Q: What other forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept cash, check, Visa, Master Card, and American Express. We are willing to work with you to design a payment plan that works best for your budget and we also participate with Care Credit, a company that allows you to make payments for up to eighteen months interest free.

Q: What different methods of teeth whitening systems do you offer?
A: We sell Crest White strips, professional strength, which cannot be bought in the store. We also take impressions for custom bleaching trays and have several take home bleaching kits that can be done at your convenience. Lastly, we have the Zoom 2 whitening system as seen on ABC's Most Extreme Makeover & TLC's 10 Years Younger.

Q: When should I start to care for my baby’s mouth?
A: You will need to care for your baby’s mouth before their first tooth erupts. After each feeding gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad or with a damp washcloth.  Doing this will prevent “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay”. This happens as a result of over-exposing the gums and teeth to sugary liquids for long periods of time. Among these are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice, and other sweetened liquids. Do not give a baby a pacifier that has been dipped in honey or sugar, and do not use the feeding bottle as a pacifier. You should not put your baby to bed with a bottle, but if you must, fill it with plain water, not milk or juice.

Q: When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?
A: Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they appear. Use a small pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste if the child is old enough not to swallow it (usually around 2 or 3 years old), otherwise use fluoride-free. Gently brush the surfaces of your child’s teeth and along the gum line for at least 30 seconds (ideally one minute) after breakfast and before bed. Begin flossing your child’s teeth when two of the teeth are touching. Around age 7 or when your child can tie their own shoes, or write their name well, is around the time when he/she can brush their teeth and floss on their own and should do so for two minutes.

Q: When should I take my child to the dentist for their first visit?
A: It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Association (AAPD) that you take your child to the dentist by their first birthday. We recommend that your child is seen by a dentist professional between ages 1 and 2. Their first visit will be very non-intimidating and it is a good idea to bring the child in with you during your regular dental visits to introduce them to the atmosphere and get them used to the surroundings. You should not worry if you are concerned about your child sitting still for a long period of time because their first visit will consist of introducing them to the hygienist and doctor; having the child sit in the exam chair on their own; and having them open their mouth so the hygienist can “count their teeth”. Parents are more than welcome to be in the room with their child at their dental visits at our office.

Q: My child needs sealants, what are they and why does my child need them?
A: Dental sealants are a shaded plastic material that is painted directly into the grooves of the chewing surfaces of the tooth where most cavities occur. The sealants are used to protect the tooth from cavities by acting as a barrier and protecting the enamel from plaque and acids.

Q: What causes staining on my teeth?
A: Staining beneath the enamel of the tooth is most commonly caused by aging, defects within the tooth, use of certain antibiotics during tooth development, and smoking. Foods and beverages can cause tooth staining, such as, tobacco products, coffee, tea, red wine, colored juices, curry, soy, cola drinks, and minerals in well water.

Q: What is the difference between amalgam and composite fillings?
A: Amalgam fillings (silver in color) are extremely strong; however they do not give strength to a tooth.  A composite restoration, on the other hand, bonds to the tooth giving it strength.  It is also aesthetically more pleasing, in that it is tooth colored and has no mercury to discolor the tooth.

Q: What is tooth decay and how can I help prevent it?
A: Tooth decay is what happens when plaque on the surface of your teeth produce acids that seep into the pores of the enamel and break down the internal structure of your tooth. This process can cause a weak spot on your tooth that if left untreated can become a cavity. Cavities most often form on hard to reach areas of you teeth. Floss can get between teeth which is why, not only brushing, but flossing is an important step in your daily dental care routine. Fluoride also helps prevent tooth decay by slowing the breakdown of the enamel and helps to strengthen weak spots. Fluoride can be found in fluoridated drinking water, toothpaste, and mouth rinse.

Q: What are signs of periodontal (gum) disease and what is done to prevent/ treat it?
A: Tartar buildup; swollen, red, or bleeding gums; persistent bad breath; loose teeth or teeth that are separating are all signs of periodontal disease. If left untreated the infection damages bone and supporting tissues. In advanced stages of periodontitis the gums recede, separate from the tooth and teeth become loose. Treatment depends on the severity of gum disease and include scaling and root planning, done by your hygienist. Scaling cleans the teeth to remove deposits above and below the gum line and root planning smoothes rough root surfaces so the gum can heal.

Q: What is the difference between plaque and tartar and what can be done to prevent it?
A: Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that begins forming on teeth 4 to 12 hours after brushing. It is produced by the combination of saliva, food, and fluids, and collects on the teeth where teeth and gums meet.  Tartar or calculus is a crusty deposit that traps stains on the teeth causing discoloration of the teeth. It is formed by the binding of calcium and phosphate which harden on the teeth. This strong bond can only be removed by a dental professional. The susceptibility to plaque and tartar is individual and often gets worse with age. Having your teeth cleaned professionally every 6 months and brushing with toothpaste that contains pyrophosphate, a chemical that helps to decrease and prevent calculus buildup, can be done to help prevent plaque and tartar.

Q: What causes tooth sensitivity and what can I do for sensitive teeth?
A: Your teeth feel sensitive when food or beverages trigger pain by irritating the dentin which is usually protected by your gums and by the teeth’s hard enamel shell. Dentin can become exposed due to gum recession, fractured or chipped teeth, clenching or grinding of the teeth, and erosion due to aging. Sensitivity can be treated by using a fluoride rinse or gel especially for sensitive teeth. There are also desensitizing toothpastes on the market. We offer a variety of prescription strength treatments to patients with severe sensitivity.