How do I know when it’s time to come in for a checkup?
We recommend that patients with good oral health schedule a checkup and hygiene visit twice each year. If you need more frequent or less frequent visits, we’ll let you know. Checkups are important because, even if you don’t notice any pain or problems with your teeth, we may find signs of potential problems. For instance, demineralization is a precursor to decay, oral cancer often goes undetected until the later stages, and gum disease can be very stealthy. At your hygiene appointment, we’ll clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. We’ll also make sure your gums are healthy and strong.

What age do I bring my child for the first visit?
Most children respond well to a dental visit around age three. Bring your child with you to your appointment so that he or she can become acclimated to the dentist’s office. If you notice any development problems with your child’s mouth or teeth, call us to schedule a visit immediately. Otherwise, we’d like to begin teaching your children how to care for their teeth and gums when they reach three or four years of age. Be age four or five, they can begin hygiene treatments and regular checkups.

Why are baby teeth important?
Primary teeth, commonly called baby teeth, help children chew and eat, maintain the proper space for permanent teeth, and aid in the normal development of the jawbone, muscles, and speech. Of course, they also add to an attractive appearance.

Do I need X-rays?
To provide optimal care, we take digital X-rays once a year and a Full Mouth/Panoramic every three to five years. Because we use a digital system, our patients are exposed to about 80-percent less radiation than with a traditional radiograph. X-rays and intraoral photographs help us track your oral health and address problems early, when conservative dentistry can correct most issues. If you haven’t had a checkup and X-rays in a while, call our office for an appointment.

My gums bleed after bushing. Is this something to worry about? How does gum disease affect the body?
Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from the patient brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults. Gum disease hides in your mouth, destroying gum tissue and teeth, and it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and pregnancy complications.

What are my options to replace missing teeth?
We offer bridgework, partials, full dentures, and implant restorations to replace missing teeth. Learn more about these services on our services page, then call our office for a consultation. With X-rays, intraoral photos, and a thorough assessment of your dentition, the dentist can help you decide which replacement option will be best for you.

I avoid dental visits because of anxiety. Can you help?
It's time to rest easy. Oral sedation dentistry is here. We can perform difficult or extensive procedures while you sleep lightly. You'll find your treatment is performed more comfortably than you ever thought possible.
After an initial consultation, where the entire process is explained, we'll schedule your sleep appointments. At your appointment you'll be drowsy, and unaware of the time passing by. Our specially trained team will monitor you throughout the appointment. When you awake you'll be done with dentistry for awhile and feel relaxed and comfortable. And best of all, you usually won't remember the treatment appointment!

How should I handle a dental emergency?
If you or your child experience a dental emergency, remain calm and collected, tend to your child (self), and then call our office or go to your nearest hospital emergency room, depending on the severity of the incident. The following are some tips to help you:

• Toothache: Clean the affected tooth thoroughly. Rinse with warm water and/or use dental floss to dislodge the food or object causing discomfort. If pain persists, call our office. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum tissue or aching tooth. If you face swells, apply cold compresses and call our office immediately.
• Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek: Put ice on the affected area and apply firm but gently pressure with a soft cloth or gauze to stop bleeding. If pressure doesn’t control blood flow or if bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes, contact our office of take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
• Dislodged (Knocked Out) Permanent Tooth: First, locate the tooth. Pick it up by the crown and not the root. DO NOT clean or handle the tooth, although you may rinse it, if necessary. If the tooth isn’t fractured, try to reinsert it. Have your child bite down on gauze to hold the tooth in place. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, place it in a cup with milk. Contact our office IMMEDIATELY! Time is crucial to save a tooth.

What do you do to maintain a safe and sterilized environment?
We follow strict guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and OSHA. Our practices include sterilizing reusable instruments in an autoclave, then sealing them for the next use; disinfecting treatment rooms between patient visits; and using disposable products when possible. We always wear disposable gloves during exams and treatment, for your safety

Do you accept my insurance?
Dental Insurance plans can be very confusing for patients. Our staff will get your insurance information from you when you call for your first appointment to make sure we are providers for your insurance. After your first visit, we can give you a fairly close estimate of what your insurance will cover and what your estimated portion will be. We participate in many insurance plans.