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I Have Questions About What is Involved During Typical Dental Procedures

What Happens on My First Visit?

Why do I need X-Rays?

By Whitening my teeth am I more likely to get more cavities?

How long does it take for whitening to work?

What kind of toothbrush should I use?

Why floss?

What about your sterilization procedures?

Can I make payments over time?

I Have Questions About What is Involved During Typical Dental Procedures

What is a crown? Does a root canal have to hurt? How exactly is a filling done? As a service to our patients we offer a series of animated tutorials explaining a variety of common dental procedures.

These narrated animations run 3 to 6 minutes each, and include tutorials on sealants, veneers, cavities and fillings, implants, crowns, bridges, gingivitis, periodontitis, cleaning, root canals, removable partial dentures, and bruxism.

Launch Tutorial Now

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What Happens on My First Visit?

Standard procedures, state law, and common sense dictate that a visual exam of a new patient and current x-rays occur before a cleaning is performed.� We try to get to know you and to become familiar with�your dental history as well as your present needs and expectations.

Typically, we discuss preventive measures that can improve your dental health and complete a dental examination that includes soft tissue exam (oral cancer screening), look at the teeth noting anything wrong with existing restorations or the teeth themselves, evaluate gum tissues and provide x-rays when needed.� We put this information together and decide on a course of treatment.

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Why do I need X-Rays?

A visual exam reveals only about 20% of what is really happening in the areas of potential infection, cavities, bone loss, etc.� X-rays provide a clear picture for a dentist to accurately provide the necessary treatment.� X-rays are done using special low-dosage radiation equipment - the lowest dosage of radiation possible- and high speed film.

This is the safest method available within the limits of the dental profession.� This gives us a visual picture within seconds of taking the x-ray.

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By Whitening my teeth am I more likely to get more cavities?

No!� This is a common misconception. Dentist-supervised home bleaching kits have been in use since the mid-1980s.� Since then there have been numerous studies all resulting in no side-effects.� The worst that can happen is an increased sensitivity to cold, which goes away in a day or two after you stop the whitening process.

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How long does it take for whitening to work?

Generally, you will begin to see results in just a few days. The entire process is usually about 2 to 3 weeks with daily application. � Depending how stained your teeth are to begin with, the process could take several weeks and you still may never reach the desired results.

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What kind of toothbrush should I use?

The quality (time and technique) of your brushing is more important than the type of toothbrush you use; however, most dentists do recommend a soft bristle toothbrush with a small head.� The proper technique is turning the brush so the bristles make a "C" against the teeth.� Brush slowly for a minimum 2 minutes on the upper teeth and 2 minutes on the lower teeth.� Brush in every direction: in a circle, up and down, and side-to-side.� Brush every tooth in every direction.� Don't apply too much pressure.� Let the bristles do the work and brush after every meal!� Electric tooth brushes are excellent and we will discuss the various options.

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Why floss?

Brushing alone, no matter how good of job you do, cannot reach all of the areas between the teeth or just under the gum line.� Flossing removes the soft deposits of plaque and food from between the teeth and decreases irritation of your gums due to bacterial build-up.� A good rule of thumb is to only floss the teeth you want to keep!

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What about your sterilization procedures?

As a matter of policy we use as many throw away items as possible.� All of our hand-pieces and dental instruments are heat and steam sterilized using hospital grade equipment.� Water lines are cleaned and disinfected regularly.� Every room is thoroughly cleaned between every patient.� We are proud of our safety procedures and will be happy to provide you a tour and discuss in detail our sterilization procedures.

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Can I make payments over time?

We expect full payment and/or your insurance co-payment at the time of service.� We accept most major credit cards.� We will be happy to assist you in billing your insurance company.

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