Q. How often should I see a dentist?

A. The American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning. People with specific dental needs should be seen more frequently.

Q. What should I expect during my first appointment?

A. If you are coming for a regular check-up, one of our friendly team members will start by reviewing your medical and dental history during your first visit. Then the hygienist will examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, take x-rays, clean your teeth, then the dentist will do an exam. If additional treatment is needed, the doctor will explain the diagnosis with you and take the time to answer all your questions. We will discuss all your options for treatment and help you determine the best plan to fit your needs.If you are having a toothache or having other problems, we will review your medical and dental history. We will take an x-ray of the tooth that is bothering you. During the exam the doctor will discuss any problems you may be experiencing, then explain the treatment that is necessary.

Q. What if I have an emergency?

A. 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 for the doctor’s emergency contact number.

Q. Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?

A. Yes. We accept many types of dental insurance and will process your claim for you upon receipt of your co-payment. We offer our payment plans through Care Credit, which offers payment plans with little or no interest. We also accept most major credit cards.

Q. Can the dentist whiten my teeth?

A. There are several methods available for bleaching the teeth: in-office, overnight or daily. One session of in-office bleaching generally lasts one and a half to two hours, and you can read or relax during the treatment. For overnight bleaching, we make an impression of your teeth and create a mouthguard that fits your bite. Each day you fill the mouthguard with a small amount of bleaching gel and wear it overnight or for a few hours during the day. The overnight bleaching process takes approximately two weeks.Other over-the-counter daily bleaching products are available, but it is important to use any bleaching 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 tooth discoloration, before you begin any bleaching program. Regardless of which whitening method you use, a periodic touch-up will be required to keep your teeth at their whitest.

Q. What if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth or teeth that do not respond to normal bleaching methods?

A. We have many different procedures that can help these problems. Porcelain veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually and permanently adhered to the fronts of your existing teeth. Veneers can be positioned to close gaps. Bonding utilizes a composite material made of plastic to fill in areas of your teeth and correct chipping and shape problems. Both porcelain veneers and bonding are color-matched to the rest of your teeth.