When you first arrive, you will fill out new patient paperwork. This helps our team get to know you better. We ask that you arrive 20 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment in order to complete the paperwork.

After the dentist finishes your exam, our treatment coordinator will sit down with you to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to ask how dental insurance operates, what payment options might work best for you, or any other inquiries you might have. Our goal is to ensure your peace of mind.

Many people only visit the dentist when an issue arises — we call this "crisis treatment" as opposed to "preventive treatment." Preventive treatment includes routine hygiene visits and dental exams. Neglecting routine preventive care usually ends up costing much more in both dollars and treatment time, because most dental problems do not show symptoms until they reach the advanced stages.

Tooth decay, for example, does not hurt until it gets close to the nerve. By the time decay advances to the root, a root canal followed by a post, buildup, and crown are often necessary. A routine exam can catch decay early and treat it with a simple filling.

We can usually detect a cavity long before it develops any symptoms — it is not uncommon to see a patient with a large cavity who has never felt a thing!

The most commonly recommended timeframe is every 6 months. This allows us to catch tooth decay early before it does serious damage to the tooth.

However, an individual with gum disease may require more extensive treatment and more frequent visits to the dental hygienist. We'll recommend a schedule that's right for your specific needs.

We are not in network with any insurance companies. However, if your policy has out-of-network benefits, we will file your insurance as a courtesy. We will also follow up with the insurance company to ensure timely payment and do our best to maximize your benefits.

We will collect your estimated out-of-pocket amount on the date of service. After insurance pays, we will bill you for any remaining balance.

Brushing only removes some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing removes bacteria between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. There are millions of microscopic bacteria feeding on food particles left on your teeth — brushing without flossing is like washing only half your face.

If you do not floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth. Eventually it hardens into tartar, or it can cause cavities between your teeth. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing — only a dentist or hygienist can remove tartar.

Our hygienist and assistants are happy to show you the proper way to floss. You will both notice the difference at your next cleaning appointment.

A few consistent habits make a big difference:

• Brush for two to three minutes — it takes that long to remove the bacteria that destroy tooth enamel.
• Don't brush too hard. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque.
• Floss at least once a day. It's the only way to clean between your teeth.
• Watch your sugar intake. Sugar from candy, soft drinks, juices, fruits, crackers, and chips feeds the bacteria in your mouth. Sticky foods like raisins and peanut butter are especially problematic.
• Try to minimize sweet snacking throughout the day — and clean your teeth afterward when you do.

And of course — don't skip your regular dental visits!

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen during a visual exam alone. An X-ray examination may reveal:

• Small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing fillings
• Infections in the bone
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Abscesses or cysts
• Developmental abnormalities
• Some types of tumors

Finding and treating dental problems early can save time, money, and discomfort. In rare cases, X-rays may even help detect life-threatening conditions. Your dentist will evaluate your need for radiographs based on the conditions present in your mouth and the time since your last X-rays.

Dental sealants are a thin protective coating painted on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. They act as a barrier in the grooves and pits of the teeth, protecting against decay-causing bacteria.

The American Dental Association recognizes sealants as an effective weapon against tooth decay. They have proven effective for both adults and children, but are most commonly used with children. Despite being roughly half the cost of fillings, only a small percentage of school-aged children currently have sealants on their permanent teeth.

Sensitivity toothpaste is very effective for many patients. After a few weeks of consistent use you may notice a decrease in sensitivity. Note that highly acidic foods (oranges, grapefruits, lemons) as well as tea and soda can increase sensitivity and work against sensitivity toothpaste.

If brushing gently and using a desensitizing toothpaste doesn't help, see your dentist. There are special compounds we can apply in-office to reduce — or even eliminate — the sensitivity. High-fluoride home care products can also be recommended. Ask our staff for more information.

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone structure. If left untreated, it can cause permanent jaw bone destruction and possible tooth loss. It has also been linked to increased risk for heart disease, stroke, low birth weight babies, pre-term delivery, and respiratory disease.

Signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Loose teeth or teeth that have shifted
• Sensitive teeth
• Pus coming from around the teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Tender or bleeding gums

Early periodontal disease can be treated in-office. Advanced stages may require surgery. The good news is that periodontal disease can be prevented and successfully treated with regular dental visits and following your recommended care plan.

Bleeding gums are usually a symptom of the onset of periodontal disease or gingivitis — not a reason to brush less. Many people make the mistake of brushing less frequently when their gums bleed. Instead, when gums are inflamed, brushing often and effectively is imperative.

It's also worth noting that chronic dental pain and discomfort are obvious signs of a problem. Over-the-counter medications may provide temporary relief, but they only mask the issue and should not be used as a long-term solution.

Please contact us as soon as possible if your gums begin to bleed.

Commercial whitening toothpastes vary greatly in their effectiveness. They work by removing surface stains using mild abrasives — but unlike professional whitening, most do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth.

Some whitening toothpastes use harsh abrasives that can damage tooth enamel with repeated use and contribute to increased sensitivity. If you'd like to try a whitening toothpaste, consult with your dentist first.

For the best whitening results, ask us about professional whitening options at your next visit!

Absolutely. A visit to the dentist involves much more than just checking teeth. While denture wearers no longer have to worry about dental decay, they may still experience issues such as ill-fitting appliances or mouth sores.

We recommend an annual visit (or sooner if soreness is present). During this visit, we perform an oral cancer screening and evaluate the fit of your existing appliances — or assess whether replacement is needed. Regular visits help you avoid more complicated problems down the road, even with a denture.