Q. How often should I see a dentist?
A. The American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year. In the presence of gum disease, more frequent visits are needed with our hygienists to help you keep your teeth.
Q. What should I expect during my appointment?
A. One of our staff members will compile your medical and dental history during your first visit. We will then talk with you about your dental concerns, make X-rays of your teeth and take necessary photos to complete your dental records. Dr. Clark will perform an oral cancer screening and examine your TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint). She will also do a four-part tour to examine how your teeth look, how you bite, the condition of your teeth, and the health of your gums.
After we review your dental profile, we will discuss a diagnosis with you. If treatment such as a root canal (endodontics), braces (orthodontics) or oral surgery is needed, we will plan to treat you in our office or refer you to a specialist. We will discuss your options for treatment, fees and payment options, and help you determine the best plan to fit your needs. In patients requiring more than basic dental care, we may have you come back for more dental records and/or a consultant to discuss your need further. We will also make an appointment with our hygienist for the appropriate type of cleaning you need.
During regular follow-up visits, we will examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, clean your teeth and make plans for treatment, as needed. We will discuss any pain or problems you may be experiencing and answer any questions you may have.
Q. Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
A. Yes. We accept many types of dental insurance and will process your claim for you upon receipt of your co-payment. We offer interest-free financing and low-interest rate payment plans, accept cash, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards. Please ask our administrative office for other payment options.
Q. Can the dentist whiten my teeth?
A. There are several methods available for bleaching the teeth: overnight or daily. We make an impression of your teeth and create a whitening tray customized to your smile. Each day you fill the whitening tray with a small amount of bleaching gel and wear it overnight or for 30 to 60 minutes during the day. The whitening process takes approximately two weeks for initial treatments.
We do not offer in-office whitening due to the extreme discomfort and sensitivity. We are able to achieve the same results with our whitening system with less sensitivity and the same results at a fraction of the cost.
Other over-the-counter daily bleaching products are available, but it is important to use any bleaching product only under the supervision of a dentist. To achieve the whitening results you desire, the ADA recommends that you seek the professional advice of a dentist, including examination and diagnosis of the cause of tooth discoloration, before you begin any bleaching program.