General Dentistry
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How often should I visit the dentist?
Most often insurance companies will say that a patient can see their dentist twice a year. However, for most people, that may not work. While you definitely should see the dentist at least twice a year, sometimes you need to see the dentist more. Your dentist should base this answer on what your individual needs are. But at least, visit your dentist twice a year.
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What can I do to improve my oral hygiene?
Always go back to the basics which come down to brushing and flossing. An electric toothbrush is more efficient than a manual one. A waterpik is quite useful if you have a hard time flossing but make sure this is supplemental and does not replace flossing. A mouthrinse with fluoride but NO alcohol or whitening is also a good adjunct to add to your oral hygiene routine. Sometimes, there are prescription products that we will recommend as well to keep your oral health at the top of its game.
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Are my dental symptoms normal?
Some symptoms are normal and some are not. If ever a question, do not hesitate to give us a call or text so we can help you sort out the normal from the not so normal.
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What is causing my toothache?
Toothaches can be caused from a number of things. Sometimes it is from a cavity. Sometimes it is from an infection. Other times it can be due to a problem with your gums or a fracture on the tooth or crown. When in doubt, give us a call and we will do an exam to see what is going on.
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Do I need dental X-rays?
Yes! Even Superman needed to use his xray vision. There is only so much we can see without x rays. When we take x-rays, we are looking to see how your joints are, how your bone is, is there any infection, oral cancer screening, etc. We have digital x-rays at our office which have a very limited amount of radiation because safety is always our priority. We recommend all new patients get these xrays so we can provide a comprehensive exam. After that, your xrays are normally only done every year.
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How can I prevent cavities?
One of the biggest things you can do is to make sure you are seeing your dentist at least twice a month. This is essential to prevention. Fluoride with your cleanings is also a great option to do. At home, you should be brushing twice a day, flossing twice a day, and using a mouthrinse. Some people have more aggressive bacteria or a more carb based lifestyle in which case sometimes prescription products are needed.
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Is teeth whitening safe and effective?
Yes…but when done properly! Our team takes great care in making sure we whiten safely and effectively. Our in office Zoom Whitening includes gum isolation and teeth desensitizer so that not only do you get results but you get them comfortably and safely!
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What are my options for replacing missing teeth?
There are several options. One of the best options we have in dentistry is implants. But not everyone can be a candidate for implants. Therefore, patients also have options of dental bridges and dentures as well. A consultation with us will allow us to see what options are best for you!
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How can I manage dental anxiety?
We get dental treatment can be stressful. We are here to alleviate that stress. We offer laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and conscious sedation options because we are Level 1 certified.
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What is the best toothbrush/toothpaste for me?
Usually, a toothpaste with fluoride is helpful to help lower your risk of cavities. We also recommend not having a whitening component in the toothpaste because these ingredients can be abrasive. For toothbrushes, electric is more efficient than a manual one but as long as you are brushing properly, both get the job done. As for the bristles, always go with soft or extra soft because otherwise the bristles can be too abrasive which can lead to gum recession and sensitivity.
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Can you explain the details of my treatment plan?
Of course! That is one of the main things we do in our examinations/consultations After we conduct our radiographs can visual exam, we will come up with a treatment plan. Then we will discuss that plan with you so we can modify it to your wants and needs. Only once there is approval from both the patient and the doctor do we move on to treatment.
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How can I address bad breath?
Sometimes bad breath comes from the tongue, in which case, a tongue scraper is very beneficial. Other times it is from the plaque and calculus that is on the teeth. A mouthrinse can help to freshen up but without having the calculus and plaque removed, the smell can persist. We recommend to make sure that you are getting your checkups and cleanings done in a timely manner so that bad breath can go away! In some cases, some patients will need a deep cleaning (scaling and root planning) to get rid of this bad breath.
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Do you accept my dental insurance?
If you have a PPO insurance, we do accept this and we will utilize your out of network benefits. We will submit all your dental claims and our insurance experts will go over any and all fees prior to the start of treatment. For those who do not have insurance, we offer an in house plan to suit your needs!
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Are there any lifestyle habits affecting my oral health?
Diet is a big part that can affect the oral health. Even some healthy foods like acidic fruits can wreak havoc on the teeth. Bad habits like nail biting can impact your oral health as well. Same goes for smoking. Our main job is to make sure your oral health is as good as we can get it!