FAQ

You should schedule your child’s first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, which usually happens between 12 and 18 months of age.

Children are most responsive when they’re well rested. Morning appointments create the best opportunity for a fun, positive dental experience.

Did you know that tooth decay is transferable from primary teeth to permanent teeth? By placing fillings in baby teeth, we eliminate the potential for decay to spread to permanent teeth. We don’t recommend pulling baby teeth, either. You see, primary teeth are natural space maintainers, so early extraction can cause other teeth to shift out of place. To correct misalignment, the child may need orthodontic therapy later in life. Repairing decay in baby teeth is a conservative and preventive measure that we strongly recommend.

Dental implants are an excellent alternative to dentures or bridges. The procedure involves a small titanium post surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once the post fuses naturally to bone tissue, we attach a permanent crown. Handcrafted to match existing dentition, the crown blends seamlessly with the patient’s smile. Dental implants not only improve appearance, they also allow patients normal oral function to speak and eat with ease.

Periodontal disease, known to most as gum disease, is an infection of the gums caused by plaque and bacteria at the gum line. Plaque hardens into tartar which irritates gums, and bacteria and food particles promote infection. The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis, characterized by swollen, red, and bleeding gums. Symptoms could also include a foul taste or bad breath. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, which destroys the gums and bone, leading to tooth loss. Research links gum disease to heart attack, stroke and complications with pregnancy and diabetes. Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to your dentist can help prevent periodontal disease.

Periolase is a soft tissue laser designed for periodontal therapy. It offers an alternative to surgical treatment for gum disease. With a laser beam approximately the width of two human hairs, the Periolase works between the gums and teeth to remove unhealthy matter that causes periodontitis. Because the laser seals the blood vessels and nerve endings when removing damaged tissue, no stitches are required and recovery time is minimal, if not immediate. Periolase treatment takes about one quarter of the time of traditional surgery and patients can resume day-to-day activities right after the procedure.

Interceptive orthodontics guides jaw growth and development in children to correct overbites, underbites or crossbites. It can also create room for permanent teeth to erupt. Interceptive orthodontics can prevent the need for surgical correction, orthodontic therapy, or extractions in the future.

Yes, we accept insurance toward your balance. We do not participate with any particular plan, but we will file your claim electronically and estimate your out-of-pocket expense. Whether you have purchased dental insurance on your own or your employer has provided it for you, you are fortunate to have it and we will go the extra mile to help you maximize the benefits provided by your specific plan. If you wish, we will also be glad to help you file your insurance forms, which will save you considerable time and trouble. Your insurance company will reimburse you or our office for the expenses they agree to pay. The insurance company usually only pays a percentage of the fee and this varies from plan to plan. Your dental insurance is not designed to pay the entire cost of your treatment but is intended to help cover a certain portion of the cost. A better term for dental insurance may be “dental assistance”.