Frequently Asked Questions for Dental Care

We Have Answers

We want to thank you for visiting the Elevation Family Dental website! Our goal is for your first visit to be one of comfort and acknowledgment of your personal dental needs.

We will take the required time to properly diagnose your immediate dental concerns, review your past medical and dental history, and create a treatment plan that provides for your optimal dental health. With your cooperation, we will complete a thorough comprehensive dental evaluation.

Why? Because the foundation of a long-term relationship is established at your first visit to our practice.

Why Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early so they can be fixed quickly and easily. X-rays or a periodontal charting will be alternatingly taken every six months to help check for signs of decay or gum disease. We will also do an oral cancer screen every time you come in to check for any abnormalities.

How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam and Cleaning?

The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult to clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history and current dental care methods with us. Don't be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits-our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam/cleaning.

How Important is Oral Hygiene?

Oral hygiene is necessary for eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria builds to form plaque. Plaque can harden and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, and periodontal disease if it is not removed. A good dental care routine and regular check ups will keep your mouth healthy and prevent inflammation, infection, decay and tooth loss.

How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be examined. We may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as frequency of cavities and genetic susceptibility to gum disease.

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What Can I Expect From an Oral Hygiene Visit?

At a typical hygiene visit, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or deposits. These deposits are called tartar or calculus and are more difficult to remove than plaque. Calculus removal requires the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also ask you about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth and floss. With this in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health. Every six months a doctor will do an exam with x-rays or periodontal charting to assess your dental health. If you are a new patient, we will bring you in for a new patient consult and full mouth set of x-rays prior to your cleaning.