How often should I go to the dentist?

The average adult and child should have a checkup and cleaning every six months.  The dentist or hygienist may recommend some adults have cleanings more often based on periodontal conditions or other conditions.

What is periodontal or gum disease?

Up to 75% of all adults have some sort of gum disease.  Gum disease is infection of the gums around the teeth.  There are two types of gum disease: Gingivitis and Periodontitis.  Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease.  It can be treated and possibly reversed if caught early enough and treated appropriately.  Symptoms are red swollen gums that bleed easily.  The more advanced stage of gum disease is called periodontitis.  During this stage, the bone around the teeth is eaten away by the infection.  This can cause irreparable damage leading to loose teeth and loss of teeth.  The most common reason for tooth loss among adults is gum disease.

How do I prevent gum disease?

The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and regularly use Listerine.  Also, it is important to have regular check ups and cleanings by your dental hygienist and dentist. 

Why should I have a white filling instead of a silver filling?

The most obvious reason for getting a white filling is to restore a natural looking smile.  The color can be matched so that the filling is almost undetectable.  Secondly, the resin is actually bonded to your tooth resulting in a stronger filling.  Finally, because the resin is bonded to the tooth, less natural tooth structure has to be removed to place the filling.

What is a sealant?

A sealant is recommended for children’s six and twelve year molars.  A white filling material is placed in the deep grooves of the tooth that are naturally more prone to cavities.  This acts as a protectant during children’s more cavity prone years.  Although it is still possible to get cavities, the likelihood is highly reduced.

Why do I need X-rays?

Dental x-rays can help your hygienist and dentist see problems with your teeth that can’t be detected just by examining your mouth.  X-rays can show cavities occurring between the teeth and show how large a cavity may be.  They can also show the condition of the bone holding the teeth.  An X-ray can catch a problem with a tooth early, possibly saving you large procedures, time and money.

Can I bleach my teeth?

Yes!  Many people can get a whiter smile by bleaching their teeth!  You must find out first, though, if you will be a good candidate for bleaching.  A certain type of stain, called intrinsic stain, does not bleach easily.  Also, fillings do not bleach; therefore, people with a lot of fillings in their front teeth may not want to bleach their teeth because it can result in an uneven color. 

I grind or clench my teeth, is there anything you can do?

There are different ways to help with grinding or clenching teeth.  One way is a conventional mouth guard which covers the entire upper arch of the mouth to prevent grinding.  A newer product called an NTI device can be used to slightly prop the mouth open so that grinding and clenching is impossible.  This is also known to significantly reduce the frequency of headaches, neck pain, jaw pain and migraines. 

Do you take my insurance?

Yes, we accept most insurance plans and are providers with many plans.  Call today to find out if we are a provider with your company.

Can I make payments?

We have many convenient payment options.  We offer financing with no interest for qualifying patients.