Yes, we accept payment through the Care Credit Program! It takes just 5 minutes to complete an application and will allow you to break down your payment into 6 monthly installments. You can apply yourself at CareCredit.com/apply. Or we can help you register at the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you accepting New Patients?
Yes, we are accepting New Patients! Call us today to reserve a time, we would love to meet you! If you are a patient of record, ask us about our referral program!
What Causes Recession?
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This can be caused by aggressive brushing, gum disease, genetics, misaligned teeth, teeth grinding (bruxism), smoking, or poor oral hygiene. Receding gums can lead to sensitivity and an increased risk of decay.
Why Are My Teeth Crowded?
Crowded teeth can result from genetics, early loss of baby teeth, abnormal jaw development, or habits like thumb-sucking. When teeth don’t have enough space to align properly, they can shift, leading to bite issues, difficulty cleaning, and a higher risk of cavities and gum disease.
Why Is Having a Good Bite Important?
A well-aligned bite ensures even pressure distribution when chewing, reducing strain on your teeth, jaw, and muscles. A bad bite can lead to tooth wear, TMJ pain, headaches, and even digestive issues due to improper chewing.
How Does My Bite Affect So Many Other Aspects of Me?
Your bite impacts jaw alignment, posture, facial structure, and even airway health. An improper bite can contribute to chronic pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, and tension in the neck and shoulders.
Why Are Full Mouth X-Rays Important?
Full mouth X-rays provide a comprehensive view of your teeth, roots, jawbone, and surrounding structures. They help detect hidden decay, infections, bone loss, impacted teeth, cysts, and tumors before they cause major problems.
Why Are There So Many Different Types of Cleanings?
Dental cleanings vary based on individual needs:
- Routine Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Removes plaque and tartar for patients with healthy gums.
- Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): Treats gum disease by cleaning below the gumline.
- Periodontal Maintenance: Ongoing cleanings for patients with gum disease to prevent progression.
- Debridement: Used for excessive tartar buildup when standard cleaning isn’t enough.
Do I Need Dental Insurance to Get Dental Care?
No, dental insurance is not required for treatment. Many practices offer flexible payment options, financing plans, and membership programs to make high-quality dental care accessible.
Why Are Crowns Better Than Veneers?
Crowns and veneers serve different purposes:
- Crowns: Cover the entire tooth, providing strength and durability for damaged or weakened teeth.
- Veneers: Only cover the front surface and are primarily cosmetic.
- If a tooth is severely damaged, cracked, or decayed, a crown is the better option for long-term stability.
What Causes Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup along the gumline, leading to inflammation. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes, certain medications, and medical conditions like diabetes can increase the risk. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
A root canal is needed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. Without treatment, the infection can spread, causing severe pain and potential tooth loss.
What Caused Me to Need a Root Canal?
Common causes include:
- Untreated cavities that reach the pulp
- Cracked or fractured teeth exposing the nerve
- Trauma or injury
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
- Severe gum disease leading to infection
A root canal removes the infected tissue, relieves pain, and preserves your natural tooth.
Why should I replace my silver fillings?
They corrode over time in a warm moist environment, your mouth. They also expand and contract with hot and cold foods, causing the teeth to crack.
Why do I need to floss?
Lowering the bacteria in your mouth daily helps keep gums healthy and helps stop cavities from developing.
Why do I need to have my teeth professionally cleaned?
Gum diseases are best treated early in the disease process. But patients may not know they need care. Having a professional examine and clean your mouth regularly helps catch and treat problems early.
Why do I need fluoride?
Topical Applications of Fluoride we use at this office strengthen teeth and actually stop small cavities from growing.
My teeth don’t hurt. Why do I need a dentist?
Many oral conditions like periodontal disease do not hurt, so many people will not know they have a problem. A trained professional can identify treatment problems early in the disease process, lowering a person’s risk for diseases such as Cardiovascular Disease and Rheumatoid arthritis.
Facts:
- According to the National Library of Medicine article published in 2023, periodontal disease treatment and improvement can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease-The leading cause of death in the US. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- A dental Cleaning can identify small cavities so they can be fixed before they are big problems and cause pain!