Frequently Asked Questions

The doctor and his team are looking forward to meeting you. Whether you are coming in for a comprehensive dental exam which includes x-rays and a cleaning, or a problem-focused exam, we will do everything possible to make your first visit easy, painless, and beneficial. A healthy, confident smile is important to your health and wellbeing. When you first arrive you will be asked to fill out a registration and health history form. This helps our team get to know you better. It’s always a good idea to arrive a few minutes early.

An FMX is short for Full Mouth X-rays. This is a vital and important diagnostic aid to provide comprehensive exams to our patients, and it is absolutely necessary for all new patients. The FMX helps determine the best course of treatment or preventive measures. Unfortunately, insurances only allow these every 36 - 60 months, and thus may not pay for this critical exam tool and patients will be responsible for the fee. If you had it done recently, please acquire a copy and bring it to your appointment.

Good oral health starts at home. Regular toothbrushing with toothpaste plays a major role in reducing the growth of plaque – a thin, sticky film of bacteria that creates cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. When you brush your teeth, you remove most of the plaque-causing bacteria. Please check with us to determine which brushing technique is best for you, since tooth position and gum condition is unique to each patient. In general, avoid using a back-and-forth motion. It is recommended that you spend at least two minutes brushing at least twice a day.

We love seeing children and encourage parents to bring their family in. Generally, we recommend bringing in children when they are 2 years old. It is important to establish dental habits early in children, particularly home care. Only when a child is extremely difficult will we refer him or her to a pediatric dentist. If you prefer your child only seeing a pediatric dentist, we are glad to recommend you to one.

The best way is to lead by example. Start by making dental care part of your family’s daily routine. Depending on the age of your child, there are a number of methods that parents can try to encourage good oral health habits. Some suggestions include allowing your child to pick out his or her toothbrush; letting your child see you and other family members brushing their teeth, and allowing your child to brush his or her own teeth. Parents should supervise toothbrushing by children younger than age 8. Parents should also assist young children with daily flossing.

Periodontal or gum disease is the swelling or soreness of the gums around your teeth. It is caused by bacteria in plaque, a sticky colorless film that forms on your teeth. The plaque bacteria produce toxins that can lead to inflammation of the gums called gingivitis. This initial stage of gum disease is reversible and is treated during your regular dental hygiene visit. However, if you do not remove the plaque, it will lead to an infection of your gums, teeth, and the bone that supports them, leading to a more severe form of gum disease, periodontitis. If left untreated, periodontitis will result in the loss of bone and teeth and can lead to heart disease and diabetes. Gum disease usually shows itself as swollen, inflamed, and/or red gums. Often bleeding gums are a sign of some pathology in the gums (if your fingers bled every time you washed your hands, would you think that to be normal?). Gum disease is also associated with bad breath and loose teeth. There are different stages of gum disease – our goal is to prevent you from advancing to periodontitis. The earlier gum disease is caught, the easier it is to treat. That’s why it’s important to see your dentist regularly every six months.