Frequently Ask Questions

We recommend a soft bristled brush for the optimal health of your gums. We also suggest a small headed brush to get around each tooth more thoroughly.

Yes, it is important to floss daily because flossing removes plaque between teeth where it is hard for a toothbrush to reach. A major contributing factor to gum disease is caused by not flossing.

For optimal oral health, we recommend that you find a dentist get a dental cleaning and exam every six months. An oral exam consists of examining your teeth, removing plaque, potentially taking x-rays, along with a deep tooth cleaning and polish.

Unfortunately, most people that have gum disease are unaware of it. Because gum disease is painless as it begins, it is crucial to schedule regular dental exams. Symptoms of gum disease include consistent bad breath, receding gums, red or bleeding gums, new spaces between teeth, and loose teeth. If you have a concern about gum disease we recommend you make an appointment at our dentist clinic.

There are many products and methods available to whiten teeth. However, we recommend professional teeth whitening as the best way to improve your smile. Contact our dentist clinic today, to find out more information about teeth whitening and if it is right for you.

Silver amalgam fillings eventually need to be replaced. The average life span of a silver filling varies due its leakage, breakdown or recurrent decay. During your scheduled appointment with us, we can tell you when they need to be replaced. Replacing your fillings with white filling materials, porcelain inlays, or crowns and veneers can give you the beautiful, long lasting smile you are seeking.

Please make sure that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment so that you can provide us with the necessary paperwork and insurance information. To save time, you can also print the Intake Forms located on our forms page, and bring them filled out to your appointment.

We do set aside certain times during the day for emergency dentist visits. However, if you are having an emergency, please dial 911.

We require 48 hours notice to cancel all appointments. Please be sure to contact us if you will not be able to make your scheduled appointment in order to avoid being charged for the visit.

Many people worry about going to the dentist. You may be very nervous and may actually feel sick to your stomach. Some people become so nervous that they just don’t go to the dentist. However, this can lead to serious problems, including infected gums and teeth, difficulty chewing, and lack of self-confidence because of bad teeth or bad breath.

To help get over being nervous about the dentist, it is helpful to first understand why you may be nervous. Reasons include:

• Having had a painful or bad experience at the dentist, including insensitive comments made during your visit. The smell of the office or seeing or hearing the dental tools (such as the sound of a drill) may bring this back.
• Feeling helpless or out of control. Being confined to the chair and not being able to speak and communicate may cause this. The precautions your dentist takes, such as wearing a mask and gloves, may add to this feeling.
• Being embarrassed about the condition of your teeth.
• Hearing about others’ bad experiences at the dentist or being influenced by how TV, newspapers, or magazines portray them.
• A fear of the unknown, including the procedures your dentist uses.

To help feel less nervous about a dental visit, try the following:

• Talk about your fears. Tell your dentist that you are nervous, and try to explain why. This way your dentist can do everything possible to put you at ease.
• Ask your dentist about what is going to happen and why. If you understand the steps of getting a filling, for example, you may feel less nervous about it. Ask your dentist to tell you when he or she is moving from one step in a procedure to another step.
• Make your dental visit at a time when you are not rushed or under pressure. An early morning, late afternoon, or Saturday may be the best time, as you may not have to worry about missing school or work.
• If the sound of a drill bothers you, ask your dentist if he or she has music and headphones. If not, bring your own audio player and headphones.
• Agree on hand signals to communicate pain, discomfort, or that you need a break.
• Use relaxation techniques. As you sit in the chair, try deep breathing or thinking about a favorite activity or place.
• Don’t be afraid to switch dentists. If you talk to your dentist and feel that he or she is not listening or not making an effort to help you feel at ease, try another dentist. Tell your friends about your fears, and ask them about their dentists.