Office Policy
Yes, you can download and print the forms from our New Patient Forms page, located under the Patient Resources section of our website. Fill them out and either mail them to us or bring them with you to your first appointment.
Details about accepted plans are listed on our Insurance page.
Call our office immediately if you have an emergency, such as a severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or significant swelling, even after regular hours. If the office is closed, a recording will provide instructions on what to do and who to contact in case of an emergency.
We understand that unexpected situations may require appointment changes. If you need to reschedule, please call our office at least 48 hours before your scheduled time. We kindly ask that you avoid last-minute cancellations whenever possible.
Oral Hygiene
Brush and floss daily to remove plaque that causes decay. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste and ensure the brush’s size allows you to reach all areas of your mouth. Clean between teeth with floss or interdental cleaners once a day. A balanced diet and regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining a healthy smile.
Since gum disease often causes little or no discomfort in its early stages, regular checkups are essential. Common signs include:
- Gums that bleed when brushing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums pulling away from teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Loose teeth or changes in bite
This depends on your oral health. Patients with healthy gums, good home care, and no significant medical concerns usually benefit from checkups twice a year. Others may require more frequent visits. After a comprehensive exam, we will recommend a personalized treatment plan.
Yes! Flossing removes plaque and food particles that toothbrushes can’t reach, helping to prevent gum disease.
Bad breath can stem from multiple factors, grouped into key categories:
- Poor oral hygiene: Food particles left in the mouth, plaque buildup, and inadequate cleaning allow bacteria to thrive, leading to unpleasant odors.
- Dietary and lifestyle choices: Consuming foods like garlic or onions, smoking, alcohol consumption, and low-carbohydrate diets can contribute to bad breath.
- Dental conditions: Cavities, gum disease, dry mouth (xerostomia), and tonsil stones (tonsilloliths) provide environments where bacteria flourish.
- Other medical conditions and medications: Respiratory infections, diabetes, certain medications that reduce saliva production, and chronic mouth breathing can exacerbate bad breath.
Addressing these causes through proper oral hygiene, regular checkups, and lifestyle adjustments is essential to reducing bad breath. Persistent issues may signal an underlying medical or dental condition requiring professional attention.
Dry mouth occurs when saliva flow is reduced, often due to medications, health conditions, dehydration, or continuous breathing through the mouth. It can cause discomfort and increase the risk of dental problems. We may recommend treatments like artificial saliva, sugar-free candies, or increased fluid intake to stimulate saliva production.
Teeth discoloration arises from a variety of factors, grouped into the following categories:
- Staining from external sources: Frequent consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, or foods like berries, soy sauce, and curry can leave surface stains. Smoking and other tobacco products also accelerate discoloration.
- Natural aging: Over time, enamel naturally wears away, exposing the yellowish dentin underneath and giving teeth a duller appearance. Genetics can also play a role in enamel color and thickness.
- Chemical or developmental factors: Exposure to certain medications (like tetracycline), excessive fluoride during childhood (fluorosis), or chemical damage can lead to internal discoloration.
- Poor oral hygiene or trauma: Insufficient brushing and flossing allow plaque and tartar to build up, contributing to discoloration. Injuries to a tooth can also cause it to darken over time.
Understanding these causes is essential for prevention. Moderating the consumption of staining foods and beverages, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining regular dental cleanings can help protect your smile. For those already experiencing discoloration, professional teeth whitening offers an effective way to restore brightness and improve your smile’s overall appearance.
Sensitive teeth occur when the underlying dentin becomes exposed, which may result from a single cause or a combination of factors:
- Gum health issues: Gum recession or gum disease can expose the roots of teeth, making them more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
- Enamel erosion: Aggressive brushing, consuming acidic foods and drinks, or tooth grinding (bruxism) can wear down the enamel, exposing the sensitive dentin underneath.
- Dental conditions: Tooth decay, cracked or fractured teeth, and old or worn fillings can leave teeth vulnerable to sensitivity.
- Recent dental treatments: Sensitivity may temporarily occur after procedures such as fillings, teeth whitening, or deep cleanings.
Managing sensitivity involves identifying the cause, practicing gentle brushing habits, avoiding enamel-damaging foods, and using sensitivity toothpaste. Persistent sensitivity may require professional evaluation to determine the best course of treatment.
Our Services
Yes, we offer both in-office and take-home whitening options. We recommend using sensitivity toothpaste for a week prior to starting and during the whitening process to help minimize any potential discomfort.
We can reshape uneven teeth using sanding discs or recommend cosmetic treatments such as bonding or veneers for more extensive corrections.
During your first visit, we take a full set of digital x-rays to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health. If you’ve had a full set taken within the past year at another dental office, we kindly request that you transfer those records to us to ensure continuity and accuracy in your dental care. Follow-up x-rays may be recommended annually or more frequently, depending on factors such as a history of cavities, gum disease, or ongoing dental treatments. These recommendations ensure we can monitor and address your unique dental care needs effectively.
Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities. They work by filling and sealing the grooves and pits where plaque, food particles, and bacteria often collect. This preventive measure is particularly effective for children and teens but can also benefit adults prone to decay. By protecting these vulnerable areas, sealants help reduce the risk of cavities and are a cost-effective alternative to restorative treatments.
We offer several options, including dental implants, bridges, and removable dentures. Each patient’s needs are unique, and we’ll discuss the best solution during your visit.