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PATIENT INFO

New Patient Information Center

Building a foundation of trust by treating our patients as special individuals is vital to our success. We understand how uneasy some patients may feel about their dental visits, and how we can make a difference in providing a relaxing and positive experience. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with excellent, personalized care and service to make your visits as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

For more information about our dental office and services, please visit the following pages:

New Patient Information Center

Building a foundation of trust by treating our patients as special individuals is vital to our success. We understand how uneasy some patients may feel about their dental visits, and how we can make a difference in providing a relaxing and positive experience. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with excellent, personalized care and service to make your visits as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

For more information about our dental office and services, please visit the following pages:

Dental X-rays may reveal:

Please feel free to contact us
if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.

Are dental X-rays safe?

We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of X-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.

Dental X-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental X-rays. These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each X-ray.

How often should dental X-rays be taken?

The need for dental X-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

A full mouth series of dental X-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing X-rays (X-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.

Bleeding gums– Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
Loose teeth– Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
New spacing between teeth– Caused by bone loss.
Persistent bad breath– Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
Pus around the teeth and gums– Sign that there is an infection present.
Receding gums– Loss of gum around a tooth.
Red and puffy gums– Gums should never be red or swollen.
Tenderness or Discomfort– Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.