Have questions about dental hygiene and care?

Please plan at least 1 hour for your first visit. The length may vary depending on your specific needs.

Each of our offices makes every accommodation possible for patients with disabilities. Please call the specific office you would like to visit for specific accessibility information.

Generally speaking, adults and children should visit the dentist every six months for an exam and cleaning. Certain patients may require more frequent visits to maintain optimal oral health. Visiting the dentist "only when it hurts" may cause more extensive and expensive dental care.

Yes, it is important to continue to have dental checkups every six months if you have braces. Food may be caught in places your toothbrush cannot reach, and this will cause bacteria to build up. This can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease.

A dentist should treat a serious injury like a knocked-out tooth. Carefully rinse the tooth to remove any dirt and place the clean tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum or under your tongue. If you cannot do so, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth and immerse it in milk. Successful re-implantation can be possible if the treatment is performed promptly, so get to your dentist as soon as possible.

Our dentists will take your health history, complete an exam, and create a personalized treatment plan just for you. X-rays will be taken, and the doctor will examine your entire mouth to evaluate your overall oral health. Your treatment plan will make recommendations for your long-term health as well as plans to fix any immediate problems.

It is important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss as well!

Replace your toothbrush every three months. It is recommended that patients with periodontal disease replace their toothbrushes every four to six weeks. If you have been sick, be sure to replace your toothbrush as soon as possible. It is recommended to read the instructions for replacement guides for electric toothbrushes as they may need to be replaced more frequently.

Sealants are a thin plastic coating painted on chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. They act as a barrier, protecting your teeth against decay-causing bacteria. The sealant bonds to the grooves in your teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth. Sealants have proven effective at preventing cavities in adults as well as children but are most commonly used on children. Ask your dentist whether sealants are a good choice for your family.

Flossing reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth. There are millions of these microscopic creatures feeding on food particles left on your teeth. These bacteria live in plaque which can be removed by flossing. Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing gets rid of the bacteria the toothbrush can't get to. That's the bacteria hiding in the tiny spaces between your teeth. If you do not floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth, and eventually, it may harden into calculus/tartar. Plaque can be removed by brushing. Only the dentist or dental hygienist can remove calculus/tartar. Ask your dental professional to show you the proper way to floss. You will both notice the difference at the next cleaning appointment.

A dentist uses a filling to fill a cavity. First, all tooth decay is removed, and then a synthetic material is used to fill the hole. A filling can be made from a variety of different materials, including composites, gold, or ceramic, and can be made to match the color of your teeth.

A cavity is a small hole on the surface of your tooth caused by tooth decay. Cavities form when plaque builds up on your tooth and combines with sugar from the foods you eat, creating an acid that eats 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 brushing and flossing regularly.

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when the dentist examines the mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal: small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings), infections in the bone, periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses or cysts, developmental abnormalities, and some types of tumors. Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money, and often unnecessary discomfort. X-rays can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumor, X-rays may even help save your life. Your dentist will evaluate your need for X-rays based on your conditions and dental history. There are many benefits to having X-rays taken. Any additional questions or concerns should be discussed with your dentist.

A Dental Emergency is any problem related to the teeth, gums or tongue which causes extreme discomfort, severe pain or bleeding.