ORAL HEALTH

How Your Oral Health Affects Your General Health

If you think about it, it makes perfect sense: poor oral health is linked to poor physical health. Your mouth is a key entryway into the rest of the body. If the mouth has a chronic infection or disease, then your entire body may be indirectly or directly exposed to those bacteria.

Research shows connections between periodontal disease and poor cardiovascular health, increased risk of stroke, diabetes, problem pregnancies, respiratory diseases, and osteoporosis in women. What's more, some studies indicate that people who lose all of their natural teeth may have a much shorter lifespan.

If you want to up your odds of a happy, healthy life, treat your body with respect and put your money and effort where your mouth is. Try starting with the basics: learn the latest tips, techniques, and tools for top-notch oral hygiene. Then, branch out: incorporate a healthy diet , exercise, fresh air, and sufficient uninterrupted rest. Eliminate unhealthy habits, and remember, taking care of your teeth can benefit your whole body.

How we can help:

Oral cancer screenings
Regular check ups and professional cleanings
Periodontal assessments for gum disease
Restorative dentistry to eliminate bacteria and maintain tooth structure
Sealants to deter tooth decay
Fluoride supplements for healthier teeth

As our patients, your health and wellness are of primary importance to us. If you have questions about your oral health and its impact on your general health, please call our office, email us, or schedule a consultation today.

GUM DISEASE & COMMON PROBLEMS

Is your problem gum disease?

It hides in your mouth, destroying gum tissue and teeth, and it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and pregnancy complications. Don't think it's your problem? Conservative estimates report that up to 80 percent of the population unknowingly has gum disease in some form.

Seventy percent of adult tooth loss is attributed to gum disease. Recent research shows a link between patients who have gum disease and those who suffer from strokes, heart attacks, or complications with diabetes or pregnancy. Gum disease is silent in that early symptoms may be painless and mild, like swollen gums or bleeding while brushing or flossing. Regular dental check ups are vital because a professional can detect, treat, and reverse gum disease in early stages before major problems arise.

Cause and Effect

Several factors contribute to periodontal disease: plaque build up, heredity, and lifestyle choices. By far, the most common and controllable factor is bacterial plaque: the sticky, colorless film produced by normal oral bacteria. Bacteria release toxins that break down the natural fibers that attach gums to teeth. When this occurs, pockets between the gums and teeth form, and more bacteria and toxins hide, flourish, and destroy your gums and teeth. Over time, this process can affect not only gums, teeth, and bone within the mouth, but also overall health. Bacteria in your mouth will be inadvertently ingested, and this can compromise your whole-body health.

Maintaining Good Periodontal Health

Regular dental visits at least every six months allow us to keep a watchful eye on the health of your gums, You should also brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and use good mouth rinses at home. We will recommend the products that will optimize your oral homecare, and we can also show you the best methods for brushing and flossing, If you have overcome periodontal disease, we will recommend frequent check-ups to ensure your mouth stays healthy for a lifetime.

TOOTH DECAY

Caries, or tooth decay, is a preventable disease. Whiles decay might not endanger your life, it may negatively impact your quality of life.

When your teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks and even fruit juices leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in you mouth and form plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth, with tooth decay resulting.

SENSITIVE TEETH

Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Just breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.

BAD BREATH

Daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent the buildup of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem.

CANKER SORES

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. The canker sore has white or gray base surrounded by a red border.

ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS

A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types may be acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusions.

CEREC

We are proud to provide CEREC 3-D Technology to our patients in need of restorations. Restorations are crowns, inlays/onlays and veneers. The CEREC system has revolutionized the dental field by meeting the needs of our patients in a more convenient manner. Gone are the days where the patient must return for multiple visits to complete a restoration. CEREC Technology can design, fabricate and place a ceramic restoration in just one visit! Also with this new system, the need for temporaries or impressions has been eliminated.

Through the use of this new technology, we can save more of the healthy tooth structure in our patients while giving them beautiful, tooth-colored restorations that are metal-free and durable. Feel free to contact us for more information on this type of treatment.

TOOTH WHITENING

Want a Bright Smile?

Popular, safe, and effective, teeth whitening has given patients across the country a reason to smile. Your appearance can affect you socially, emotionally, and even in business successes. People who smile with confidence are viewed as warm, inviting and beautiful.

Why Teeth Discolor

Chemicals in foods, beverages, and tobacco can change the color of your teeth, as can the effects of aging. Medications such as tetracycline antibiotics, natural aging, excessive fluoride use and previous dental work may also cause unsightly stains on your tooth enamel. Genetics can also affect the color of your teeth. While we think of tooth enamel as white, the natural, unstained shade of your teeth can range from pearl white to pale yellow to bluish gray. Even if you brush and floss daily, stains can tarnish your beautiful smile and steal the confident image you want to convey.

Bleaching Options

After an examination by Dr Fox, we can recommend the best option for brightening your smile.

Zoom! Whitening (In-Office Bleaching)

After brushing and flossing, do you look in the mirror and wonder why your clean teeth look dingy or yellow? You may have even tried a home whitening system, but found the results disappointing. If this is your life, you need Zoom! Whitening.
A safe and effective system, Zoom! Whitening is used in over 15,000 dental offices internationally. The process can remove the toughest stains and create a dazzlingly white, long-lasting smile in just one hour.

Customized Whitening Trays (At-Home Bleaching)

We can create clear, customized bleaching trays for you to whiten at home. The professional grade at-home whitening solution usually contains hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. Simply line the solution into your custom trays and wear them for an hour a day. You will notice whiter teeth almost immediately, but the most dramatic results will appear after seven to ten days of daily treatments.

Over-the-Counter Whitening

You can also purchase home use whiteners over the counter. While there are so may on the market, most of these products are not as effective as the bleaching methods available in our office. If you prefer to use a OTC whitening system, ask us which products which would work best for you. We want you to be happy with your smile.

Whitening Toothpastes

If your teeth are sensitive to bleaching, your dentist may recommend a whitening toothpaste. Theses contain chemical or polishing agents to gently remove stains from the surface of your teeth. While your teeth won't be as white as if you used a bleaching system, whitening toothpaste is a safe, easy to use option.

After Whitening

With all whitening systems, we advise patients not to eat or drink foods that stain, or to smoke, since recently whitened teeth absorb stains. Whitening systems can also cause increased sensitivity in your teeth and gums. Theses side effects pass with time, but if they persist or other problems arise, you should contact our office immediately.

Whitening Alternatives

If bleaching and whitening can't get your teeth as white as you'd like, veneers or bonding may be a good solution. These cosmetic procedures are long lasting and do not discolor or stain. In addition to whitening your smile, veneers and bonding can cover cracks, chips, and slight misalignments.

ZOOM! WHITENING

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Everyday, your teeth get a thorough workout. While the top layers are made of durable enamel and dentin, they can become discolored by wine, tea, coffee or tobacco. Even medication, antibiotics, excessive fluoride, and aging can cause stains and discoloration.

You will find a vast variety of over-the-counter home whitening products on the market, the professional Zoom! Whitening system elicits greater results. If you want whiter teeth, ask us about Zoom! Whitening today. First you'll need a thorough examination so we can tell you if this is the right teeth whitening system for you.

The Zoom! Whitening Process

After making yourself comfortable in our chair, we'll place protective coverings over your lips and gums. Then we'll apply the Zoom! Whitening gel to your teeth. The active ingredient in the gel is a pH-balanced hydrogen peroxide. A special low-heat light will activate the gel. It will penetrate the enamel and dentin in your teeth to remove deep stains and discoloration. Afterwards, we will apply a fluoride treatment to complete the one hour procedure. And that's it!

Many patients report that Zoom! Whitening has made their teeth up to six shades whiter. Some have even said that their smiles became brighter days after their dental appointment. More importantly, the results lasted for years. If you notice any discoloration, the system includes a take-home tough-up kit with comfortable custom made trays. Regular brushing and flossing, plus an annual touch-up at home, and your teeth can remain refreshingly white for many years to come.

INVISALIGN

Invisalign is the clear way to straighten teeth without braces, using aligners. Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. You can also still eat and drink what you want. And most importantly, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth. There are no wires or metal brackets to cause mouth abrasions.

Many of our patients had never considered traditional braces but are now happily and comfortably improving their smiles with Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces.
ISeries of clear, removable, custom-made aligners.
IUses no metal wires or brackets.
ICustom-made for comfort.

How does Invisalign work?

IWear each set of aligners for about two weeks.
IRemove only to eat, drink, brush and floss.
IYour teeth will move gradually each week.
IVisit us every 6-10 weeks.
ITotal treatment time averages 6-15 months.
IAverage number of aligners is between 18 and 30.

TYPES OF RESTORATIONS

Veneers

Veneers are thin, semi-translucent 'shells' typically attached to your front teeth. Veneers are customized from porcelain material and permanently bonded to your teeth. Veneers are a great alternative to otherwise drawn out and possibly uncomfortable dental procedures to improve the appearance of your smile.

Common problems that veneers are used for:

Spaces between teeth
Broken or chipped teeth
Unsightly, stained or discolored teeth
Crooked or oddly shaped teeth

Veneers are a great esthetic solution to your smile that may even help you avoid orthodontic treatment. Subtle changes to your smile can be achieved with veneers, and in most cases, veneer application is completed in only two office visits.

Please contact our office if you have further questions about veneers.

Crowns

If you're self-conscious about cracked, broken, decayed, or worn teeth, we can bring back your healthy, natural-looking smile with dental crowns, also called 'caps'. A crown can return structure, strength, and function to a tooth with extensive decay or damage. Designed to fit snugly and funtion as a healthy tooth, a crown will protect your tooth from further damage and preserve the jaw's correct natural alignment.

We use precious metal, porcelain fused to metal, or all porcelain crowns. To maintain a fully white smile, we recommend all-ceramic crowns. Our precise color-matching system allows us to find the right shade of porcelain to blend with your natural tooth color. Porcelain crowns are also extremely durable and long lasting, and these benefits make them popular with dentists as well as patients.

Typically, we can design, fit and place your crown in just one or two visits. See CEREC service for single visit crowns. Once a crown is placed, you can care for it as you do your natural teeth. Conscientious brushing twice a day and daily flossing will protect the base of your crown from bacterial growth. Be sure to see us at least two times a year for professional cleanings and a preventative exam, too.

Dental Implants and Replacement Teeth

Whether age and wear, disease or injury has robbed you of one or more teeth, modern replacement teeth will give you back a sensational smile that looks, feels, and functions like nature intended. Dr Fox offers dental impants, fixed bridges, dentures and partials and different ways to replace those missing teeth.

The dental implant has become the most desirable way to replace teeth because it requires no other teeth to be involved for retention eliminating crown preparation or clasping of other teeth. Once an implant is complete, a patient has nothing to take out and can floss freely between the implant and adjacent teeth. It is the closest option dentistry offers to mimicking the original tooth.

The implant or artificial root is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia, then allowed to heal and integrate with the bone. Some patients prefer general sedation which is also an option. Once the healing process is completed and the jawbone is fully adapted to the implant root surface, the patient returns to the dental office where the implant is fitted with a new tooth. This process generally takes anywhere from 3-6 months.

Composite Resins

If you're embarrassed about your smile because of decay or dark fillings in your teeth, you may be a good candidate for composite resins. A tooth-colored plastic mixture, composite resins can restore teeth to an attractive, healthy state. Composite resins represent several advantages over traditional silver, or amalgam fillings.

Because composite resins are not made of metal, we can blend and mix shades to find the perfect color to match your natural teeth. This means only you and your dentist will know you have fillings. Another pro is that the tooth-to-composite bond actually supports the remaining tooth structure, deterring breakage and insulating against temperature changes. Medium and small composites can last seven to ten years- that's as long as the amalgams of the past. Best of all, composite resins allow us to keep more of your natural tooth structure intact than amalgams. We believe in conservative dentistry- the more natural tooth structure you keep, the better teeth you'll likely have in the future.

Some patients experience mild and temporary post-placement sensitivity from composite resin fillings. The only caution we usually mention about color is that coffee, tee, and other staining foods and beverages may discolor your composite fillings and may need to be smoothed by the dentist in later years or replaced if located on the visible front teeth.

CHILDREN'S DENTAL CARE

Teething

Normally the first tooth erupts between the ages of 6 to 12 months. Gums are sore, tender and sometimes irritable until the age of 3. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon or a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Teething rings work well, but avoid teething biscuits since they contain sugar that is not good for baby teeth.

While your baby is teething, it is important to monitor the teeth for signs of baby bottle decay. Examine the teeth, especially on the inside or the tongue side, every two weeks for dull spots or spots whiter than the tooth surface. A bottle containing anything other than water and left in an infant's mouth while sleeping can cause decay. This happens because sugar in the liquid mixes with the bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Each time a child drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attach the teeth for twenty minutes. When awake, saliva carries away much of the liquid. During sleep, the saliva flow significantly decreases and liquid's pool around the child's teeth for long periods which allow the acids to eat away at the teeth.

Infant's New Teeth

The primary, or 'baby' teeth, play a crucial role in dental development. Without them, a child cannot chew food properly and has difficulty speaking clearly. Primary teeth are vital to development of the jaws and for guiding the permanent teeth into place when they replace the primary teeth around the age of 6.

Since primary teeth guide the permanent teeth into place, infants with missing primary teeth or infants who prematurely lose primary teeth may require a space maintainer, a device used to hold the natural space open. Without the maintainer, the teeth can tilt toward the empty space and cause the permanent teeth to come in crooked. Missing teeth should always be mentioned to the family dentist. The way your child cares for his/her primary teeth plays a critical role in how he/she treats the permanent teeth. Children and adults are equally susceptible to plaque and gum problems- hence the need for regular care and dental check ups.

More Reasons Why Primary Teeth Are Important

Primary teeth are important for other reasons. Good teeth allow a child to eat and maintain good nutrition. Healthy teeth allow for clear pronunciation and speech habits. The self-image that healthy teeth give a child is immeasurable.

A Child's First Dental Visit

A child's first dental visit should be scheduled around his or her first birthday. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with the doctor and staff. A pleasant first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. If possible, allow the child to sit in your lap in the exam room. Children should be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel.

Good Diet and Healthy Teeth

The teeth, bondes and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups helps minimize and possibly avoid cavities and other dental problems. Most snacks that children eat cause cavities, so children should only receive healthy foods like vegetables, low-fat yogurt and cheeses, which promote strong teeth.

Preventing Baby Bottle Decay

Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or totally prevented by not allowing sleeping infants to breast feed or bottle-feed. Infants that need a bottle to comfortable fall asleep should be given a water-filled bottle or a pacifier. Our office is dedicated to fighting baby bottle decay. Let us know if you notice any sings of decay or anything unusual in your child's mouth.

Infant Tooth Eruption

A child's teeth actually start forming before birth. As early as 4 months of age, the primary or 'baby' teeth push through the gums- the lower front two teeth or incisors being first. After that it is the upper two central incisors. The remainder of the 20 primary teeth typically erupt by age 3, but the place and order varies.

Permanent teeth begin eruption around age 6, starting with the first molars in the back and the lower central incisors. This process continues until around age 12 when the second molars in the back erupt.

Wisdom Teeth

The third molars or 'wisdom teeth' vary greatly in eruption age. At around the age of 15 the third molars should be evaluated by a dentist to see if they have enough room to erupt and if they will erupt correctly. Third molars will sometimes not erupt until the patient is in their 20's or 30's.

NIGHTGUARDS & MOUTHGUARDS

Nightguards

Nightguards are hard pieces of clear plastic that have a custom fit to your upper or lower teeth and have a smooth surface on top that you typically wear only at night. Unlike mouthguards, they do not allow your teeth to lock together but move freely against each other.

The purpose of a Nightguard is to prevent tooth wear, specific tooth aches or general hot/cold sensitivity. People who need a Nightguard have the above symptoms or show moderate to severe tooth wear on the edge of the teeth and on the sides of the teeth. Another purpose of a Nightguard is an initial treatment for TMJ soreness or tightness of the jaw. Some people have a tendency to clench or grind their teeth when sleeping, sometimes unknowingly. This is what cause the damage to the jaw joint or the teeth.

Causes for why we grind or clench are teeth are not fully known, but anecdotal evidence has shown that caffeine, stress, those with sleep apnea and those with teeth that do not bite properly together are seen as possible risk factors.

Mouthguards

Why a mouthguard?

Helmets, knee pads, shin guards.. if you're an avid athlete or the parent of one, you know the importance of proper protective gear. But did you know that up to 40 percent of all sports injuries involve the face? Protect your smile and your mouth with a comfortable custom-molded mouthguard to dramatically reduce the risk of sports-related oral injury.

What is a mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a comfortable piece of athletic gear that fits over your teeth and can help protect your smile as well as your lips, tongue, face, jaw, and skull. Research has shown that mouthguards can help reduce or prevent concussions.

Custom-made Mouthguards

Although there are generic ready-made mouthguards and mouth-formed mouthguards, these do not fit comfortable in the mouth and the athlete tends to wear them less due to lack of comfort and difficulty speaking. The mouth-formed tend to harden over time and lose flexibility, others tend to develop an unpleasant odor or taste.

The best solution, custom-made mouthguards are comfortable, practical, and protective. A dentist with the help of a lab technician create the mouthguard after impressions are taken of the teeth.

Mouthguard Care

Always wear your mouthgaurd during practice and games. Never chew on it because you may weaken the material and decrease its effectiveness. Holes, tears and damage to the mouthguard may irritate the gums. If you notice damage, replace your mouthguard immediately.

Before and after each use, check your mouthguard for damage and rinse it with cold water or mouthwash. You should regularly clean it with a separate, designated toothbrush and toothpaste or in a solution of soapy water. Be sure to rinse well and store it in a firm, perforated container. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or a place of high temperature.

ROOT CANALS & EMERGENCIES

I have an emergergency!

If you have a tooth that is hurting then give the office a call and we will get you in as soon as possible. When the office is closed, feel free to give the dentist a call on the emergency line that can be obtained by calling the office and getting the answering service. Also feel free to give us a call if you have a tooth that broke or a crown that came off. We are here for you.

What is a root canal?

It is the process of removing the inside nerves and soft tissue within the tooth and its roots. This is done by first accessing the middle of the tooth by making an opening at the top of the tooth and then cleaning the tooth and roots out. Once that is done there are pieces of soft rubber that fill the inner canals of the root. A root canal usually takes 1 to 2 appointments to complete.

Once the nerves are out the tooth, it is considered a weaker, more brittle version of itself. To protect the tooth from breaking in the ensuing years from biting, the tooth is usually treated with a crown.

Why would I need a root canal?

A root canal is needed when bacteria infect the inside of the tooth which it usually does by decay from the outside of the tooth. Another less cause of root canals are trauma to the tooth and tooth fracture lines which cause the tooth nerve to become hypersensitive.

Here are some symptoms you could possibly experience before needing a root canal:

when there is moderate to severe lingering pain when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold liquids/food.
when there is moderate to severe pain to biting on the tooth
typical toothache that wakes you up at night or just starts hurting off and on throughout the day.
a dull ache that throbs and radiates to other teeth
a swelling around the gums or surrounding tissue that occasionally forms a bump on the gums or a bad taste is noticed in the mouth.

Remember: One of these symptoms does not guarantee that you have a root canal. The dentist needs to determine this first by using various diagnostic tools.

ORAL CANCER SCREENING

Oral Cancer kills more people nationwide than either cervical or skin (melanoma) cancer, and only half of the patients diagnosed will survive more than five years. One American dies every hour from oral cancer. The most common risk factors are tobacco use, frequent high quantity alcohol consumption, constant sunlight exposure, habitual cheek or lip biting, or poorly fitting dentures. Although 80 to 90 percent of oral cancers are found in people who use tobacco and/or drink alcohol excessively, 20 percent of oral cancers occur in people who have no risk factors at all.

Your dentist could very well be your number one soldier in the fight against oral cancer. Statistics show in about 10 percent of patients, dentists notice a problem area even before the patient notices. During a regular dental check up, your dentist will examine your entire mouth, searching for a flat, painless, white or red spot or small sore. Other signs of oral cancer include:

A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal.

A color change or the oral tissues.
A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or small, eroded area.
Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.

Two tests can determine if a trouble spit is cancerous. A brush biopsy is a painless test performed on areas that look harmless or do not have a clear cause. This test can detect potentially dangerous cells in the early stages of the disease. A scalpel biopsy, which requires local anesthesia, is usually performed on suspicious areas.

Remember to schedule regular check ups for everyone in your family, Two visits per year are recommended for general care. If between visits, you notice any unusual changes in your mouth, call your dentist immediately. Together you and your dentist can fight and win the battle against oral cancer.

For more information about oral cancer or treatments, visit www.oralcancerfoundation.org.

Technology

TECHNOLOGY

Digital Radiography

We've invested in a new way of looking into your mouth- a procedure that's fast, comfortable, and incredibly precise. Using Digital radiography, we can clearly identify all external and internal anatomical structures and accurately diagnose your dental problems. Even more amazing, we can immediately translate that information into a large, clear, accurate image, projected to a monitor that patient and doctor can study together in the operatory. You won't even have to leave you chair. Digital radiography's technology improves and simplifies the way we care for our patients' teeth, resulting in better dental evaluations and treatment decisions. As the most important member of your dental team, you need to understand the condition of your mouth, as well as our recommendations for treatment. Digital radiographs help us help you.

Reduced Radiation

Traditionally, dentists used X-rays to see what the naked eye could not; X-rays were developed in a darkroom with hazardous chemicals, and then viewed on a special light board. The developed X-rays had to be stored, which required large filing systems. By far, the least desirable part of traditional X-rays was the radiation exposure to patients. Digital radiography has completely transformed this process.

Now when you come into the office for X-rays, a small sensor is placed in your mouth to detect small amounts of radiation- up to 67% less than traditional x-rays. This creates a detailed image of your teeth and surrounding structures that is immediately viewable on a chairside monitor, carrying with it all the conveniences of other digitized images. We can rotate and magnify, adjust for contrast, and even color-code for better patient visualization.

Digital X-rays offer unparalleled benefits over traditional radiographs: they are convenient, safe for the environment, provide a great opportunity for patient education, can be transferred and copied accurately, and best of all, they are safer for our patients. If you have any questions about digital X-rays, feel free to call for more information.

Intra Oral Camera

People seldom have a clear idea of the actual status of their health. Even with lights and mirrors, a patient can't see what the dentist can- that is, until now.

We use intra oral cameras, so when you visit the dentist, you can sit comfortably back in the chair and get ready for the show. The dentist will insert a pen-sized, camera-tipped wand into your mouth. Covered with a disposable plastic sheath for contamination prevention, the wand simply takes a full-color pictures that are sent to a TV screen that you can comfortably view from the dental chair. Viola! There are what your teeth look like- just like the dentist views them! The dentist can point out any problem areas and explain his recommendations for treatment, so you'll become an informed partner in your dental care instead of a clueless bystander.

Seeing your dental problems may seem overwhelming at first, but consider the experience the first step toward a healthier, fresher smile. The camera may reveal the early stages of potentially serious problems, allowing you the opportunity to prevent from escalating into larger problems. This is especially helpful with gum disease and conditions that cause damage without causing pain. The camera's honest survey can also show you how your regular home hygiene routine is paying off. The dentist can recommend ways to improve your homecare based on their findings.

OFFICE POLICY & FINANCES

Dental care that is affordable

Your treatment plan will include a breakdown of all applicable fees, and we will inform you of all costs before treatment is administered. For your convenience, we accept Visa and Mastercard, as well as offer financing options through Care Credit. Charges are payable at the time of treatment.
Please ask a member of our staff, and we will review our payment options to accommodate your financial needs.

If special arrangements are needed, please talk to our office manager prior to receiving service.

Insurance

We are happy to prepare all insurance claims for you. We are your dental health advocates and will make all effort to make sure you receive full insurance benefits: however, it is important to note that because insurance policies vary, we can only estimate your insurance benefits in good faith but cannot guarantee coverage due to the complexities of insurance contracts. Please check your insurance Explanation of Benefits for any discrepancies and we encourage you to contact us if your insurance policy has not paid within 30 days. Remember, you are ultimately for your account.