FAQs

Answers to Common Questions

How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?

We recommend that patients with good oral health schedule a checkup and hygiene visit twice each year. If you need more frequent visits, we'll let you know. Checkups are important because, even if you don't notice any pain or problems with your teeth, we may find signs of potential problems. For instance, demineralization is a precursor to decay, oral cancer often goes undetected until the later stages, and gum disease can be very stealthy. At your hygiene appointment, we'll clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. We'll take measures to make sure your gums stay healthy and strong.

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Do I need X-rays?

To provide optimal care, we take bitewing X-rays once a year and a panoramic X-ray every three years. Because we use a digital system, our patients are exposed to about 80-percent less radiation than with a traditional radiograph. X-rays and intraoral photographs help us track your oral health and address problems early, when conservative dentistry can correct most issues. If you haven't had a checkup and X-rays in a while, call our Rockford dental office for an appointment.

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Does your office use lasers?

We use many kinds of lasers for precise, comfortable dentistry…

DIAGNOdent is our cavity-detection laser. It will scan your teeth to find decay and areas prone to decay, and we will not have to inspect each of your teeth with a traditional dental hook.

Our soft-tissue laser allows us to treat gum disease, perform crown lengthening, harvest and place gum grafts, reduce gum tissue for esthetics, and do biopsies. You will need no stitches after laser surgery, and bleeding is minimal. Most patients recover more quickly after laser surgery than they do following traditional surgery.

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I brush every day, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?

In your checkup, we can look for the cause of your bad breath, also known as halitosis. Some patients suffer from bad breath caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or a smelly substance put off by bacteria. With modern procedures and products to promote fresh breath, our team can help you regain your confidence!

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My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from the patient brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep hygiene treatment to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, and it has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to create significant damage to your health, so call for an assessment now. We will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!

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Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?

Yes! Floss loosens food particles, plaque, and tartar trapped between teeth. These three culprits cause bad breath, cause gum disease, and promote cavities. If you need help learning how to floss quickly and effectively, our hygienist will gladly teach you some tricks to make your daily oral care easier.

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Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials…Where can I learn more about these procedures?

Our Restorative, Cosmetic, and Replacement Teeth pages provide lots of great information about these procedures. If you have questions about these or other dental procedures, don't hesitate to call us. We would be happy to explain any aspect of your dental care or our service offerings.

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What is a cosmetic dentist?

Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association, so any general dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. To choose a good cosmetic dentist, review the doctor’s before-and-after photos of actual cases, ask about his or her postgraduate education in cosmetic dentistry, and make sure that you feel confident and comfortable in the office.

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I want to know more about changing my smile. What do you suggest?

An appointment. Your smile and your goals are unique. We offer a wide range of cosmetic services, and after your consultation, you'll know which services will deliver the smile of your dreams.

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What is your policy regarding dental insurance?

We provide our patients with a complimentary benefits consultation. When you visit, we'll assess your insurance and determine your coverage in our office. In many cases, we can file out-of-network claims. Please prepare to pay your deductible or copay at your appointment. If you prefer to pay in full up front and receive direct reimbursement from your insurance company, we'll extend a courtesy discount.

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What payment methods do you accept, and what are my financing options?

To make paying for your dental work convenient, we accept cash, checks, credit cards, ad we also work with CareCredit, a leader in third party financing. CareCredit extends low- and no-interest loans to qualified applicants. You can apply online here!

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