Frequently Asked Questions

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SEE THE DENTIST?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting the dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and a professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year.

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A DENTAL EMERGENCY?

A. For life-threatening emergency please call 911. Otherwise, please call our office as soon as possible. If this happens during regular business hours, we will be glad to work you into our schedule. After hours, over the weekend and during holidays, please call our office for the emergency contact number.

WHAT KIND OF TOOTHBRUSH SHOULD I USE?

Adults should use a small-to-medium size toothbrush with soft-to-medium bristles. The head of the brush needs to be small enough to brush all areas of the mouth thoroughly, specifically the back of the mouth, which can be hard to reach. Children should use small toothbrushes with soft bristles. People with sensitive teeth can benefit from using gentle, soft bristled toothbrushes.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY TOOTHBRUSH?

The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your brush every 3 to 4 months. With each use, the bristles become worn and cleaning effectiveness decreases. Depending on your oral health, you may need to replace your brush sooner. Typically, children toothbrushes need to be replaced more regularly than adults.

IS A POWERED TOOTHBRUSH MORE EFFECTIVE THAN A MANUAL TOOTHBRUSH?

Generally, manual toothbrushes can be just as effective as powered toothbrushes. Children may find brushing with a powered toothbrush more exciting. If you have difficulty using a manual toothbrush, a powered toothbrush may be much more comfortable and easier to use. In many cases powered brushes can provide the desire pressure and access.

SHOULD I BRUSH OR FLOSS FIRST?

As long as you brush and floss thoroughly, it does not matter if you brush then floss or floss then brush. However, flossing before brushing enables the fluoride in your toothpaste to better reach the areas between the teeth.

IS ONE TYPE OF TOOTHPASTE BETTER THAN THE OTHERS?

No. However, we recommend you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride and carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which means it has been assessed for safety and effectiveness. Studies consistently show that fluoride helps strengthen and rebuild tooth structure, and helps prevent dental decay.

ARE PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE FOR MY DENTAL TREATMENT?

Yes. We accept most major credit cards and many types of dental insurance. We will process your insurance claim for you upon receipt of your co-payment.

WHY I NO LONGER NEED ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS BEFORE A DENTAL APPOINTMENT?

If you have had a joint replacement and taken antibiotics before dental work in the past, you may not need to make a trip to the pharmacy before your next procedure. It is no longer necessary for most dental patients with orthopedic implants to have antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infection. For more information visit https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/joint-replacement

SHOULD YOU USE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL TOOTHPASTE TO WHITEN TEETH?

Proceed with Caution: The Truth About Activated Charcoal Toothpaste. In the millennial-favorite Nickelodeon cartoon “The Fairly OddParents,” local heartthrob Chip Skylark has an iconic song: “My Shiny Teeth and Me.” “My shiny teeth that twinkle, just like the stars in space!” Chip sings. “My shiny teeth that sparkle, adding beauty to my face!” Indeed, the value of a bright smile — especially in the U.S. — is no secret. So it’s not surprising that when a new teeth whitening ingredient comes on the scene, there’s quite a bit of buzz.

But, as is common with super hyped ingredients, actually digging into the research around activated charcoal toothpaste reveals a more complicated story. There’s little evidence to support the use of charcoal to whiten teeth or freshen breath, and it might not even be that safe to use.

So before you get your hopes too high — or open your wallet — learn what activated charcoal actually does to teeth, and what else you can do to put the pearly back in your pearly whites.

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