Associates in Dentistry

I am a new patient, what happens on my first visit?

Please arrive 10 minutes before you appointment so you can fill out the paperwork needed for you patient file and start your treatment on time. Remember to bring your insurance card and one form of I.D. so we can also add them to it. As a new patient, your exam and cleaning will take approximately one hour, depending on your oral health this time may vary. if you do not have current x-rays, we can take them. If you had them taken in a different dental office, please make sure to contact your previous dentist and request a copy. We accept digital x-rays and we prefer that format.

Oral hygiene instructions will be given to you along with suggestions on how to take care of your teeth. If any further treatment is needed we will explain the problems found and present a treatment plan for you.

How often should I see the dentist for a check up and a cleaning?

Most children and adults should see their dentist for a regular cleaning and check up every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have a dental checks more than twice a year. Going to regular checks will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy as well as to detect any early problems such as gun disease, oral cancer and cavities. This is the best way to maintain good oral health.

What is the difference between a crown and a filling?

A crown, also called cap, completely covers a tooth, and is used to restore the tooth to its normal shape and size. A crown is necsessary for a tooth that has been severely fractured (cracked), damaged or decayed. It also provides strength and durability and is specially important for teeth that are subject to great wear and abrasion, such as your back teeth (molars).

Dental fillings are of two main types: Silver (Amalgam) which is a mixture of mercury and alloy of silvers. This filling is hard and durable but not very esthetic. The second one is Composite (White) fillings. These fillings, also known as porcelain fillings or resin-based composites, are a mixture of tooth colored resin mixture filled with silicon dioxide. Following preparation, the detist places the composite layers on the tooth using a light specialized to harden each layer. The tooth is grinded and then a filling is placed shaping it to fit the tooth and restoring it.

When the tooth, after several fillings are placed, becomes thinner to the point where no further restoration is possible, a crown is recommended to cover what's left of the tooth and t keep it "alive".

What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint, also known as TMJ, is the ball and socket that connects the lower jaw to the bone on each side of the head. The temporomandibular joint is stabilized by muscles that make it possible to open and close the mouth. The pain, discomfort or tenderness in or around these are referred to as TMJ disorders.

These are questions frequently asked by our patients. If you have any suggestions, please contact us so we can update this page with your suggestions!