Common Dental Questions
1. Can I fill out the new patient forms prior to my first appointment?
Yes, you can. Just download, print, and fill out the forms found on the New Patient Forms page. You can mail them or bring them with you on your first visit.
2. Do you accept dental insurance or discount plans?
Check out our Office Policies page for more details.
3. What do I do if a dental emergency occurs?
If a dental emergency occurs, get in touch with us even if it’s after office hours. If we are closed, there will be a message with instructions on what to do and who to contact.
4. Can I have my appointment rescheduled?
If you wish to reschedule your appointment, please give us at least a 48-hour notice. If possible, kindly avoid last-minute cancellations.
1. What is the best way to care for my teeth and gums?
Cleaning your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash is important to reduce the risk of cavities. Be sure to reach all the surfaces of your teeth. Flossing is also essential to clean between your teeth. A healthy, balanced diet and regular dental visits can also do wonders.
2. Do I have gingivitis or gum disease?
There are so many people walking around with gum disease and they are not even aware of it. Since periodontal disease is painless, it can start off without any clear symptoms. Regular dental visits and exams are important to detect and prevent periodontal disease.
Here is a list of gum disease symptoms:
a. Bleeding while brushing your teeth
b. Red or swollen gums
c. Receding gums
d. Stubborn bad breath
e. Pus between the gums and teeth
f. Shifting or loose teeth
g. A change in how your teeth or partial dentures fit together
3. How often should I go to the dentist?
It depends on your oral health. We recommend regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings every 6 months or twice a year. However, everyone’s situation is different. Some may require more frequent visits in order to maintain good oral health. After a thorough dental exam, we’ll discuss with you your oral health problems and treatment options.
4. Is daily flossing important?
Yes, it is. Regular flossing helps clear away food particles stuck between the teeth that could cause cavities and gum disease.
5. What is causing bad breath?
Halitosis or bad breath can be caused by many factors, including poor oral hygiene, lifestyle, or certain medical conditions.
When eating, particles of food get stuck between the teeth and gums. If not removed, they collect bacteria that cause bad breath. What you eat and drink can contribute to an unpleasant mouth odor. Tobacco products and a dry mouth can also affect your breath.
Many medical conditions like respiratory tract infection, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, and liver or kidney ailments can also lead to halitosis.
6. What is a dry mouth?
A dry mouth occurs when one does not produce enough saliva. It can damage your teeth if left untreated. There are a lot of medications that can lead to dry mouth symptoms.
7. What causes dull or discolored teeth?
Staining, aging, or chemical damage can cause tooth discoloration. Smoking and drinking caffeine can result in tooth stain.
8. What triggers sensitive teeth?
Tooth sensitivity is a brief, shock-like pain that most people experience. It is typically caused by dentin exposure due to improper brushing, tooth decay, gum recession, or plaque buildup. Your diet and the temperature can also trigger discomfort.
1. Do you offer tooth whitening/bleaching services?
If you are in pursuit of a brighter smile, tooth whitening is the way to go. It is a simple and painless procedure that can help you look your best. During your visit, we will take an impression of your teeth and customize a tray you can use at home. Just put the whitening gel in the tray and wear the bleaching trays for about an hour, once or twice a day. Note that tooth whitening sensitivity can occur, so we suggest using sensitivity toothpaste one week before starting the whitening process.
2. How can jagged teeth be fixed?
The simplest form of treatment requires shaping or contouring the teeth for a more proportional appearance. A sanding disc is used to achieve natural-looking teeth.
3. How often should digital x-rays be done?
If you are a new patient, a full set of digital x-rays is taken for us to identify and diagnose oral health concerns. If a full set has been taken at another dental clinic within the last year, we ask that the results be transferred to us. Depending on your oral health, you may only need x-rays once a year. We may need more x-rays depending on your treatment.
4. Are dental sealants necessary?
Dental sealants are important to reduce the risk of tooth decay. This preventive dentistry treatment is easy to apply and lasts for many years. A polymer resin is applied to the tooth surface, effectively sealing the pits and grooves and preventing tooth decay.
5. What are my options if I am missing a tooth?
Depending on your oral situation, we can install a bridge or a dental implant. A bridge is a false tooth that is held in place by the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, while a dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to support the artificial tooth.
