How often should I see a dentist?
The American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year.
What should I expect during my visit?
One of our staff members will compile your medical and dental history during your first visit. We will then examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, take digital X-rays of your teeth as needed and complete a TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint) exam. After we review your dental profile, we will discuss a diagnosis with you. If treatment such as a root canal (endodontics), braces (orthodontics) or oral surgery is needed, we will plan to treat you in our office or refer you to a specialist. We will discuss your options for treatment and fee payment and help you determine the best plan to fit your needs.
During regular follow-up visits, we will examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, clean your teeth and make plans for treatment, as needed. We will discuss any pain or problems you may be experiencing and answer any questions you may have.
What does “painless dentistry” mean?
Painless dentistry is a means of ensuring your total experience in our office is as stress-free and pain-free as possible. We will discuss treatment options that may require no local anesthetic and whenever possible, alleviate pain by the means most comfortable to you.
What if I have an emergency?
Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. We will be glad to work you in to our schedule if you have a dental emergency during regular business hours. After hours, over the weekend and during holidays, Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. We will be glad to work you into our schedule if you have a dental emergency during regular business hours. After hours, over the weekend and during holidays, please call our office and our 24-hour answering service will contact the dentist on call.
Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
Yes. We accept may types of dental insurance and will process your claim. We offer a three-month payment plan and also accept most major credit card, including MasterCard, Visa and Discover. Also, we offer in-house financing programs and Care Credit. For large extensive treatment plans we can arrange a payment schedule that meets your financial needs. We ask that you make an appointment with or call our financial coordinator. She will be happy to work with you and together arrive at a plan that is mutually agreeable.
Can the dentist whiten my teeth?
There are several methods available for whitening the teeth: in office, overnight or daily. Boost whitening is done in our office. One session generally lasts 1 1/2 to 2 hours. For overnight whitening, we make an impression of your teeth and create a custom tray that fits your teeth. Each day you fill the tray with a small amount of whitening gel and wear it overnight or for a few hours during the day. The overnight whitening process takes approximately two weeks.
Other over-the-counter daily whitening products are available, but it is important to use any whitening product only under the supervision of a dentist. To achieve the whitening results you desire, the ADA recommends that you seek the professional advice of a dentist, including examination and diagnosis of the cause of the tooth discoloration, before you begin any whitening program.
