FAQs

Brush your teeth at least twice daily — in the morning and before bed — and floss once per day. Brushing removes plaque from tooth surfaces while flossing cleans between teeth and under the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. Together, these habits are the most effective way to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that converts food into acids, causing tooth decay. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into calculus (tartar), which can only be removed by a dental professional. Consistent brushing and flossing disrupts this process before it starts.

Yes, amalgam (silver) fillings are considered safe. The American Dental Association (ADA), the CDC, the FDA, and the World Health Organization all support their use. Amalgam has been used safely for over 100 years. The mercury in amalgam combines with other metals to form a stable, inactive alloy that does not release harmful levels of vapor under normal conditions. 

Benton Dental Team only offers tooth-colored composite fillings, porcelain, and gold restorations. Ask Dr. Benton which option is best for your situation.

Gum disease often has no symptoms in its early stages — four out of five people have some form of it without knowing. Warning signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums; persistent bad breath; receding gums; or loose teeth. The only reliable way to diagnose gum disease is through a professional dental exam with periodontal probing and X-rays.

Risk factors include smoking, certain medications, diabetes, pregnancy, and genetics. At Benton Dental Team in Warren, OH, we screen for gum disease at every checkup. Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is fully reversible with professional preventative care and improved home care.

• Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist. Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage. Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.
  • Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.
  • Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives. Some medications have side effects that reduce saliva, drying out the mouth and making it easier for plaque to adhere to the teeth and gums.
  • Pregnancy, oral contraceptives and puberty – Changes in hormone levels can cause gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.
  • Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.
  • Genetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.

Flossing removes plaque and food debris from between teeth and under the gumline — the two areas your toothbrush cannot reach. Without daily flossing, plaque builds up in these spaces and hardens into tartar, which causes gum inflammation and eventual bone loss.

Think of flossing as cleaning 35% of each tooth’s surface that brushing misses. It takes under 2 minutes per day and is one of the highest-impact habits for preventing gum disease and cavities between teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry at Benton Dental Team includes several options for enhancing your smile:

• Teeth Whitening — Removes stains from coffee, tea, wine, and aging. Professional whitening produces significantly faster and more dramatic results than over-the-counter products.
• Porcelain Veneers — Thin shells bonded to the front of teeth to correct discoloration, chips, gaps, or slight misalignment.
• Tooth-Colored (Composite) Fillings — Replace old silver fillings with natural-looking restorations that blend with your tooth color.
• Dental Implants — Replace missing teeth with a permanent, natural-feeling solution anchored to the jawbone.
• Porcelain Crowns — Restore damaged or decayed teeth while matching the appearance of your natural teeth.

Schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Benton in Warren, OH at (330) 974-0850.

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They are highly durable, stain-resistant, and can correct a wide range of cosmetic issues in just two appointments.

Veneers can address:

• Severely discolored or stained teeth
• Unwanted or uneven spacing
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Slightly crowded or misshapen teeth
• Teeth that appear too small or too large

The process involves a consultation, a small amount of enamel removal to accommodate the veneer, impressions, and bonding at a second visit. Ask Dr. Benton at our Warren, OH office whether veneers are right for your smile goals.

Professional teeth whitening at Benton Dental Team is the most effective way to remove stains and lighten tooth color. In-office whitening uses a stronger bleaching agent than over-the-counter products and produces results in a single appointment. Take-home whitening trays are also available for gradual whitening at your own pace.

Common causes of tooth discoloration include coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, aging, and certain medications taken during childhood (such as tetracycline). For stains that do not respond to whitening, porcelain veneers or crowns may be recommended. Call us at (330) 974-0850 to find out which option is right for you.

Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants, fixed bridges, removable bridges, or dentures. The best option depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of surrounding teeth, and your individual preferences and budget.

• Dental Implants — The most durable, permanent solution. A titanium post is surgically placed in the jawbone and topped with a crown. Implants look and function like natural teeth and do not require altering adjacent teeth.
• Fixed Bridges — A crown on each adjacent tooth supports a false tooth in between. Permanently cemented in place.
• Removable Bridges/Partial Dentures — A good option when implants or fixed bridges are not possible.
• Full Dentures — For patients missing most or all teeth in one arch.

Schedule a consultation at Benton Dental Team in Warren, OH to discuss which option is right for you.

Old silver (amalgam) fillings can be replaced with tooth-colored alternatives that blend naturally with your smile. At Benton Dental Team, we offer composite (bonding) fillings, porcelain inlays and onlays, and porcelain crowns depending on the size and condition of the existing filling.

During your exam, Dr. Benton will evaluate your current fillings and recommend replacement only when clinically indicated or cosmetically desired. If you are simply unhappy with the appearance of silver fillings, we can discuss your options and prioritize which to address first based on your goals.

Research suggests that untreated gum disease may allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs, potentially contributing to heart disease, stroke, and complications in patients with diabetes or respiratory conditions. Pregnant women with gum disease also face a higher risk of preterm or low-birth-weight delivery.

Gum disease is one of the most common infections in adults and is often painless in its early stages. Regular checkups and periodontal care at Benton Dental Team in Warren, OH are an investment in your overall health, not just your smile.

Dental sealants are most commonly recommended for children ages 6–12, as soon as their permanent molars come in. They are also beneficial for adults with deep grooves in their teeth. Sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth grooves to seal out bacteria and food particles from deep pits and fissures where more than 75% of tooth decay originates.

The procedure is quick, painless, and does not require drilling. Sealants can last several years and are one of the most cost-effective preventive treatments available.

Get to a dentist within 30 minutes — the sooner you act, the better the chance of saving the tooth. Here is what to do:

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (chewing surface), not the root
2. Do not scrub it — rinse gently with saliva or whole milk if needed
3. If possible, place the tooth back in its socket and bite down gently to hold it
4. If reinsertion is not possible, keep the tooth moist in milk, saliva, or saline.  Avoid using water as it can damage the tooth.
5. Call Benton Dental Team immediately at (330) 974-0850

For after-hours dental emergencies in Warren, OH, call our main number for instructions.

Straight teeth are healthier, easier to clean, and less prone to damage. Crooked teeth are harder to brush and floss effectively, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Misalignment can also cause jaw pain (TMJ disorder), uneven tooth wear, and greater vulnerability to injury.

Beyond function, straight teeth have a significant impact on confidence and appearance. Options include traditional braces and removable clear aligners. Dr. Benton at Benton Dental Team in Warren, OH can evaluate your bite and recommend the best approach for your smile.

• Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning.
• There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.

Yes, Benton Dental Team in Warren, OH is currently accepting new patients of all ages, including children and families. To schedule your first appointment, call us at (330) 974-0850 or book online at bentondentalteam.com/patients/scheduling/. We look forward to meeting you.

Benton Dental Team works with most major dental insurance plans. We recommend calling our office at (330) 974-0850 or emailing info@bentondentalteam.com with your insurance information so we can verify your benefits before your visit. Financing options are also available for patients without insurance or for procedures not covered by your plan.

Benton Dental Team offers urgent and same-day appointments when available for dental emergencies including severe toothaches, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and lost crowns. Call us as early as possible at (330) 974-0850. Our office is open Monday–Tuesday 9am–6pm, Thursday 9am–5pm, and Friday 9am–2pm (note: alternating Wednesdays and Fridays may be closed, call ahead to confirm).

For a dental emergency in Warren, OH, call Benton Dental Team immediately at (330) 974-0850. We prioritize emergency cases and will work to see you as soon as possible. We treat toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, dental abscesses, lost fillings or crowns, and injuries to the mouth. We are located at 1838 Niles Cortland Rd SE, Warren, OH 44484, next to Home Depot off Route 46.

Solea Sleep is a laser-based treatment that tightens the soft tissue of the palate to reduce snoring. The procedure takes about 5 minutes in the dental chair, requires no anesthesia, and has no downtime. Many patients report a significant reduction in snoring after a single treatment. Benton Dental Team in Warren, OH is one of the few dental practices in the area to offer Solea Sleep. Ask about it at your next appointment or call (330) 974-0850.

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. The titanium implant post that fuses with your jawbone is permanent in most cases. The porcelain crown attached to the implant typically lasts 10–15 years before it may need replacement due to normal wear. With proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups at Benton Dental Team, implants can outlast any other tooth replacement option. Call (330) 974-0850 to schedule an implant consultation.

In-network dentists have a contracted fee agreement with your insurance company, which typically means lower out-of-pocket costs for you. Out-of-network dentists do not have that contract, but many insurance plans still provide partial coverage when you visit them — your yearly maximum simply applies toward your care regardless.

At Benton Dental Team in Warren, OH, we can complete a complimentary insurance check for you, which means you are not limited in your choice of dentist. We submit claims on your behalf and work with most major insurance plans. Most dental plans carry a yearly maximum between $500–$2,000 that applies whether your dentist is in-network or out-of-network. Call us at (330) 974-0850 and we’ll help you understand your specific benefits before your appointment.

Yes, Benton Dental Team is a locally owned and independently operated dental practice in Warren, OH — not a corporate dental chain. Dr. Dennis Benton, DDS founded and leads the practice, meaning patients work directly with an owner-dentist who is invested in the Warren community. There are no rotating corporate providers or outside ownership groups. If you’re looking for a dentist in Warren, OH who knows his patients by name and is committed to the community long-term, we’d love to welcome you. Call us at (330) 974-0850 or book an appointment online.

Yes, Benton Dental Team actively participates in the Warren, OH community throughout the year. Dr. Dennis Benton and the team support local 4-H programs, youth sports teams, school initiatives, and healthcare awareness events. Team members also visit local nursing homes to brighten residents’ days. For us, being a locally owned practice means more than providing great dental care — it means showing up for the people and organizations that make Warren home.

Yes. At Benton Dental Team in Warren, OH, we make it a priority to schedule patients with the same dentist, hygienist, and dental assistant at every visit. Seeing a consistent care team means your providers already know your dental history, your comfort preferences, and your treatment goals — so you spend less time re-explaining and more time getting great care. Continuity of care also helps your team catch changes early and build a relationship with you over time. Call us at (330) 974-0850 to schedule with a team that will remember you.