We believe it 's important to keep our patients informed so we have assembled FAQs and Links filled with information that you may find useful: Find answers to questions related to dental organizations and information here.

• Why can’t I have an IOE (initial oral exam) and a cleaning at the same time?

  This is the most important appointment you will have at our office. Here is where we begin to help you achieve total dental health.

  Your first visit with us begins with the process of providing you with an inclusive, thorough evaluation.....not just looking at your teeth and gum tissues. We review your past dental history, your health history, medications, and dental concerns. This portion of the visit takes up the bulk of time as we spend this time LISTENING to YOU. The visit includes a thorough head and neck examination of your face, throat, and neck along with an oral cancer screening.

  Then we look at your teeth.

  During this appointment, we also take the time to discuss and assess any dental issues you may be currently experiencing. We set aside the last part of this consultation to provide chairside care for these immediate needs.

  After this detailed consultation, we can effectively help you plan your dental treatment and create your own personal dental needs profile for you.

• How long will this procedure take?

  Most procedures are completed in an hour or less. That being said, every procedure, depending upon its complexities, takes whatever time is necessary to perform an effective treatment. Some dental issues are so complex that they may require several visits.

• Do you take insurance?

  Yes. We accept all dental insurance plans. You can check our insurance page for the plans we currently accept. If you do not see your plan, then please call us to verify that we are on your Dental Insurance and that your dental coverage is in effect and up to date.

• Can I make payments?

  We have a variety of payment options available to you. Once we are able to determine your specific dental needs, we can assist you with your financial treatment goals.

• What’s the earliest/latest appointment?

  Our schedule is by appointment only so we can help you find the most convenient time for your dental care. We do request that any changes in your appointment be made directly to our staff during business hours, at least 24 hours prior to your appointment time. This will afford us the ability to contact those patients who are would like to be seen sooner.

  Please see our Appointments page for more information.

• How often should I have my teeth cleaned?

  We are in agreement with The American Dental Association that every SIX MONTHS is the ideal interval. This allows us to detect and treat dental disease very early when the outcome is most favorable and the cost of treatment is lowest. Avoiding visits will only result in complications, pain, infection and increased treatment time and cost of treatment.

• What is a cavity?

  Cavities are listed as the #1 disease of mankind worldwide. A cavity is the breakdown of the outer shell of the tooth (enamel) by bacterial infection. Once this hard barrier has been penetrated, the bacteria invade the softer inner layer called dentin.

  With additional time, the bacteria reach the central nerve and blood supply of the tooth infecting and killing the tooth. This causes extreme pain. If infection spreads to the surrounding bone and skin, then the tooth becomes abscessed. Some of the serious complications of an abscessed tooth can be life-threatening.

• Do you use amalgam?

  Yes, only in certain situations.