At what age do children start to see a dentist?

It is usually recommended for the child’s first visit to be between 2 and 3 years of age. This visit is to help your child to become acquainted with our office and develop a relationship with the doctor and staff. At this visit we also have a chance to help educate parents to properly care for their child’s teeth.

I’m interested in changing the shape of my teeth. What options are available?

Several options are available to change the shape of teeth. This may be to make teeth look longer, close spaces between teeth or repair chipped or cracked teeth.Among the options are bonding, crowns, veneers and recontouring.

What is the best way to get my teeth whiter?

In our office we offer thorough teeth cleanings, prescription whitening strips and take-home whitening tray kits with different whitening gel strengths.

What causes cavities?

Your mouth is a busy place. Having bacteria in your mouth is a normal thing. Certain bacteria can attach themselves to hard surfaces, like the enamel that covers your teeth. When refined carbohydrates or sugars are ingested, these bacteria use the sugar and convert it to acid that dissolves tooth enamel. The acid attack starts immediately after consuming sugars and lasts for 20-30 minutes.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease (gingivitis) or periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss today. Gum disease is caused by plaque. If plaque is not removed effectively on a daily basis it will form calculus, which is the breeding ground for the germs which cause periodontal disease.

Is it safe to have silver (amalgam) fillings, or should I have them replaced with composites?

Amalgam fillings are safe. A great deal of research has examined these fillings and has found them to be effective and long-lasting. We do aesthetic composite restorations very often in our practice, but in certain instances we find that amalgams are a better option, depending on the specific circumstances.

How often should I get to my dentist for a check-up?

Your dentist is trained to detect and treat many problems before you are even aware of them. The goal is prevention - prevent disease, decay and tooth loss. It all comes back to teamwork. Only your dentist and hygienist can determine how often to make a visit, but for most people twice a year is sufficient.

Which is better, a manual toothbrush or an electric or ultrasonic toothbrush?

Research shows that both powered and manual toothbrushes are equally effective when used properly. The best way to be sure that you are caring for your teeth properly is to discuss your homecare and needs with your dentist or hygienist.

What type of insurance plans do you accept?

Our office staff is very well versed in insurance matters. Although we participate in a limited number of insurance plans, we will be happy to look into what plan that you may have for dental benefits. Our staff will look into all pertinent details for you, so that your insurance questions will be answered adequately.

How safe are dental x-rays?

Exposure to all sources of radiation- including the sun, minerals in the soil, appliances in your home and dental x-rays can damage the body’s tissues and cells. Fortunately, the dosage of x-ray radiation received by a dental patient is typically extremely small. At our practice we only take necessary dental films and we use digital x-rays which significantly reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional x-rays.

Do you offer nitrous oxide in your office?

We do offer nitrous oxide analgesia (laughing gas) to our apprehensive patients. In most cases, local anesthesia is still necessary prior to dental treatment but is much easier to administer after nitrous oxide is used.

Do you have evening office hours?

Due to patients' busy schedules, we are happy to offer early evening hours for our patients on both Tuesday and Wednesday.