Most checkups consist of the following: The dentist will look inside your mouth with a mirror and chart the condition of your teeth. Next the dentist will gently probe nooks and crannies of your teeth looking for soft spots which might indicate problems. Some checkups may even include x-rays of your teeth.

Regular checkups are extremely important as they often can detect and correct minor problems before they get out of hand and turn to serious problems.

We recommend you come in for a check up once every six months.

Plaque is made up of microorganisms which are normally harmless, however if not removed and allowed to build up, plaque can de-mineralize the tooth surface. If left untreated plaque will turn into tartar. Plaque can also lead to gum disease and tooth loss.

Also known as dental caries, cavities are formed when bacteria from plaque breakdown the tissues that make up your teeth. This type of damage is permanent and will not grow back.

When a cavity is found, it must be cleaned out and have the decaying portions of the tooth removed. Generally this is done under novocaine and is relatively painless. Once the decayed portion of the tooth is excised the hole that is left is filled with polymer resins that match your existing teeth color to protect the tooth from further decay.

Unlike a cavity where a small section of the tooth is filled, a dental/porcelian crown covers the entire surface of the tooth all the way to the gum line. Porcelian crowns help restore your tooth's original shape and strength.

Crowns are made in a wide range of materials, some are made from ceramic, others are made from porcelain, while some are made from gold.

Most dental crowns are expected to last five to fifteen years.

You should start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. In fact you should be cleaning their gums daily before you even see the first tooth.

For babies we recommend cleaning their gums with a soft cloth and water. For toddlers, any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head specifically for infants. You should brush their teeth when they wake up and again before bed. Do not use more than a pea sized amount of tooth paste and do not allow your child to ingest the toothpaste.

We recommend your child be seen by their third birthday.

We recommend your child come in every six months for a checkup. You can schedule family checkups so you can all get seen at approximately the same time.

Hold the tooth by the crown and try to place it back in the socket. If this doesn't work place the tooth in a glass of milk and bring your child in to see us immediately.

There is very little risk associated with dental X-rays. We are very careful to limit the amount of radiation to which your child is exposed.

Absolutely. Cavities can occur more frequently as a person ages, even if they did not have problems as a child.

You may be experiencing this sensitivity due to receding gum tissue. Please schedule an appointment so that we may correctly diagnose you.

Oral cancer risks increase with age. If you find any lesion on your tongue or gums, please come in immediately so we can determine what it is and keep a close eye on it.

There are many ways to help with this; from getting an electric tooth brush to placing a tennis ball on the end of your tooth brush to help you get a better grip. We can give you several other recommendations at your checkup.

Yes, we recommend you come in at least once a year for a comprehensive oral exam so we can look for signs of oral cancer and other oral and medical problems.