FAQs

Flossing helps clean away the plaque that builds up inbetween your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. It also removes the plaque just below your gums, which if left in your mouth can cause gum disease. There are many great ways to floss, including regular string floss, floss handles and water flossers. You can choose which works best for you! Removing the plaque from inbetween your teeth prevents cavities and gum disease from forming in those areas.

Tips to prevent cavities:

• Brush for 2 minutes 2 times each day
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush the whole surface of the tooth and the gumline too
• Floss at least once a day
• Minimize sugar consumption 
• If you cannot brush after every meal, then rinsing your mouth with water 
• Do not skip your regular dental visits!

Your pearly white teeth might get discolored over time due to the wearing down of enamel. This wearing down lets dentin, a yellow color substance that helps in making the core of our teeth, starts showing through. That is why the teeth have a yellowish tint.

Oral piercings can end up causing potential issues like:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Infection
• Drooling
• Taste loss
• Scarring
• Chipped teeth
• Tooth loss
• The increased flow of saliva
• Excessive bleeding

You can prevent having bad breath by following the steps below:

• Brushing at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing daily to remove food debris and plaque stuck between the teeth and under the gumline
• Visiting your dentist regularly for a routine dental checkup
• Quit smoking/chewing tobacco 
• Drinking plenty of water
• Using antiseptic mouthwash/rinses 

Smokeless tobacco might sound like a better alternative to traditional tobacco, but it causes harm as well. It can cause issues like:

• Sores that do not heal 
• Lumps or white patches
• Sore throat
• Difficulty while chewing
• Restricted movement of the tongue or jaw

It is recommended to visit your dentist for regular dental exams at least twice a year, or as recommended by your dentist, to keep your teeth and gums healthy. During your dental visit, the hygienist will remove any plaque and tartar buildup from your mouth and update any needed xrays. The dentist will then examine your whole mouth for any signs of cavities, broken teeth, gum disease or any other oral diseases and discuss with you the dental treatment recommended if any oral issues are diagnosed.

Sweets are bad for your teeth because the sugar in them can affect your oral health. When the bacteria in your mouth breaks down the sugar into acids it can dissolve your tooth enamel; it might result in tooth decay and gum disease.

Biting ice is equally bad as they cause microfractures, thus, leading to cracking of the tooth.

A crown is typically recommended:

• After a root canal procedure to protect to the tooth
• When there is a large cavity that cannot be restored with a filling 
• To restore a broken or fractured tooth
• To cover a misshapen or stained tooth
• To protect and cover a tooth with a large, breaking down filling 

Sensitivity is quite normal after getting a filling and typically resolves within a few days or weeks. If the cavity that was treated with a filling was large and near the nerve inside the tooth you may experience sensitivity. If you experience persisting pain, discomfort, and other symptoms like redness, swelling, or fever, call your dentist right away.

To minimize tooth sensitivity:

• Brush gently with a soft bristled brush or an electric toothbrush
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks
• Consume fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, Cheese, Milk, and Plain yogurt
• Unclench your teeth by using mouthguards
• Take a break from tooth whitening
• Use fluoride toothpaste or toothpaste specifically designed to help with sensitivity
• Visit your dentist before the problem worsens

The WaterPik is a really helpful tool for getting below the gums. However, flossing with string floss is still the best way to physically remove plaque from in between teeth.

Any toothpaste with fluoride helps prevent decay and strengthens your enamel. We would recommend avoiding abrasive toothpastes.

If you are experiencing discomfort or extreme sensitivity you should contact the office ASAP for an emergency appointment. If you are not experiencing those symptoms, you may contact the office and schedule a non urgent appointment.

If the cold sore is active or blistering, especially around the mouth, we may need to reschedule certain procedures to avoid irritation, spreading the virus, or discomfort during treatment.

Tooth sensitivity can happen for several reasons, including enamel wear, exposed roots from gum recession, cavities, cracked teeth, or teeth grinding. An exam can help identify the cause and determine the best treatment, which may include sensitivity toothpaste, fluoride treatment, or other dental care recommendations.

No. We are an independent, non-contracted provider. Many insurance plans place limits on materials, procedures and frequencies of treatment. Because we’re not tied to an insurance company’s contract, our recommendations are based solely on what’s best for your health instead of what’s covered or denied. Even though we’re not in‑network, most patients still receive reimbursement from their insurance. We’re happy to submit claims on your behalf, help you maximize your benefits and explain costs ahead of time.

Yes, we do offer payment plans. We provide interest‑free financing for eligible treatment plans through CareCredit and Cherry. CareCredit and Cherry allow you to break treatment costs into manageable monthly payments, often with promotional interest‑free options, quick and easy approval, and no upfront payment required. It’s widely accepted for healthcare expenses, including dental treatment. Please give us a call for more details.

Great question. This is a question we appreciate our patients asking at least one week in advance so that we may contact your insurance and find that information for you. That way, we will have a copay estimate ready for you at your appointment time.

It depends on what health condition you are taking premedication for. For a joint replacement, we typically recommend that your orthopedic surgeon maintain your prescription. There are other health conditions that we may recommend premedication for and call in that prescription for you. A thorough health history review at our office will help us determine what your specific needs are.

Your cleaning intervals are determined based on the health of your gums and bone loss present and our goal is to help you maintain your teeth in good health. When there is an absence of infection and inflammation, the intervals between cleaning appointments will be longer.

Ideally, a soft bristled toothbrush. A regular toothbrush can work well if you do not have any dexterity issues. If you have difficulty rotating your wrist or have a lot of plaque, an electric toothbrush, such as an Oral-B or Sonicare, may work best for you.

HPV is Human Papilloma Virus, which is the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer. It is one question that the screening form uses to determine your cancer risk assessment.