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Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of bleaching/whitening do you do in your office?

We use Spa Dent Light Activated Teeth Whitening (Sensitivity Free). The Spa-dent whitening process provides the maximum whitening benefit, in the least amount of time with virtually no sensitivity, all under the supervision of your Dental Professional. Our revolutionary gel formulation is placed in our dual arch mouth trays with the precise dosage of whitening material. Our unique blue and red LED light activates the gel, providing powerful whitening with cellular stimulation. Hydroxyl radicals penetrate the tooth enamel to break down stains into progressively smaller particles. This process will penetrate but not harm or damage the tooth enamel, including caps, crowns and veneers. The effect whitens the whole “smile” area of a patient’s teeth.

Sure there are many options out there to whiten your teeth, but none offer the level of comfort, convenience and confidence you’ll find with Spa-Dent. And no matter what stage you are at in life, you’ll appreciate how our cutting-edge approach to whitening has minimal interference in how you live, but has a significant positive impact on how you look and feel about yourself.

What are you hours of operation?

Our office is open Wednesday through Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

We are closed Monday, Tuesday and Sunday.

How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

You should have your teeth cleaned at least twice a year. Clients with periodontal disease are seen more frequently.

But my insurance says I only get one cleaning every 9 months?

Dental Hygiene appointments are important to maintain overall oral health. For most people it is recommended that they have a hygiene appointment every 6 months. Some people have periodontal disease or bone loss and we recommend that they come in once ever 3 or 4 months.

A few insurance companies have changed their coverage to only include one “cleaning” per year. This is the insurance company’s way of saving money; they did not make this change based off any studies that proved that a dental cleaning more than once a year was not necessary.

Some plans cover the dental exam, polish, and fluoride once every nine months. These plans generally cover scaling at a more frequent interval. We recommend those clients with periodontal disease to have scaling done on a more frequent interval. Scaling is the most important part of a cleaning. Removing the tarter buildup is what keeps the gums healthy.

Why is preventive care important?

The best way to avoid dental problems is proper home care everyday, regular dental visits, and preventive hygiene care. Detecting problems early saves you suffering, saves dollars, and saves time as well as prevents more serious problems from developing.

What is periodontal (gum) disease?

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection in which bacteria attack the tissues that surround and support teeth. Simply put, it is an infection that can result in tooth loss if not treated. Because it is often painless, you may not be aware that you have a problem until your gums and bone are seriously affected. The good news is that periodontal diseases often can be prevented or treated in the early stages with a treatment call scaling and root planing.

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

There are many forms of periodontitis. The most common ones include the following. Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.

Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. This is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.

Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.

Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.

What are the warning signs of periodontal disease?

See your dentist and hygienist if you notice any of the following warning signs:

  • gums that bleed easily
  • red, swollen or tender gums
  • gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • pus between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed
  • persistent bad breath or bad taste
  • permanent teeth that are loose or spreading
  • any changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • any changes in the fit of partial dentures

What is Gingivitis?

See your hygienist if you notice any of the following warning signs:

  • gums that bleed easily
  • red, swollen or tender gums
  • gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • pus between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed
  • persistent bad breath or bad taste
  • permanent teeth that are loose or spreading
  • any changes in the way your teeth fit together when you biteany changes in the fit of partial dentures

What is plaque? Calculus?

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that clings to teeth and gums. Even if you brush and clean between your teeth everyday, you may not completely remove plaque, especially around the gum line. The bacteria in plaque create toxins that injure the gums and underlying bone. Over time, these toxins can destroy gum and bone tissue. Plaque that is not removed completely every 24 to 48 hours hardens into a rough, porous deposit called tartar or calculus. Once tartar develops, the only way to remove it is by having your teeth cleaned at a dental office. Tartar that builds up below (under) the gum line makes it more difficult to remove the film of plaque. This can lead to chronic inflammation and infection. Periodontal (gum) diseases are progressive – if left untreated, the condition will worsen.

What is the ultrasonic scaler?

This is a tool we use to aid in removing tarter build up from your teeth. The sclera vibrates and shoots out water to flush out the pockets under the gum line. This flushing action is known as “lavage” and helps to flush away the bacterial plaque from under the gums. This helps reduce the incidents of gingivitis and helps keep pockets clean and will even help reduce the size of pockets created by gum disease.

The sclera will also remove larger pieces of calculus build up. This allows Nikki to go in with a hand scaler and remove the little pieces that are left behind. The whole process leaves a cleaner fresher feeling in the mouth when the hygiene is completed.

Why Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoride occurs naturally in all water sources. Studies show that fluoride reduces cavities and is effective and safe. The use of fluoride can dramatically reduce tooth decay and help to prevent tooth sensitivities.

What simple things can I do to prepare my smile for my wedding day?

Something as simple as whitening your teeth can give you great results. You need to plan ahead so you have time to get the results you want.