Dental FAQs

What is a general dentist?

A general dentist is a specialist who works to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Your dentist has completed at least eight years of schooling, and received a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. General dentists have a comprehensive education that gives them experience in all speciality areas of dentistry. Other specific areas of specializations include:

  • Endodontics (root canals)
  • Oral and maxillofacial (including pathology, radiology, and surgery)
  • Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
  • Periodontics (gum disease)
  • Prosthodontics (implants)

Why is visiting the dentist so important?

Visiting the dentist regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Dental care is important because it:

  • Catching problems early. Cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer often don't cause pain until they've progressed significantly. Dentists can spot these issues early, when treatment is simpler and cheaper, rather than waiting until you're in pain and facing more invasive (and expensive) procedures like root canals or extractions.

    Professional cleaning. Even with good brushing and flossing habits, plaque hardens into tartar over time, which you can't remove yourself, especially deep in the gums around tooth roots. Only professional cleaning tools can get rid of it, and left unchecked, tartar buildup leads to gum disease.

    Gum health. Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and it often develops silently. It's also been linked to broader health issues. Research now connects gum disease to heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions, likely because chronic inflammation in the mouth doesn't stay contained to the mouth.

    X-rays and hidden issues. Some problems, such as decay between teeth, issues below the gumline, impacted wisdom teeth, and bone loss, aren't visible to the naked eye at all. Regular X-rays catch these before they become serious.

    Preventing costly damage. Prevention is almost always cheaper and less painful than treatment. A $100 cleaning now can prevent a $1,500 root canal later.

    Prevents bad breath – brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly will help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath.

           Gives you a more attractive smile and increases your self-confidence.

           Helps keep teeth looking bright by preventing them from becoming                         stained by food, drinks, and tobacco.

My teeth feel fine. Do I still need to see a dentist?

Your teeth may feel fine, but it's still important to see the dentist regularly because problems can exist without you knowing. Your smile's appearance is important, and your dentist can help keep your smile healthy and looking beautiful. With so many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Today's dentists offer many treatment choices that can help you smile with confidence, including:

  • Professional teeth whitening
  • Fillings that mimic the appearance of natural teeth
  • Tooth replacement and full smile makeovers

What should I look for when choosing the right dentist for me?

Choosing a dentist who “clicks” with you and your family is important, and you may wish to consider several dentists before making your final decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine whether the dentist is right for you. During your appointment, consider the following:

  • Credentials, Reputation and Experience

Confirm they are licensed and in good standing (you can usually verify this through your state dental board's website)

Look for how long they have been practicing and whether they have experience with any specific issues you have (implants, orthodontics, anxiety friendly care, etc.)

How is their reputation? These days Google reviews tend to be a good indicator of patient satisfaction

  • Location and Logistics

Reasonably close to home or work, since you will be going at least twice a year

Hours that fit your schedule (some offices offer early morning slots)

Insurance: check how well your dental insurance will work with them. Some policies are strict about whether a doctor is in or out of network, while others are relaxed.

  • Office feel

Read reviews, but pay attention to patterns rather than one off complaints (comments about rushed appointments, billing surprises, or how staff treat anxious patients are worth noting)

A consultation or first visit can tell you a lot. Is the space clean, is the staff friendly, do they explain things clearly rather than rushing through your appointment

  • Communication style

A good dentist explains what they are doing and why, walks you through treatment options and costs before proceeding, and does not pressure you into unnecessary procedures

If you have dental anxiety, ask upfront how they handle nervous patients. This matters more than people expect

  • Technology and services

Digital x-rays (lower radiation) should be preferred for lower radiation and superior quality diagnostics

Does the office you are considering offer same day crown and bridge rather than waiting weeks for a lab to produce them?

AI services are readily available in dentistry for further evaluating digital images. Do the offices you are considering utilize these?

  • Practical test

Book a routine cleaning as a trial run before committing long term. It is a low stakes way to see if the fit feels right before you need anything more involved.

If cost is a big factor, it is also worth asking about payment plans or whether they accept CareCredit, Cherry or Sinbit, since many offices do. Some offices will also allow for short term arrangements (payments over 90 days)

Is information about cost presented to you before treatment is scheduled?

How can I take care of my teeth between dental checkups?

  • ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss at least once!
  • Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities.
  • Avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities) and avoid tobacco (this can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and eventually lead to oral cancer).
  • Don't be afraid to brush your tongue! By brushing your tongue, you will remove food particles and reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria. Tongue brushing also helps keep your breath fresh.
  • Be sure to schedule your routine checkup. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months.

At what age should I start taking my child to see the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six months of age and no later than one year of age. During this time, your child's baby teeth will be coming in and your dentist can examine the health of your child's first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months. Starting them early also encourages comfort and reduced anxiety for small children. A ride in the chair, meeting new people and counting their teeth, followed by a visit to our stellar prize cabinets makes some children wonderful patients later in life.

How often should I see the dentist?

Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. Your doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.

What is a cavity?

A cavity is a small hole that forms inside the tooth because of tooth decay. Cavities are formed when plaque buildup on the outside of the tooth combines with sugars and starches in the food you eat. This produces an acid that can eat away the enamel on your tooth. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems. Cavities can be prevented by remembering to brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss between teeth at least once.

What is a filling?

Fillings these days are made of a synthetic material known as resin composite, that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after all of the tooth decay has been removed. Fillings do not generally hurt because your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. While resin composite is the most common filling type now fillings can be made from a variety of different materials, including gold, or ceramic. If you need a filling, be sure to talk to your doctor about what type is best for you and your teeth.

When should I change my toothbrush?

Your toothbrush will eventually wear out, especially if you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time. Your dentist recommends that adults and children change their toothbrush every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to read the directions because you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently. Patients with gum disease are encouraged to change their toothbrush every four to six weeks to keep any bacteria from spreading. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If you've been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible. If the brush is under three months old a simple trick to clean it is run it through the dishwasher with other utensils.

What is gum disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, and, if detected, is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease:

  • Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Loose teeth, or loss of teeth
  • Extreme tooth sensitivity
  • Receding gum line
  • Abscessed teeth

If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?

Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

How do I schedule my next checkup?

Simply call or text our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.