It’s been a long time since I’ve been to the dentist and I’m worried about what the dentist might find and say. How will I be treated?
We see many patients who have a great deal of ‘deferred maintenance’ to catch up on. You will be welcomed and encouraged to start on the pathway to dental health. No scolding, ever. We will be honest with you about the state of your health and discuss the options available for treatment. There is much information available on the internet today, however you will receive professional advice and information for your unique situation. We can help prioritize treatment needs and work with you to fit them into your schedule and budget, whether it takes six months or six years.
How do you make sure your treatment rooms and instruments are clean and sterile?
We practice universal precautions, which means that we assume that both we as dental personnel and all patients could potentially have an infectious disease. Before a patient enters a treatment room, all surfaces in that room that come into contact with infectious material (saliva, blood, etc.) are cleaned and disinfected with a medical-grade disinfectant. Our handpieces, instruments and materials used in the mouth are either sterilized in our steam autoclave, or a disposable item is used.
Why do I need and exam and x-rays in order to get my teeth cleaned?
Dentists are obligated to take professional responsibility for the care of all patients seen in their office. Our dental team members (hygienists and dental assistants) are very knowledgable, however only dentists have received the training and qualifications to diagnose many conditions such as tooth decay (cavities), infections and oral cancer. While we can see much from a visual exam, much necessary information about our teeth and the supporting roots and bone can only be gained through x-rays.
How much do services in your office cost?
As each person and their dental needs are different and unique, we can give you a written treatment estimate after we have done an examination.