Answers to common questions

We accept most PPO plans, including Aetna, Ameritas / Principal, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, Delta Premier, GEHA, Guardian, United Healthcare, MetLife, Lincoln Financial and United Concordia. The full list is on our Insurance & Financing page — and please call with any insurance question.

At least twice a year, though your dentist or hygienist may recommend more frequent visits. Regular exams and cleanings are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

Much more than checking for cavities. We review your medical history, examine X-rays, screen for oral cancer, evaluate your gums, check existing fillings and crowns, remove plaque and tartar, polish your teeth, and recommend home care based on what we find.

Brush at least twice a day — especially before bed — with a soft-bristle brush, angled at 45 degrees to the gums in small circular motions, covering every surface and your tongue. Floss daily: it is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.

Your toothbrush cannot reach between the teeth, and those areas are highly susceptible to decay and gum disease. Plaque left there hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and slowly destroys the bone. Daily flossing disrupts it before that happens.

Most often bacteria on the tongue, particularly at the back. Other causes include reduced saliva overnight, certain foods, poor oral hygiene, gum disease, cavities, ill-fitting dental appliances, dry mouth, tobacco, dieting, dehydration, and some medical conditions.

Brush twice a day, floss daily and clean your tongue; replace your toothbrush every two to three months; drink water frequently; stop smoking; and see us regularly. If your mouth is healthy but bad breath persists, we may refer you to your physician.

Often you cannot — it is usually painless in the early stages, which is why regular check-ups matter. Signs include red or puffy gums, bleeding when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, new spacing between teeth, loose teeth, pus around the gums, and receding gums.

Research suggests that periodontal bacteria entering the bloodstream may contribute to heart disease, increase the risk of stroke, and complicate diabetes and respiratory disease. There is still much to understand about the link, but regular check-ups with a periodontal evaluation help protect both.

Professional whitening is simple, non-invasive and far more effective than over-the-counter products. Some stains, such as tetracycline or fluorosis, are harder to bleach, and veneers or crowns may be the better option. We will check whether you are a good candidate first.

Replacing a lost tooth matters: without it the neighbouring teeth shift and the jawbone begins to shrink. Options include removable bridges, fixed bridges, dentures and dental implants. Together we will select the best replacement for your case.

Old fillings can be defective as well as unattractive, as their edges open and let bacteria in. They can be replaced with tooth-coloured composite, or with crowns, inlays and onlays, or porcelain veneers, depending on the tooth.

A sealant is a thin protective coating over the deep grooves of back teeth, where brushing cannot reach. They are most often placed for children and teenagers once the permanent molars appear, and for adults with deep grooves that are hard to keep clean.

Straight teeth chew, bite and speak more effectively, and are easier to clean — which lowers the risk of gum disease. Crooked teeth can contribute to jaw problems, injury and uneven wear. Teeth can be straightened with braces or with removable aligning trays.

Act quickly. Handle the tooth by the crown, never the root, and do not scrub it — rinse gently with saliva or milk. If you can, place it back in the socket and bite gently on gauze; otherwise keep it moist in milk or saliva. Call us straight away — getting to a dentist within 30 minutes gives it the best chance.