Ans: First, we discuss with you your long-term dental goals for your dental health…what concerns you have had in the past…and what your concerns you have now. For many of our patients their dental health is excellent and they have no concerns. For other patients, their dental health concerns range from cavities to esthetic considerations.

We will also do a complete exam and take any necessary X-rays and work with you on a treatment plan.

Dr. Copley and Dr. Roemmich are firm believers in prevention being your best defense! Our front office staff will be happy to schedule your appointments and keep you on your needed return visits.

Ans. A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.

Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, but toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and bacteria.

Ans: Dental amalgam has an established record of safety and effectiveness. Amalgam has been used to restore the teeth of more than 100 million Americans. However, the fact that its formulation includes mercury content has raised safety concerns in the minds of some. Small amounts of mercury vapor can be released from amalgam during placement, mastication (chewing) and brushing. The safety of dental amalgam has been studied and reviewed extensively and no correlation has been found between the small amounts of mercury released from amalgam restorations and any adverse health affect.

– Source; ADA website

Ans. Yes! Our office offers at home whitening products. At your visit you can discuss with either one of the doctors or your dental hygienist as to which option would be best for you.

Ans. Before some dental treatments, patients who have certain heart conditions and those with artificial joints may need to take antibiotics. These patients may be at risk of developing an infection in the heart or at the site of the artificial joint. Antibiotics will reduce the risk.

Ans. Make it fun! Here are some hints to help you out.

Ans: Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing gets rid of the bacteria your toothbrush can’t get to. Brushing without flossing is like washing only half of your face.

If you do not floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth. Eventually it hardens into tartar.

Ans: Visits to the dentist include more than just “checking teeth”. While those patients who wear dentures no longer have to worry about dental decay, they may have concerns with ill-fitting dentures or mouth sores to name a few. Annual visits to the dentist are recommended. During these visits an oral cancer screening exam will be performed as well as an evaluation of the fit or need for replacement of the existing dentures.

Ans: Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth. An x-ray examination may reveal:

Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and often unnecessary discomfort.