Here are a number of questions we’ve anticipated you might have, as well as a list of frequently asked questions we receive at our clinic. If you can’t find an answer to the question you’re looking for, please feel free to contact us.

I’d like to visit the clinic by car, do you provide parking?

Unfortunately, we do not have parking specific for patrons, but there is parking available nearby.

When I visit the clinic for my first appointment, is there anything I should bring with me?

Please make sure to bring your insurance card with you, and if you take any medications, please bring your prescription diary with you.

At your clinic, do you also provide children with treatment?

We’re not a pediatric dental practice, per se. So, in dealing with the treatment of baby teeth, we recommend you seek pediatric dental care. If need be, however, we can perform a basic evaluation for you as well as check for cavities and provide fluorine coating treatment for your child.

I’m currently pregnant, is it possible to see you for dental treatment?

If you’re in the middle of your pregnancy (month five through month eight), typically most people have no problem visiting the dentist during that time. If you’re in the beginning of your pregnancy (prior to month five), or near the end, (after month eight), we often only perform emergency treatment.)
It is worth noting, however, that during pregnancy, there are hormonal imbalances that can cause pregnancy gingivitis, and also morning sickness can often impair one's ability to brush properly, so it’s important to visit the clinic to check these concerns. We can be flexible in how to respond to your specific need for care during the pregnancy, so please don’t hesitate to schedule for consultation.

All of a sudden, my teeth started hurting. Could you take a look right away?

At our clinic, appointments are needed in advance. Please give us a call first, so we can check for vacancies. If there is an opening on the day of your call that matches your availability, you can come see us that day. If, however, the schedule is full, you’re still welcome to come, and wait and see if there’s extra time in between patients. We may be able to fit you in to perform emergency treatment should such occasion arise. Please first give us a call, though, to see if there’s a way for us to help you.

Is it possible to pre-schedule a course of treatment for a specific time frame?

It depends on the type of treatment and the course of measure that needs to be taken, but we’ll try to meet your needs by adjusting appointment dates. If you have limitations as to treatment period and cost, please don’t hesitate to seek a consultation.

I’ve been diagnosed with a metal allergy. Can I still receive dental treatment?

Basically, metals are mostly used for fillings and crowns. But when patients have metal allergies, we use metal-free materials. In these cases, we can adjust the course of treatment and while the cost may change, please do tell us first, if you have a metal allergy.

My wisdom tooth hurts.

Occasionally with wisdom teeth, depending on the location of the incoming wisdom tooth and the size of a patient’s jaw, there are instances when a wisdom tooth doesn't come in straight. When wisdom teeth erupt askew, depending on the health of gum tissue, it can be vulnerable to swelling. The source of pain may be decay of the wisdom tooth or the general inflammation of gum tissue. So, we’ll perform an examination, and if necessary, an extraction of the wisdom tooth. We’ll first take measures to reduce inflammation, however, if it’s just the inflammation of gum tissue, so please give us a call for consultation.

I’m concerned about my teeth becoming stained. What might be the reason for this?

There are various reasons for stained teeth. For example, the color of our teeth is affected by the foods and drinks we consume. Some people have a natural yellow tint to their teeth, and also when a tooth’s nerve is removed, the tooth will change color. First, please come see us, and we’ll determine the cause of your yellowing teeth and perform a treatment based on the examination. When staining is the cause of discoloration, it is possible to experience a reduction of color after a complete professional cleaning of your teeth in our office.

I have an appointment, but something urgent has come up. Can I cancel?

Should you need to cancel an appointment, simply give us a call and we will reschedule your appointment. As soon as you’re aware that you can’t visit the clinic, please let us know.

My filling came off. What should I do?

It depends on the type of filling you have, but if you lose your filling, first, call us. This way, we can provide instructions as to what to do—either coming into the clinic or allowing the tooth to remain as it is.

I want to know how to brush my teeth properly. Could you teach me?

Our hygienists will help you select a method of brushing, a toothbrush, and interproximal brush best suited to your brushing style and life habits. After that, we’ll teach you how to use them. The brushing method we will suggest will depend upon your age, lifestyle, and the state of your remaining teeth, so please pay us a visit.

I always chew on one side of my mouth, is this a problem?

When we chew exclusively on one side of our mouth for a long period of time, we can run into all sorts of problems. For example, abnormal teeth positioning, asymmetric muscular development, and the placement of uneven pressure on our jaw. The best way to chew is to use your entire mouth, balancing on both the right and left sides while chewing. Depending upon your bite, though, you might have trouble balancing your chewing. By adjusting your bite or fixing poor crowns, you can experience improvement, so again, please pay us a visit.

I had a filling placed, but still experience a bit of discomfort in that area.

Depending on the condition of the filling, you may experience some discomfort for the first few days after the placement. If beyond this initial period you’re still feeling a sense of discomfort, then we may need to make adjustments. In that case, please let us know.

My treatment is complete. Do I still need to visit the dentist regularly?

At our clinic, we focus on preventative care. By receiving preventative care regularly after the completion of treatment,, you can reduce your risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay. Our mission for patients is to help them maintain a healthy bite with their own teeth for a long period of time. Depending on the patient, the recommended number of times one should come into the office for maintenance is different. In general, an interval of two or three months is recommended, and by doing that you can reduce a variety of associated risks.