You Asked, Your Dentist Answered: My Social Media Q&A

Recently, I asked my Instagram followers a simple question: “What are your top questions for a dentist?”

The questions ranged from serious health concerns to things patients have apparently been wondering while sitting in the dental chair for years. It inspired me to address some of the more interesting subjects in dentistry, from controversial health claims to cosmetic treatments promising seemingly effortless transformations.

Here are a few questions worth exploring.

“Can root canals really cause cancer or health problems?”

It’s an alarming claim that’s gained considerable traction.

Fortunately, the short answer is no – there is no credible scientific evidence that root canal treatment causes cancer or systemic disease. The theory originated more than a century ago from research that has since been discredited. Modern root canal treatment is actually designed to remove infected tissue and bacteria from inside a tooth, disinfect the area and seal it against reinfection.  

“My dentist says I need a root canal, but nothing hurts. How is that possible?”

This surprises patients all the time.

Pain is not the only indicator that a tooth has a problem. The nerve inside a tooth can become irreversibly damaged or die after a deep cavity, crack or trauma. Sometimes there was pain months or even years earlier; sometimes there was never much pain at all.

An infection can then develop around the root and show up on an X-ray even though you feel perfectly fine. That’s one reason dental X-rays can be so important – they can reveal disease that isn’t visible during a routine examination.  

So “it doesn’t hurt” is great – but unfortunately it doesn’t always mean “nothing is wrong.”

“Why is it ALWAYS so cold at the dentist?”

This critique seems to have near universal agreement.

There are some practical reasons dental offices can feel particularly cold. Your dental team is working under bright lights while wearing masks, gloves, protective eyewear and often long-sleeved protective clothing.

Meanwhile, you’re lying completely still in a chair – and sometimes you’ve just been sprayed with water.

So the room that feels comfortable to the people working can feel like Antarctica to the person in the chair.

At Schulman Dental Studio, we offer weighted blankets as part of our emphasis on patient comfort. Nevertheless, a sweater is never a bad idea.

“Are those snap-on veneers I keep seeing online actually a good alternative to veneers?”

They certainly sound appealing: an inexpensive, removable set of “teeth” that instantly gives you a perfect smile without drilling anything.

Unfortunately, the reality is considerably more complicated.

Snap-on veneers essentially cover your existing teeth rather than correcting the underlying issue. Fit, appearance, speech and bite can all be concerns, and poorly fitting appliances may trap food and plaque against the teeth and gums. The ADA has specifically highlighted concerns about plastic snap-on veneers, including potential risks of tooth decay and gum problems.  

That doesn’t mean everyone who dislikes their smile needs a full set of porcelain veneers, either. Sometimes whitening, clear aligners, or minor reshaping can make a surprisingly dramatic difference.

“Do veneers mean my teeth have to be shaved down to little pegs?”

No – despite what some viral videos might suggest.  

Veneers are ultra-thin, fingernail-like shells that are custom made to cover primarily the front surface of a tooth. For veneers it is actually essential that the tooth still have enamel – which is the outer layer of tooth, roughly 1 millimeter in thickness –  because the bond is strongest to enamel and veneers rely on bond to tooth to stay in place. Therefore, by definition, very little tooth is removed.

The specific amount of enamel reduction required varies from some reduction to even zero prep, in some cases, depending on the starting position, color and shape of the teeth and the desired result.

One of my guiding principles in cosmetic dentistry is simple: preserve as much healthy natural tooth structure as possible while achieving effortlessly beautiful results.

“What’s one dental trend you wish people would stop believing?”

Probably the idea that “natural” automatically means safer for your teeth.

I’ve seen recommendations online ranging from charcoal toothpaste to acidic DIY whitening mixtures. Abrasive products and repeated acid exposure can permanently damage enamel. And unlike your skin, tooth enamel cannot regenerate once it’s been worn away – so something being homemade, organic or viral doesn’t necessarily make it harmless.

“What’s one thing you wish every patient knew?”

That exceptional dentistry often begins long before there’s a problem to solve.

Dentistry is much less overwhelming when it’s preventive rather than reactive.

A tiny cavity is less invasive to treat than a large one. A cracked tooth can be more successfully protected before it breaks. Early periodontal disease is more manageable before significant bone loss occurs.

And if there’s something you don’t like aesthetically, ask about it – even if it seems minor. Modern dentistry gives us an enormous range of options, and the answer isn’t always an elaborate makeover. Sometimes a subtle refinement is all it takes to achieve that quiet upgrade you’ve been looking for.

Most importantly, don’t avoid the dentist because you’re embarrassed about how long it’s been. We’ve seen it all. Our job isn’t to judge where you’re starting – it’s to help you figure out where to go from there and achieve the smile you’ll feel incredible about for years to come.

Dr. Yaakov Schulman is the owner of Schulman Dental Studio in Franklin Lakes, offering comprehensive family, cosmetic and implant dentistry with an emphasis on personalized care, precision and patient comfort.

Have a dental question you’d like Dr. Schulman to answer in a future issue? Follow @dryaakovschulman on Instagram and Facebook.