Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when it is 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 visit, we will let you know. Check-ups 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 will clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. We will also make sure your gums are healthy and strong.

How do you look out for the safely of your patients?
In addition to following guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), we use disposable products as often as possible. Between each patient visit, we thoroughly clean treatment rooms and sterilize instruments in an autoclave. Because we value safety, we have invested in a digital radiography, which emits about 80% less radiation that a traditional X-ray machine. We also use intraoral cameras and photography for close up images, which promotes accurate diagnoses. If you have any questions about our safety and sterilization methods, please call us.

My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
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. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep hygiene treatment to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, and has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to create significant damage to your health and quality of life, so call for an assessment now. We will help keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!

What can you do to improve the appearance of my smile?
Well, we would like to start by evaluating your oral health, existing smile, and discussing your idea of a spectacular smile. We may suggest porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, replacement teeth, and replacing metal dental work with esthetic restorations. However, your smile may benefit from some artistic bonding and reshaping or In-office whitening. Call to schedule a cosmetic consultation, and together, we will determine the best road to your idea!

Do you accept dental insurance? What payment methods do you accept, and what are your financing options?
We accept most PPO's, are providers for most plans, and file electronically as a courtesy. Please prepare to pay your copay or deductible at your visit. Your checks, cash, and credit cards are welcome in our office. If you would like to finance your dental work, please visit CareCredit Online: www.carecredit.com. If you have questions, please call our office.

Here's the lowdown on some common dental terms:

Bonding:
A process in which tooth-colored material (usually plastic) is applied to teeth to fill in small cavities or to achieve subtle aesthetic changes.

Cap or Crown:
A tooth-shaped cap slipped over a tooth that has a number of fillings or is weakened and needs more support.

Bridge:
A device that connects the space created by a missing tooth or teeth to the natural teeth on either side. To replace a missing tooth, we place crowns on the teeth beside it so the new (fake) tooth can be properly joined to the other teeth. The entire structure is called a bridge.

Implant:
Another device used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. First, a small titanium rod is anchored to the jawbone. The bone bonds to the rod over the course of several weeks or months. Once the implant has healed, a permanent crown is installed. And no, you won't set off metal detectors.

Veneers:
Thin, tooth-colored shells (commonly made of porcelain) that are placed over the front part of the teeth, usually for cosmetic reasons. We shave a part of each natural tooth to apply veneers, so getting them is a permanent decisions. Veneers will need to be replaced at least once over the course of a lifetime.