We certainly recommend you consider several options when you are considering choosing a new dentist. You should ask yourself several things such as:
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that your child should see the dentist within six months of getting their first tooth. This is simply so that the child can come to the office and have a non-threatening and low-stress visit. In these visits, the doctor will “count” the teeth, looking for any visible signs of problems, such as visible decay, teeth out of place or missing, etc. The child can then be rewarded for good behavior and learn at a very early age that going to the dentist is easy and not frightening. If your child is beyond this age and hasn’t been to a dentist yet, please make an appointment and bring them in as soon as possible.
Many people suffer from anxiety preceding a dental visit. We are sympathetic to this and place no blame on the patient. We understand that it can be a stressful time, and offer several options to alleviate this anxiety. The easiest and shortest-lasting option is Nitrous Oxide otherwise known as Laughing Gas. This unique gas, mixed with oxygen, calms the patient while the patient remains alert. One of the main benefits is that it leaves the body quickly and the patient is able to drive home and carry on as though no drug was administered. Few patients suffer any unwanted side effects, and most are pleased with the way it makes their dental visit go. If this is not enough for you, there are some oral medications that we can prescribe that will relieve deeper anxiety, but that require being driven to and from our office by another person. If you think you fall into this category, please let us know and we will determine if you are a candidate for these medications.
For most people, the answer is “No”. For a small percentage of the population, these antibiotics are used to prevent a serious infection. This group of people are those who have:
In short, if you have questions or think that you may require antibiotics prior to your appointments, please contact us so that we can give you the best treatment possible. Be sure to note these issues on any health history form that you complete for any doctor’s office.
Some types of dental problems require a radiographical (x-ray) examination to properly diagnose and care for a person. If the problem is serious enough, it can’t wait until after the baby is born. In addition, some problems can cause complications for both the mother and the unborn child. If an x-ray is necessary, every precaution will be taken to ensure that the baby is not exposed to radiation using lead shields. However, you can rest easy knowing that with our modern, digital x-ray systems, only half the radiation is used as compared with only a few years ago. Our office is committed to the well-being of all our patients. If you have concerns, please contact us.
Over the last few years, there has been a great amount of debate regarding whether or not dental amalgam is a safe restorative material. This year, there was a review of all of the studies that have been completed over the years, and the American Dental Association released a reaffirmation regarding the safety of dental amalgam as a restorative material. In this review, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs compiled a comprehensive literature review that summarizes the evidence compiled over the last five years. Based on this compilation, the Council reaffirmed its position on amalgam as a safe and durable dental restorative material. This year as well, the US Food and Drug Administration reviewed dental amalgam and gave its final rule on the matter. The FDA reviewed the literature available and gave dental amalgam the same safety rating as dental gold and composite materials. All of these things ensure that if you would like to have amalgam fillings placed, they will not harm your health. However, if you are concerned about the esthetics of amalgam fillings, or if you still have concerns, we are happy to provide you with tooth-colored composite fillings of the highest quality available. If you have continuing questions, please feel free to discuss with us at the time of your appointment. In many cases, the type of material that is best for filling any given tooth is dependent on multiple factors, and we can make a recommendation for your case.
We recommend any toothpaste that has fluoride and the ADA seal of approval. There are many available that not only contain fluoride, but that also contain ingredients to help with sensitivity, tartar control, etc. When it comes to choosing a toothbrush, it is important to consider what you’re getting. In our office, we recommend a high quality electric, sonic toothbrush. Recent studies show that these toothbrushes are most able to not only remove bacteria and food particles from the teeth, but also to disrupt the biofilm, or sticky substance that the bacteria secrete. These toothbrushes represent a significant investment, but will yield the best health possible not only for the teeth but also for the gums. Please ask about a demonstration.
Everyone wants a bright smile. It’s one of the first things that we notice about others, and we have a variety of products available to help reach your whitening goals. The best and safest way of whitening your teeth is with a professional grade, doctor-dispensed whitening system. There are several types:
Please ask the doctor to determine which type is right for you. Not everyone is a good candidate for bleaching. If you have tooth-colored fillings, porcelain crowns, or certain types of staining, bleaching may not be feasible and you should consider other options such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding.