Frequently Asked Questions

Your First Visit

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 inquires you might have. Our goal is to ensure your peace of mind.

Why should I go to the dentist regularly? (Crisis treatment vs. preventive treatment)

Many people only visit the dentist when an issue arises. We call this “crisis treatment” as opposed to “preventive treatment.” Preventative treatment includes routine hygiene visits and dental exams. Neglecting routine preventative treatment usually ends up costing much more in both dollars and treatment time. This is because most dental problems do not show symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process.

A simple example is tooth decay. We often hear, “Nothing hurts…I don’t have any problems.” However, tooth decay does not hurt until it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. By the time the decay advances to the root, a root canal followed by a post, buildup, and crown are often necessary. Routine exams allow the dentist to find tooth decay early on and treat it with a filling.

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

This is why regular checkups are important – so why not schedule yours today?

So, exactly how often should you go to the dentist?

A general rule of thumb and the most recommended time frame to visit a dentist is every 6 months. This is 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.

Why should I floss, isn’t brushing enough?

Brushing your teeth only gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing removes the bacteria in between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach . There are millions of microscopic creatures feeding on food particles left on your teeth. This bacteria lives in the plaque. Brushing without flossing is like washing only half your face. The other half remains dirty.

If you do not floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth. Eventually it hardens into tartar or 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 can show you the proper way to floss. You will both notice the difference at your next cleaning appointment.

How can I prevent cavities?

You can certainly minimize the number of cavities you get. Always spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth. It takes that long to get rid of the bacteria which destroy tooth enamel. Do not brush too hard. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque. Floss at least once a day. It is the only way to remove bacteria from between your teeth.

Watch the sugar you eat. There is sugar in candy, soft drinks, juices, fruits, crackers and chips. These are the foods that the bacteria in your mouth like most. Be mindful of foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to your teeth. They can provide a constant supply for the bacteria eating into your teeth. Try to minimize the times during the day when sweet items are eaten and clean your teeth afterwards.

Do not forget your regular dental visits! Good dental habits will go a long way toward a no-cavity visit.

Why do we take X-rays?

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when a dentist examines your mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal:

• small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
• infections in the bone
• periodontal (gum) disease
• abscesses or cysts
• developmental abnormalities
• some types of tumors

Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and often unnecessary discomfort. Dental radiographs can detect damage to oral structures not visible during an oral exam. If you have a hidden tumor, radiographs may even help save your life. Your dentist will evaluate your need for radiographs based on the conditions present in your mouth and the length of time since your last x-rays. The schedule for radiographs can vary with age, risk for disease or for evaluation of growth and development. There are many benefits to having dental radiographs taken. Any additional questions or concerns should be discussed with us.

What are cavity-fighting sealants?

The American Dental Association points out sealants are an effective weapon in the arsenal against tooth decay. Sealants are a thin coating painted on chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Dental sealants act as a barrier in the grooves and pits of the teeth, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria.

Sealants have proven effective with both adults and children, but are most commonly used with children. Despite the fact that sealants are about half the cost of fillings, only a small percentage of school-aged children have sealants on their permanent teeth.

What can I do about sensitive teeth?

Sensitivity toothpaste is very effective in treating sensitive teeth. After a few weeks of use you may notice a decrease in sensitivity. Highly acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons, as well as tea and soda can increase tooth sensitivity, and work against any sensitivity toothpaste. If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using a desensitizing toothpaste, see your dentist. There are special compounds that can be applied in office to the teeth to reduce—if not eliminate—the sensitivity. High-fluoride containing home care products can also be recommended to help reduce tooth sensitivity.

Ask our friendly staff for more information on sensitive teeth.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone structure, which if left untreated, can cause permanent jaw bone destruction and possible tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, low birth weight babies and pre-term delivery, respiratory disease, etc. An advanced stage of periodontal disease exhibits inflamed gums pulling away from your bone and teeth. Other signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Loose teeth or teeth that have moved
• Sensitive teeth
• Pus coming from around the teeth
• Pain on chewing
• Tender gums
• Bleeding gums

Treatment of early periodontal disease can be performed in-office. However, advanced stages may require surgery. Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated successfully by seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly and following recommended care plans.

What should I do about bleeding gums?

People often respond to bleeding gums with the wrong method of treatment. Usually, gums that bleed are a symptom of the onset of periodontal disease or gingivitis. But often, people stop brushing frequently and effectively because it may be painful or it may cause the gums to bleed again. Instead, when gums are inflamed, brushing often and effectively is imperative.

It is also worth noting that chronic dental pain and discomfort are obvious signs of a problem. Over-the-counter drugs may provide some temporary relief. These medications usually only mask the existence of a problem and should be taken on a temporary basis.

It is important to see us as soon as possible if your gums begin to bleed.

Do whitening toothpastes work?

Commercial whitening toothpaste vary greatly in their ability to whiten teeth. They work by removing surface stains from the teeth with the use of mild abrasives. However, unlike professional whitening, some whitening toothpaste do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth. Toothpaste that are effective in removing stains can also destroy tooth enamel in the process. These toothpastes use harsh abrasives. With repeated use, harsh abrasives begin to damage tooth enamel and can contribute to increased tooth sensitivity. If you would like to try a whitening toothpaste, consult with your dentist first.

Ask us about professional whitening at your next visit!

I have dentures. Is it necessary for me to still see my dentist?

A visit to the dentist includes more than just “checking teeth.” While those patients who wear dentures no longer have to worry about dental decay, they may have concerns with ill-fitting appliances or mouth sores to name a few. An annual visit to the dentist (or sooner if soreness is present) is recommended.

During this visit, an oral cancer screening will be performed as well as an evaluation of the fit or need for replacement of the existing appliances. Regular visits can help you to avoid more complicated problems down the road even with a denture.