expert type icon EXPERT

Alvin Yousif Daboul, DDS

Dentist

<p><sup>Dr. Alvin Daboul is the owner and dentist at North Oaks Dental in Royal Oak, MI.&nbsp;<span style="color: #161616; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Dr. Daboul really stands by North Oaks Dental&rsquo;s motto, &ldquo;Our family caring for yours.&rdquo; His favorite part about being a dentist is connecting with his patients and tailoring treatment for each patient that will get them the results they&rsquo;re looking for. He loves providing care and individual attention to very anxious and frightened patients and watching them become lifelong patients free of dental anxiety.</span></sup></p>
<p><sup>He takes satisfaction in seeing his staff enjoy being at work. He loves watching them provide top-notch care for our patients and is proud of them as individuals, providers, and a team.</sup></p>
<p><sup>North Oaks Dental specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.</sup></p>
16 years Experience
Alvin Daboul, DDS
  • Royal Oak, Michigan
  • University of Detroit Mercy
  • Accepting new patients

My son is a year old, and isn't teething. Is this abnormal?

Full set of baby teeth are usually in by the age of 3. It is not abnormal for some children to develop slower eruption cycles. Boys do tend to be a little slower at getting teeth READ MORE
Full set of baby teeth are usually in by the age of 3. It is not abnormal for some children to develop slower eruption cycles. Boys do tend to be a little slower at getting teeth in and losing teeth than girls.

How often should I get a cleaning for my teeth?

Depending on the health of your gums and if there is existing periodontal disease or a history of periodontal disease, the normal recommended period of time for cleanings is about READ MORE
Depending on the health of your gums and if there is existing periodontal disease or a history of periodontal disease, the normal recommended period of time for cleanings is about every 6 months. In the case of periodontal disease, we recommend doing a cleaning every 3-4 months as instructed by your hygienist and dentist.

What kind of foods should I avoid after a root canal surgery?

We recommend soft foods for a few days or until you are able to get a permanent crown on the tooth (to avoid fracturing your tooth).

One of my front teeth is shorter than the other. How to fix?

Determining the reason of why that tooth is shorter is the first step. Is it rotated or pushed forward or backwards are some questions to evaluate. If it's a positional problem, READ MORE
Determining the reason of why that tooth is shorter is the first step. Is it rotated or pushed forward or backwards are some questions to evaluate. If it's a positional problem, this may be corrected with braces or Invisalign. If the teeth are aligned properly, then cosmetic work can be done such as veneers/crowns/bonding. Sometimes it's necessary to do a combination of the 2.

Does bottle feed impact the teeth in a baby?

We do not recommend babies to sleep with the bottle as milk has sugar in it and may cause a condition called baby bottle syndrome.

Is root canal the only way to treat a tooth cavity?

Small cavities are treated with fillings. When cavities are deep and reach the nerve of the tooth the nerve of the tooth becomes infected and leads to pain. The therapy for this READ MORE
Small cavities are treated with fillings. When cavities are deep and reach the nerve of the tooth the nerve of the tooth becomes infected and leads to pain. The therapy for this is a root canal. A root canal cleans the nerve out of the tooth. After a root canal the tooth typically needs to be restored with a crown to protect it for the future. When the nerve of a tooth is dead or dying there are typically two options. Root canal therapy or extraction of the tooth.

I wear dentures. My gums are aching! What can I do?

Properly fitting dentures should not hurt. The average denture wearer should be seen at least once a year for an examination to make sure everything is adjusted properly and the READ MORE
Properly fitting dentures should not hurt. The average denture wearer should be seen at least once a year for an examination to make sure everything is adjusted properly and the tissue is healthy.

How long will I have to be on painkillers after a root canal?

The average root canal tooth is sore for 2 or 3 days. Motrin is usually strong enough to manage any discomfort.

What can I do to maintain my dental implants?

Brush them just like your natural teeth. See your dentist regularly for routine check ups. Make healthy lifestyle choices by eating right and avoiding tobacco.

What is the treatment for mouth ulcers?

First, remove any local irritant that could be causing it (orthodontic wire, broken tooth, etc.). It will heal on its own with time. To make it feel better, try OTC medications READ MORE
First, remove any local irritant that could be causing it (orthodontic wire, broken tooth, etc.). It will heal on its own with time. To make it feel better, try OTC medications and avoid acidic foods.

My baby is 7 months old and has 4 teeth. Should I use a brush to clean his teeth?

Yes, you want to get him use to the routine of brushing. No need for toothpaste to start. You can use training toothpaste if you want. But save children's toothpaste with fluoride READ MORE
Yes, you want to get him use to the routine of brushing. No need for toothpaste to start. You can use training toothpaste if you want. But save children's toothpaste with fluoride until your child is able to spit it out.

I need surgery on two impacted wisdom teeth. How long is the recovery after this procedure?

Average recovery time for a young healthy patient after dental extractions is one week. The first three days are typically the most uncomfortable. If this is a planned procedure READ MORE
Average recovery time for a young healthy patient after dental extractions is one week. The first three days are typically the most uncomfortable. If this is a planned procedure and you are currently not in pain I would put it off til after the wedding.

Can my silver fillings be replaced with white fillings?

Yes, if they are worn out and due to be replaced they can be replaced with a white filling. If larger a crown may be indicated.

How are crossbites treated?

Upper teeth typically sit outside our lower teeth like a lid on a box. If this is reversed we call it a crossbite. It is an orthodontic issue. The way we correct it is typically READ MORE
Upper teeth typically sit outside our lower teeth like a lid on a box. If this is reversed we call it a crossbite. It is an orthodontic issue. The way we correct it is typically with braces and sometimes surgery. If left untreated the teeth may wear down in unhealthy ways.

Can my braces ever rust?

I have never seen braces in a patient's mouth rust.

How often can I use a mouthwash in a day?

If it is alcohol free I would say no limit. Alcohol based mouthwash will dry your mouth if used too much leading to more problems. If you are using mouthwash that much you may READ MORE
If it is alcohol free I would say no limit. Alcohol based mouthwash will dry your mouth if used too much leading to more problems. If you are using mouthwash that much you may be covering up a bigger problem. Periodontitis can cause very bad breath. If it has been a long time since your last dental check up you may want to schedule one.

Are there any natural treatments for oral thrush?

Thrush is treated with antifungal agents.

Can my abscess go away on its own?

You are describing a localized tooth infection. It will not go away without treating the source of the infection with a root canal or an extraction. If left untreated it can READ MORE
You are describing a localized tooth infection. It will not go away without treating the source of the infection with a root canal or an extraction. If left untreated it can get worse, cause pain, swelling, spread to other areas near by and require treatment in a hospital.

How is an overbite fixed?

Usually with braces or clear aligner therapy like Invisalign.