Our | FAQs
We know you’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. Our friendly and knowledgeable team can assist you with any questions you may have.
We know you’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. Our friendly and knowledgeable team can assist you with any questions you may have.
Is fluoride safe for my overall health?
Yes! It is a naturally occurring mineral found in the ground and water. Fluoride can help to strengthen teeth and make them more resistant to cavities. It can even reverse the beginning stages of a cavity. Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter!
Are there other ways to straighten my teeth besides traditional braces?
Yes! ClearCorrect are clear trays that can be used to straighten teeth instead of traditional braces.
Do you stick that same straw in everyone’s mouth?
Absolutely not! Preventing the spread of infection and cross-contamination is an ongoing consistent duty at our office. All instruments that enter a patient’s mouth are either cleaned and heat sterilized after every patient or disposed of. If you look around each operatory you will also see many barriers in place to aid in infection control. You’ll notice our keyboards have a protective coating, plastic wraps on handles and switches. Your safety is of our utmost concern.
Why can’t I just come once a year for a cleaning? Is every 6 months necessary?
The ADA recommends regular routine dental cleanings for optimal oral health. For most individuals, this equates to every 6 months. We believe in patient-centered care and will build a maintenance plan on your personal needs. Some patients will benefit from a 3 or 4-month rotation. Regular cleanings enable us to recognize and prevent many oral health problems like cavities, gum disease, or tooth decay.
I heard the fillings put in my teeth have mercury in them. Are the dental materials used here safe?
Dental amalgam or silver fillings contain a mixture of metals such as silver, copper and tin. Mercury is used to bind these materials into a hard, stable and safe substance. Over 100 million Americans have had this safe, affordable and durable material used to restore their teeth. Throughout the past few decades, numerous studies have been conducted by multiple organizations including the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They all continually concede that the scientific evidence supports that an amalgam or silver filling is a valuable, viable and safe choice for dental patients.
Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual?
Both a manual and electric toothbrush are effective at removing plaque and bacteria IF used with proper brushing techniques and for the recommended 2 minutes. The fact is the average human does not do either of these well! Due to this, studies show that electric toothbrushes are generally more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis than manual toothbrushing. That is because electric toothbrushes do the work for you! They have 2-minute timers to ensure appropriate time is taken for good plaque removal. They aid in providing proper brushing techniques by monitoring for correct pressure, oscillating and/or vibrating brush heads to remove plaque, and assists with brush placement. They are an investment in your oral health that is worth considering.
How do I get a brighter whiter smile?
There are many over the counter ways to brighten your teeth, but the most effective options are done by professionals. We offer Zoom teeth whitening and custom tray whitening. Learn more about these teeth whitening options.
Do you really need to “scrape” my teeth? Why can’t we just polish?
Yes, the “scraping” you hear is removing any buildup on the teeth such as plaque and/or hardened plaque known as calculus (tartar). Calculus is so hard it cannot be removed by toothbrushing and flossing alone. Removing this buildup of bacteria at an early stage can prevent cavities and periodontal disease.
When should I start bringing my child to see the dentist?
Kids should start seeing the dentist around their first birthday. Is your baby going to get a deep cleaning with all the same tools used at your appointment? No, probably not. We will let your child sit in the dental chair, lean back, show and tell with instruments, examine mouth and brush their teeth if they are comfortable. This positive experience will lay the groundwork for successful future appointments and start teaching good oral health practices to prevent cavities in kids.