Q. How often should I see a dentist?
A. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting a dentist at least twice a year for an examination and a professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year.
Q. What do I do if I have a dental emergency?
A. Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. If you have a dental emergency during regular business hours, we have specific times reserved and will do our best to work you into our schedule. After hours, over the weekend and during holidays, please call our office for the doctor's emergency contact number.
Q. What kind of toothbrush should I use?
A. Adults should use a small-to-medium size toothbrush with soft-to-medium bristles. The head of the brush needs to be small enough to brush all areas of the mouth thoroughly, specifically the back of the mouth, which can be hard to reach. Children should use small toothbrushes with soft bristles. People with sensitive teeth can benefit from using gentle, soft bristled toothbrushes.
Q. How often should I replace my toothbrush?
A. The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your brush every 3 to 4 months. With each use, the bristles become worn and cleaning effectiveness decreases. Depending on your oral health, you may need to replace your brush sooner. Typically, children toothbrushes need to be replaced more regularly than adults.
Q. Is a powered toothbrush more effective than a manual toothbrush?
A. It has been our experience that once a patient switches from a manual brush to a power brush we see improvement in their home care. The high frequency of a power brush enables a better removal of plaque and calculus. Regardless of the tooth brush you use, the key is brushing at least 2-3 times a day at a minimum. Children may find brushing with a powered toothbrush more exciting. If you have difficulty using a manual toothbrush, a powered toothbrush may be much more comfortable and easier to use.
Q. Should I brush or floss first?
A. As long as you brush and floss thoroughly, it does not matter if you brush then floss or floss then brush. However, flossing before brushing enables the fluoride in your toothpaste to better reach the areas between the teeth.
Q. Is one type of toothpaste better than the others?
A. No. However, we recommend you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride and carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which means it has been assessed for safety and effectiveness. Studies consistently show that fluoride helps strengthen and rebuild tooth structure, and helps prevent dental decay.
Q. Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
A. Yes. We accept most major credit cards and many types of dental insurance. We will process your insurance claim for you upon receipt of your co-payment. We also offer CareCredit financing for extensive treatments. For more details regarding payment and insurance please see Financial and Insurance page.