Optimal Smile

frequently asked questions

New Patients

Do you accept new patients?

Yes, we accept new patients. As a benefit to our patients, our dental practice keeps well abreast of the latest developments in preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. As leaders in general dentistry we will do everything possible to provide you with the excellence in dental care that you've come to expect and deserve.

What happens on my first visit?

Standard procedures and common sense dictate that a visual exam of a new patient and current x-rays occur before a cleaning is performed.

We try to get to know you and to become familiar with your past dental experience, and your present needs and desires. We discuss the cause of gum disease and dental decay. We also discuss preventive measures that can improve your dental health. We complete a dental examination that includes soft tissue exam (oral cancer screening), look at the teeth noting anything wrong with existing restorations or the teeth themselves, evaluate the TMJ (jaw joints), gum tissues and x-rays when needed. We put this information together and decide on required and desired treatment that best fit your needs and dental health.

How do I know what procedure I really need?

Some conditions are hard to see with the naked eye; however, they can be seen clearly with the assistance of a IntraOral video examination. With this technology we have the ability to co-diagnose (doctor and patient) necessary treatment.

Home Care

What kind of toothbrush should I use?

If you control the formation of dental plaque, you can control 90% of the disease that is commonly found in the mouth. Conventional toothbrushes can do the job if used properly.

	Step 1 Place bristles along the gumline at a 45 degree angle. Gently brush using a back, forth and rolling motion along the outer and inner tooth surfaces.
	Step 2 Brush each tooth individually! Tilt brush vertically behind the font teeth. Make several up and down strokes using the front half of the brush.
	Step 3 Place the brush against the biting surface of the teeth and use a gentle back and forth scrubbing motion. Brush the tongue from back to front to remove odor producing bacteria.

Why do I need to floss?

If you control the formation of dental plaque, you can control 90% of the disease that is commonly found in the mouth. Conventional toothbrushes can do the job if used properly.

Brushing alone, no matter how good of a job you do, can not reach all of the areas between the teeth or just under the gum line. Flossing removes the soft deposits of plaque and food from between he teeth and decreases damage to the enamel (cavities) and irritation of your gums due to bacterial build-up.

	Wind 18" of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving 1" - 2" length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth. Use index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.
	Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion. DO NOT SNAP FLOSS INTO THE GUM. Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gumline. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.

Sterilization

What about your sterilization procedures?

As a matter of policy we use as many throw away items as possible. All of our hand-pieces and dental instruments are Heat and Steam Sterilized in hospital grade equipment. Water lines are cleaned and disinfected regularly. Every room is thoroughly cleaned between every patient. We are proud of our safety procedures and will be happy to provide you a tour and discuss in detail our sterilization procedures.

About X-rays

Why do I need X-Rays?

What a visual exam reveals is only about 20% of what is really happening in the areas of potential infection, cavities, bone loss, etc. An x-ray provides a clear picture for a dentist to accurately diagnose and provide the necessary treatment. We use the lowest dosage of radiation possible when taking our x-rays. This is the safest method available within the limits of the dental profession.

What type of X-Rays do you use?

X-rays play an invaluable role in the diagnosis of dental problems. Our office uses conventional x-ray technology.

Why do I need a full set of X-Rays?

A full set of x-rays (18 films) is customary to take on a new patient. It gives the doctor a complete view of all the teeth and supporting structures.