleaned off. The triangular hole you see on the backside is the normal space between your teeth that is supposed to be there but had been clogged up with calculus for so many years.
You should see this as a sign that the rest of your teeth need to be cleaned so that your gum disease does not progress further.  (+ info)

How can I remove dental calculus, myself?


There is not way you can remove calculus, it could only be done by a registered dental hygienist, which are certified to scale your teeth.  (+ info)

Can you effectively reduce dental plaque/calculus without flossing? If yes, how?


Ex: Interplak/waterpik; electric toothbrushes; washes like Listerine or Biotene?
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Mouthwash. I use Listerine. They also have a fluoride one which reduces cavities.

Hot tea [not white tea] also has fluoride in it :)

I never floss. My teeth were always so close together that I can't get floss between them. I've only ever had 3 cavities and they were so shallow I didn't even need Novocaine.  (+ info)

dental calculus dropping?


are there methods to make dental calculus crack and fall off by themselves? i mean, i do experience them dropping off occasionally but im wondering if there's a good way to make them drop more.

getting the dentists to clean the teeth usually hurts my gums, thats why its better if the calculus can just drop off.
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there's no foolproof way to make them drop off by themselves. but if u keep high standards of dental hygiene (like brushing 2-3 times a day, floss daily and rinse with a mouthwash 1 hour after you brush before u go to bed). they might just drop off!

yes, i experience them dropping off too. but probably twice a year or so. not a common thing.  (+ info)

Why is calculus preferred to be a dentist?


I'm only in 10th grade, but I was looking at required courses because I've wanted to be a dentist. I was fine with the chemistry and biology and english and all the other courses but I was wondering, why is calculus wanted for dental school? Does it actually apply to anything in the job?
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Not directly - you do need good math skills, but nothing like calculus. However, most dental schools require college calculus and physics (which often uses calculus) as an admission requirement, and most science degrees require them as well. Honestly, math that relates to running a business, such as accounting, would probably be more helpful to dentistry, but they are unlikely to change the requirement.   (+ info)

I ended up with a D in physics. How bad is it when applying to dental school?


I ended up with a D in physics in my freshman year in a university. My other grades are just fine like I have A- in chem 1 and B+ in Chem 2, B+ in Calculus 3 and i AP'ed out of my Biology and Calculus 1 and 2. Do I still have a shot for dental school?. How hard are classes going to get for Biology Major?
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Unless you have a VERY good explanation for the "D", you're toast. Most schools don't like to see any "AP'ed" grades either. You can try and repeat the Physics, but otherwise a "D" without a really good explanation is the "kiss of Death".
Classes will only get harder and build on the knowledge you should have gotten in the lower level courses.

Sorry,

Dr. Dan  (+ info)

Are there any dentists who have entered dental school with a undergraduate gpa below 3.5?


And is Calculus essential for dental school. All schools are different the one I am looking at only suggests calculus.
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I wouldn't say that's 100 percent accurate as far as dental schools not looking at GPA. Yes admission committees do weigh DAT scores heavily, however, GPA is not overlooked. Yes sub 3.5, you can still get into a dental school. you may not get into THE dental school you wanted but it's possible with a 3.5.

Calculus is not essential, however, as you hinted at, some schools have minimal requirements and specific coursework, like calculus.

Here is what I suggest for you to do. Try and take a few science courses (b/c dental schools separate science GPA and overall GPA) to boost any mediocre grades. Try even going to community college where it's cheaper. It counts on the application. Then study hard for the DAT and shoot for over 20 on each section. Shadow your dentist or a dental specialist to get your feet wet.

How to pick which dental school can be done from a book that gets published nearly every year (or every year). It's from the American Dental Education Association called 2009 Official Guide to Dental Schools. Get the latest edition which will show you average GPAs, DATs, in/out state, foreign students, male/female ratios...etc. Great to pick which school you have a good chance for.

My suggestion is a public school, close to home. It's affordable and you can't work when you're in school. Leaving at home will help the budget, esp in this economy.

Good luck and take care. Dentistry is a great field.
Hang in there and it'll happen.  (+ info)

Where can i find dental patients?


I am a dental hygiene student looking for patients to meet graduation requirements. I need patients with a lot of build up (plaque/calculus/tartar). Where is a good place to look?
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The best place to look is a child dominated area. Children don't take care of their teeth as well as adults do. Also a senior citizen dominated area, would help just as well. Several of them are in need of dentures and root canals. A location in which there are numerous amounts of families would help as many of them would need a family doctor. I hope that helps.  (+ info)

How much calculus should a dental hygenist remove during a routine prophylaxis visit?


My 10 year old son has a difficult time effectively brushing his lower incisors. Otherwise, he is an excellent daily flosser & tongue brusher. In his 10 years of regular dental care we have only had one prophylaxis (Oct 2007) that resulted in complete removal of calculus. Both my husband & I were thrilled, & my son was shocked at how “different, smooth & good” it felt to have calculus-free lower incisors. However, the marvelous hygenist who perfomed this feat last October (and, I might add, without damaging the surrounding soft tissue) had moved on from the practice when we returned for our next scheduled cleaning. Yesterday's cleaning was a return to a $100+ disaster of torn up gum tissue and hunks of remaining calculus in the lower incisor area. Given that we have seen a plethora of hygenists at a number of practices over the past several years that resulted in but one thorough prophlaxis, we are left wondering if this is par for the course for children's professional dental care?
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First sitting just gross scaling, the second one the sub gingival & polishing.  (+ info)

Is it safe to use dental floss on my dogs teeth?


A few of my dogs have such ingrained calculus between their teeth, I can't remove it with brushing.
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Calculus is hard like cement and cannot be flossed away. The best option is to have the dogs teeth cleaned by a veternarian as they will get gum and bone disease just like humans do. Once the buildup is removed you can then brush and floss them....
You sound like a nice pet owner!

JAMRDH -a dental hygienist  (+ info)

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