Regular visits to the dentist are a key component of your oral hygiene routine. Here, Dr. Rodger explains why dental checkups and cleanings are so important.

For most people, dentists recommend having a cleaning and checkup twice a year – every six months, to be precise.

However, depending on your specific oral health needs, we may recommend you visit us more often than that.

On average, seeing a dentist twice a year works well for many people. Some can get away with fewer visits. Others may need more frequent visits. People with very little risk of cavities or gum disease can do fine seeing their dentist just once a year. People with a high risk of dental disease might need to visit every three or four months or more. This high-risk group includes:

• Smokers
• Pregnant women
• Diabetics
• People with current gum disease
• People with a weak immune response to bacterial infection
• People who tend to get cavities or build up plaque

The schedule for any person may change during a lifetime. In times of stress or illness, you may need to see the dentist more often than usual. The dentist may help you to fight off a temporary infection or treat changes in your mouth.

If you take good care of your teeth and gums at home and your dentist doesn’t find any cavities or gum disease for a few years, he or she may choose to lengthen the time between visits. Ask your dentist the best schedule for your routine dental visits.

Yes. We follow fee guide closely to provide you immediate comfort knowing your fees before being serviced. Some of our services are below the fee guide. We are upfront about our fees while maintaining the great quality of services.

We are accepting patients of all ages with no referrals required. We have a team of highly trained specialists that are taking their time to understand their patients’ concerns and provide comfort during your visit.

Yes. We have Implants and Veneers Specialist on site to help. Generally, dental implants are not covered by dental insurance. However, more companies are covering dental implants today than they did ten years ago. In many cases, your insurance can help pay for the teeth that are placed on the dental implants, if not the implants themselves. You can call your dental insurance provider and ask if dental implants are a covered procedure.

Start early! To get your child ready for the visit, talk to him or her about what’s going to happen and be positive. Have your child practice opening his or her mouth to get them ready for when the dentist counts and checks their teeth. Reading books or watching videos about first dental visits may help your child be less fearful and more confident.

Moms and dads can prepare, too. When making the appointment, it can’t hurt to ask for any necessary patient forms ahead of time. It may be quicker and easier for you to fill them out at home instead of at the office on the day of your visit.

Make a list of questions, as well. If your child is teething, sucking his or her thumb or using a pacifier too much, your dentist can offer some advice.

What to Expect During the Visit

The dentist will examine your child to make sure their jaw and teeth are developing in the way they should. During the visit, you will be seated in the dental chair with your child on your lap if your child isn’t able to — or doesn’t want to — sit in the chair alone. The dentist will check for mouth injuries, cavities or other issues. Once that part of the exam is over, the dentist will clean your child’s teeth and give you tips for daily care.

If your child cries a little or wiggles during the exam, don’t worry. It’s normal, and your dental team understands this is a new experience for your child!

Tips for a Great Visit

• Don’t schedule an appointment during naptime. Instead, pick a time your child is usually well-rested and cooperative.
• Make sure your child has had a light meal and brushes their teeth before their appointment so they won’t be hungry during their visit.
• Save snacks for after the visit so they aren’t on your child’s teeth during the exam.
• Think of the appointment as a happy and fun experience. If your child becomes upset during the visit, work with your dentist to calm your child. You’re on the same team!