Frequently Asked Questions

You should visit the dentist at least once a year for an exam and X‐rays even if you have no symptoms. Most of the time, there will be no discomfort with dental disease. You should see a hygienist twice a year to remove tartar and bacterial that builds up in the gums.

The dentist will review you scans and X‐rays for disease and pathology. Then they will examine your teeth and gums looking for cavities, gum disease, and evidence if oral cancers as well as signs of general health. Many components of your general health can be seen on the head and neck and in the oral cavity. The dentist can detect if you need to be seen by your physician for other ailments noticed through the excess or lack of saliva, lesions noted in the mouth, etc.

A lot of the time signs and symptoms of gum disease are not noticed until it’s progressed. The first signs of gum disease are bleeding gums, bad taste, smelly breath, staining. If it has been over a year since you’ve seen a dentist it is likely this will start to happen.

Brush and floss two times a day. Once at night to remove bacterial and food particles from your teeth to prevent decay and gum disease. Once in the morning to prevent bad breath.

Soft bristle tooth brushes to prevent brushing too hard and causing gums to recede. An electric toothbrush is best. Any toothpaste is a good start. Preferably one with fluoride to strengthen enamel. Our hygienist is the expert on recommendation of the best individual brand of toothpaste that will fit each and every patient’s needs.

Unfortunately, it is normal for gums to bleed but is the first sign of gum disease. It is a sign to see a professional. Long term bleeding of gums can lead to bone loss that hold your teeth in the mouth.

At home and in office. Both options can be discussed at your next dental visit.

A dental filling fills the hole left by decay. A dental crown is needed when there is too much tooth structure missing to support chewing. Usually if over 50% of the chewing surface of your tooth is missing you may need a crown.

Anyone can have braces. In fact, many adults choose to have braces in their later years due to affordability that wasn’t available as a youth.

Have a custom sports guard made that will fit only your teeth for protection.

Prevention is #1. The more frequent you come in the more preventable dental treatment becomes. Come in and have a consult for different options to help with anxiety. There is an option to have relief where you can drive yourself home from an appointment. There are other options that require a driver to and from your appointment.

Call our office. We try to keep openings every day for emergencies. Once you are an established patient it is easier to help relieve discomfort without a long wait.