It is difficult to quote fees without knowing exactly what is needed. For example:

• There are different levels of cleanings which can’t be determined until an exam is performed.
• There are many surfaces of the tooth where decay can develop. Therefore, it is difficult to quote a fee without knowing the size of the filling and how many surfaces are involved.

Therefore, without x-rays and/or examining the patient, it is difficult to quote fees over the phone.

The dentist will do a thorough exam to diagnose what type of cleaning is needed. They will also address any other issues that may be of importance to your overall dental health.

While we do not forbid a parent from going back with their child, it has been our experience that children typically do better when the parent is not in the room.

Yes, we see children of all ages. We do everything we can to make sure their first visit at Family Dental Center is a positive one. We want them to look forward to coming to the dentist!

Yes, we are accepting new patients. If you are happy with the services you receive, we would appreciate you telling your friends and family. The best compliment you can give us is to refer your friends and family!

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends taking your child to his or her first dental visit by the age of 1 year. Family Dental Center follows the protocols of the ADA, and we try to use this first appointment as a “get to know your child” visit. Children have teeth by age 1, and it is important to establish a dental home as early as possible. This has been shown to be effective in educating both parents and children.

Amalgam fillings are often used at Family Dental Center. The amalgam material has been around for years, and has been shown to be a very strong and durable restoration. In fact, the ADA, FDA and AMA (American Medical Association) have shown it to be a very good restorative material with no health risks.

The ADA has endorsed fluoride as a cavity preventer for years. It works by creating a harder enamel, more resistant to the harmful effects of the acid released by the bacteria known to cause cavities. Research has also indicated that fluoride is somehow involved in the process of inhibiting the bacteria itself.

While not all patients need their wisdom teeth out, our dentists may recommend it to you. This is specific to each patient, but a few reasons we may recommend removal of your wisdom teeth may include: lack of room for them to erupt straight, cavities on them due to inability to keep clean, increased plaque accumulation on them or pain noted by the patient in the area.

Sealants are preventive “coverings” for your teeth that have deeper grooves on the chewing surfaces. It is a non-invasive process where your hygienist places a resin material on the grooves, smoothing them out, to prevent food and bacteria from getting caught in the areas. They are usually recommended for your 6 year and 12 year molars, but may be recommended on other teeth as well.

There are few instances in which implants are used. One is to restore a single space, and another is to help stabilize dentures. An implant as a single tooth replacement option has many benefits. It is essentially a “screw” placed in the bone, on to which a crown is fitted to replace a space where a tooth is missing. It essentially acts like a natural tooth, and allows the patient to function normally while easily keeping the area clean. In the denture stabilization method, a number of implants are placed in the bone and a denture is custom fitted to attach to these implants. It helps to keep the dentures in place, and offers a patient more function and security.

Depending on the location of the missing tooth, there are generally three options for replacing a tooth. One option is an implant. This is a great way to replace a space without disrupting the adjacent teeth. Another options is a bridge. This is similar to a crown, in which the teeth adjacent to the space are prepared and then a bridge is fabricated that involves three teeth, the space and the two adjacent. It is cemented in and restores function while closing the space. The third option is called a partial denture. It is basically a removable retainer with a fake tooth on it that is placed in the space.

X-rays are usually taken yearly to help assist the dentist in diagnosing cavities between the teeth. It is also used to monitor changes in the bone level, which is associated with overall periodontal health.

No, as long as you use the recommended products as directed, and under the guidance of your dentist. The active ingredients in the tooth whitening gels prescribed by dentists are either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, and have been shown to be completely safe for your teeth and gums.

Veneers are minimally invasive restorations often used to cover discolored teeth or to straighten minor imperfections. The dentist removes a small amount of enamel on the front of the tooth, and a veneer is fabricated and cemented where the enamel was removed.