FAQ

Yes.

It is a condition where the gum and supporting bone around an infected tooth starts to break down leading to tooth loss. Symptoms are bleeding, bad breath, pain and loss of teeth.

Plaque is a mostly invisible film of bacteria that clings to teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque causes irritation of tissue that support your teeth and this can lead to chronic inflammation and infection.

Yes, if you have active periodontal disease and the periodontal pockets measure 4mm or greater. Scaling removes plaque and tartar beneath the gumline. Periodontal disease does not go away on it's own. Scaling is needed when there is sufficient damage done to the supporting structures of the teeth and periodontal disease is present. We will determine how much time is needed per case.

Teeth whitening is a great way to improve one’s appearance, particularly the smile. The best candidate is the person who regularly visits the dentist and does not have any signs that additional work is necessary. If we should spot a weak area we may suggest you have the work completed prior to undergoing the teeth whitening process.

Years back there were different types of home remedies for whitening your teeth. That was the time people should have asked, "Is teeth whitening safe," because such items as Pearl Drops contained harsh abrasives. These abrasives took away the stain - it also took away some of the enamel. Today such abrasives are no longer used. These have been replaced with chemical agents. These bleaching agents go after the stain deep inside each tooth. The final result is that the teeth then become neutralized. This process is safe and there is not any type of enamel stripping

A dental sealant is a thin plastic film painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities. Children or teenagers ususally receive sealants because they have newly erupted, permanent teeth. The chewing surfaces of a child's teeth are most susceptible to cavities. Surveys show that the majority of all cavities occur in the narrow pits and grooves of a child's newly erupted teeth because food particles and bacteria cannot be cleaned out. Other patients also can benefit from sealant placement, such as those who have existing pits and grooves susceptible to decay. Research has shown that almost everybody has a 95-percent chance of eventually experiencing cavities in the pits and grooves of their teeth.

Many diseases, lesions and conditions can only be detected with the use of dental x-rays. It is impossible to see directly between the teeth or under the gums or bone without the use of a dental radiograph. Many times the patient has no signs or symptoms of disease. Without the use of dental radiographs, the dentist is limited to detect only the disease which is visible in the mouth. Dental X-rays can detect disease much sooner than the clinical examination alone. This enables the dental practitioner to identify problems early so that pain and extensive, costly treatment can be avoided.

Not only is it safe to get your teeth cleaned during pregnancy, it's highly recommended. Recent studies suggest a strong association between gum disease and preterm labor, and regular trips to the dentist can help you avoid this risk.

Most injectable anesthetics that dentists use are considered safe. Even tooth X-rays are considered safe, as long as you're covered with a lead apron but it is always a good idea to check with your obstetrician. The dentist will determine the need for x-rays if they are warranted.

Yes, we love treating children of all ages. We usually see them first at the age of 3 years old.

We except Visa, MC, American Express, Discover and Care Credit. For our uninsured patients, we offer an 8% discount when paying the day of service with cash or check. A 4% discount is offered if paying by credit card.

Yes. We are contracted providers with Delta Dental PPO and Premier, Premera, Regence/BlueCross, Cigna DPPO (formerly the Radius plan)and with the United Concordia Elite Plan. We can bill to any insurance company.

For our uninsured senior citizens, we do ofer a discount of 12% when treatment is paid by cash or check on the day of service.