Our Services
Preventive & Diagnostic
Regular visits are the least expensive and least involved dentistry there is. Cleanings, exams, and digital imaging let us find small problems while they are still small.
Cleanings
A routine cleaning removes the plaque and tartar that brushing at home cannot reach, above and just below the gumline. Most patients come in for one about every six months, though we may suggest a different interval depending on what we see. Your visit includes an exam so we can look at your teeth, gums, and bite while you are here.
Deep cleanings
A deep cleaning — scaling and root planing — goes further than a routine cleaning, treating buildup below the gumline when there are signs of gum disease. We smooth the root surfaces so the gum tissue has a clean surface to reattach to. It is usually done over more than one visit, and often with numbing so you stay comfortable.
Sealants
A sealant is a thin protective coating painted into the grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where food and bacteria collect and a toothbrush struggles to reach. Application is quick, does not require numbing, and is most often done for children and teenagers, though adults without decay in those teeth can be candidates too.
Digital x-rays
Digital x-rays let us see between and inside teeth and below the gumline — decay, infection, and bone loss that are not visible in an exam. They use less radiation than traditional film and the image appears immediately, so we can look at it with you and explain what we are seeing rather than describing it from memory.
Panoramic x-rays
A panoramic x-ray captures your whole mouth in a single image — all the teeth, both jaws, the sinuses, and the joints. Nothing goes inside your mouth; the machine rotates around your head. It is how we evaluate wisdom teeth, plan extractions, and assess whether there is enough bone to support implants or dentures.
Common questions
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
About every six months for most people. If you have gum disease, or a history of it, we may recommend coming in more often. We will tell you what we think is right for your mouth and why, and the schedule is your decision.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning treats the tooth surfaces at and just above the gumline. A deep cleaning treats below the gumline, on the roots, and is recommended when there are signs of gum disease. A deep cleaning usually takes more than one visit and often involves numbing.
Do I really need x-rays at every visit?
No. X-rays are taken based on what we can see, your history, and how long it has been since your last set — not automatically at every appointment. If you have recent x-rays from another office, we are glad to have them sent over.
What about cost?
Every mouth is different, so the honest answer is that we need to see yours before we can tell you what anything will cost. Call the office and we will talk it through — and consultations for dentures and implants are free.
We accept: cash, check, all major credit cards, and CareCredit.