Q. How often should I see a dentist?

A. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting a 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 for most patients.

Q. What do I do if I have a dental emergency?

A. Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. If you have a dental emergency 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 and follow the prompts from the answering service to leave a message for Dr. Brad and he will return your call promptly.

Q. What kind of toothbrush should I use?

A. Adults should use a small-to-medium size toothbrush with soft or extra-soft 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.  Power toothbrushes are also a good choice.  Our office sells Oral-B 5000 brushes at our cost to make them affordable for you, our patients.  Oral-B produces the highest quality toothbrushes on the market at a reasonable cost.  We also like them because all Oral-B brushheads fit on any Oral-B brush handle so you never have to worry about compatability.

Q. How often should I replace my toothbrush?

A. 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.

Q. Is a powered toothbrush more effective than a manual toothbrush?

A. Generally, manual toothbrushes are just as effective as powered toothbrushes when used correctly. However, we find that most people have an easier time using a powered brush and they are more likely to use a powered brush for the recommended time of 2 minutes.  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.  Many of our patients take advantage of this considerable savings to improve their home care routine.

Q. Should I brush or floss first?

A. 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.

Q. Is one type of toothpaste better than the others?

A. 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.  Our office sells Crest Pro-Health toothpastes at our cost to our patients.  Many of our patients take advantage of this chance to purchase their toothpaste at a considerable discount.

Q. Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?

A. 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.  We also offer Care Credit payment plans with both interest free and long-term low interest options.