01
Is a dentist duty roster published in Antalya?
There is no regularly published duty roster for dentists in the way there is for pharmacies. That is precisely why keeping the number of a clinic that is always open is the practical solution: you do not have to search for who is on duty at two in the morning, you simply call.
02
Are you available at weekends?
We are open every day, Saturday and Sunday included, and we do not work a rotating duty system — so there is no need to ask which day we are on call. Saturday is a full working day rather than a half day, and appointments can also be arranged in the evening.
03
Will a hospital emergency department treat my toothache?
Hospital A&E generally provides painkillers and refers you to a dentist — though with widespread swelling or breathing difficulty you should go there directly.
04
Is treatment completed in the on-call session?
The emergency itself is resolved: the pain is stopped and the infection brought under control. Definitive work is planned for a second appointment, which is both safer and better for the quality of the result — a permanent restoration placed on an inflamed, freshly treated tooth does not last.
05
I have no appointment — will you see me?
Yes, you are seen without an appointment in an emergency, and the order is set by how serious the problem is rather than by arrival time. Calling ahead shortens your wait, because we can prepare the radiograph and the surgery while you are on your way.
06
My orthodontic wire broke — can an on-call dentist help?
Yes, this is dealt with. The wire that is digging in is adjusted, the ulcer it has caused is checked and, where needed, orthodontic wax is applied as a temporary measure. Your orthodontic treatment plan itself is not altered — the work is limited to relieving the problem so you can wait comfortably for your own orthodontist.
07
You can see which tooth hurts, so why do you still want an X-ray?
Because much of the problem develops where the eye cannot reach. An X-ray shows decay between teeth and under fillings, how close it is to the pulp, inflammation and bone loss at the root tips, the number and shape of canals, and the state of any old root filling. It also helps tell whether the pain is referred from a neighbouring tooth, so the plan is based on real findings.
08
Is having dental X-rays taken often harmful?
The radiation dose in dental radiographs is among the lower ones in medical imaging, and digital sensors have reduced it further. Even so, the principle is to take only images that genuinely add to diagnosis or treatment planning. Protective measures are used and the beam is limited to a small area. Always tell your dentist if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or have had recent imaging elsewhere.
09
There are dozens of toothpastes on the shelf. What should I look for?
Start with fluoride content; around 1450 ppm suits most adults. Then match the paste to your problem: a desensitising formula for sensitivity, a gum-care formula if your gums bleed. Avoid using highly abrasive whitening pastes every day. A pea-sized amount is enough, and remember that the cleaning comes from your technique and brushing time rather than from the paste itself.
10
Is fluoride toothpaste really necessary? Some say it is harmful.
Fluoride strengthens enamel against acid and helps repair very early decay; at toothpaste doses it is considered safe. The concern applies to young children swallowing large amounts over time while their teeth form, which is why an age-appropriate paste and amount are advised for them. Adults get more protection by spitting out the excess after brushing instead of rinsing heavily with water.
11
My gums bleed and hurt when I use floss. Am I doing it wrong?
In the first days, bleeding usually comes from inflamed gums rather than the floss itself and settles within a few days of regular use. Snapping the floss down into the gum, however, cuts the tissue. Guide it through the contact with a gentle sawing motion, then curve it in a C shape against each tooth and wipe up and down. If it shreds or catches, have that filling checked.
12
Should I use interdental brushes or floss? Do I need both?
It depends on how wide the spaces are. Where teeth touch tightly, floss fits best; where gaps are open, gums have receded, or you have bridges or implants, a correctly sized interdental brush is usually more effective. Many patients use floss at the front and brushes at the back. Never force a brush in: the right diameter is chosen at your appointment, since the wrong size injures the gum.
13
I bought a water flosser. Can I stop using floss now?
A water flosser is a useful addition but does not fully replace floss or interdental brushes. The jet flushes out food debris and loose material, yet it does not disrupt the sticky plaque film as well as mechanical wiping does. It is especially helpful with braces, bridges, implants and deeper pockets. The best results come from adding it to physical interdental cleaning, not substituting it.
14
Is there any harm in using mouthwash every single day?
It depends on the type. Alcohol-free fluoride rinses made for daily use are fine. Strong antiseptics such as chlorhexidine are prescribed for short courses, because prolonged use can stain teeth and temporarily alter taste. A rinse never replaces brushing; it is an addition. Rinsing straight after brushing washes away the fluoride from your paste, so use it at a different time of day.
