A. The American Dental Association recommends a minimum of two visits per year for a cleaning, checkup, yearly x-rays, and an exam by the doctor.
A. One of our staff members will compile and review your medical and dental history at the start of your visit. We will talk about any pain or problems that you may be experiencing, and answer any questions you may have. We will then examine your teeth and gums, screen for oral cancer, take x-rays of your teeth if needed and do a complete TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint) exam. After a thorough cleaning takes place, we will discuss a diagnosis with you if needed. If specialized treatment is needed such as endodontia (root canal), orthodontia (braces) or oral surgery (complicated extractions, etc) we will refer you to a specialist. We will discuss your options for treatment and help you determine the best treatment plan to fit your needs.
A. 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.
A.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 during regular business hours. After hours, evenings, weekends and holidays, please call our office for the doctor's emergency contact number.
A. We accept MasterCard, Visa, check or cash.
A. Yes! There are basically two whitening systems available. There is the in-office method and the at-home method.
In-office whitening involves one or two visits to the office. Whitening is achieved in a short period of time by applying a highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel to the surfaces of the teeth. The gel takes approximately twenty minutes to bleach the teeth and may be repeated one or two more times. While a one-time method is the most convenient, the high concentration of whitening agent has a high incidence of tooth sensitivity.
The at-home method consists of daily applications to the teeth of a whitening agent such as Crest White-strip products or the application of a whitening gel with the use of a custom made mouth guard-type tray. The at-home methods use a lower concentration of whitening agent and therefore cause very little, if any, sensitivity. We offer Professional Strength Whitestrips and custom made whitening trays. At-home whitening consists of wearing the Whitestrips or trays for two hours each day. The entire process takes about one week.
To achieve the whitening results you desire, it is important to do so under the supervision of your dentist. This includes an examination and diagnosis of the cause of tooth discoloration. Some causes are irreversible.
A. In most cases yes - Bonding is a procedure in which a composite resin filling material is applied to fill areas that are discolored, chipped or unevenly spaced. Alternatively, Porcelain veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually and permanently attached to the fronts of your existing teeth. Both Bonding and Veneers are color matched to the rest of your teeth.
Q. How often should I see a dentist?