Frequently Asked Questions

According to the American Dental Association, patients of all ages should visit their dentist at least twice a year for a regular checkup and cleaning. This will go a long way in preventing many dental issues and keeping your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come!

Our doctors agree with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry on this one: a child should come in for their first dental appointment within 6 months after their first tooth erupts but no later than their first birthday.

We can actually do a few different things to help your cavity! For a small cavity, we will probably use a tooth-colored filling to fix it. However, if the damage is more extensive, we may choose to restore the tooth using a dental crown. In either case, we’ll make sure your tooth looks and feels great.

Yes, we can, and we have a few ways to do it. If you are missing a few teeth right next to each other, we can replace them with a dental bridge. If you have teeth missing throughout your mouth or need an entire arch replaced, we can provide you with a set of dentures.

For a longer-term solution, we may suggest dental implants. Unlike a bridge or denture, an implant replaces the whole tooth — including the root — so it looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth and helps preserve the jawbone that supports it. That makes implants the most stable and longest-lasting replacement option we offer.

We certainly can. If our comfortable office, friendly team, and fresh cookies aren’t quite enough to settle your nerves, we offer several levels of sedation and will help you choose the one that fits you.

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) takes the edge off during your visit and wears off quickly, so you can drive yourself home. Oral conscious sedation is a prescription taken before your appointment for deeper, more sustained relaxation. For our most anxious patients — or for longer procedures — we also offer IV conscious sedation, which is safe, fast-acting, and lets you simply float through your appointment.

Yes. Your smile’s appearance is part of nearly everything we do, and we also offer a full range of treatments dedicated specifically to it, called cosmetic dentistry. Whether you simply want your teeth whitened or you are considering a complete smile makeover, we will take the time to understand what you want to change and recommend the treatment — and the artistry — that will get you there.

Yes, we have a multitude of orthodontic treatments that are perfect for patients of all ages.

For younger patients, we can offer traditional metal braces, which are the most durable and cost-effective option.

For adults and teens, we can offer Invisalign®. Invisalign® uses clear plastic aligner trays to straighten the teeth, and this helps a patient maintain their natural appearance throughout treatment.

This can happen for a few reasons. You may be brushing too hard, flossing too hard, or you may have a form of gum disease.

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is an infection that can occur when plaque and bacteria build up along the gums and teeth. This irritates the tissue and causes it to become inflamed, which makes it much more likely to bleed when touched by your brush or floss. If the bleeding continues for more than a week or two, let us know and we will take a look.

Yes! Our practice is happy to work with your dental insurance provider to help you get the most out of your benefits. Please note that not all of our locations are in-network with every plan. That’s because we believe your oral health needs should guide your care — not the limitations of insurance coverage.

In many cases, we can still help you use your benefits, or we can offer an affordable alternative through our Cornerstone Patient Loyalty Membership Program, which provides significant discounts and benefits regardless of your insurance status or provider.

To learn more about making your dental care affordable, visit our Financial Information or explore our Cornerstone Patient Loyalty Membership Program.