Patient Education

We consider it part of our job to educate you about your oral health, the treatments we provide, and current trends in dentistry. Here, you’ll find answers to questions we frequently receive, as well as informative articles to read and external links to explore. Our team is happy to help you in any way we can, so just call if you have questions or need additional information.

FAQs

Helpful Links

Patient Library

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the questions we are asked the most. If you need more information about anything you read, or if you have other questions, please feel free to ask. We're here to help.

How do the doctors keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Our dentists subscribe to a number of industry journals to stay informed about the latest research and developments in the dental industry. They also make time for continuing education and ensure that our staff does the same. As a team and as individuals, we feel that it is our responsibility to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available.

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How do I know when it’s time to come in for a checkup?
An average healthy adult typically benefits from a professional cleaning and checkup every six months. While twice-daily brushing and flossing go a long way toward maintaining a healthy mouth, only a professional can check your teeth for plaque and remove tartar. The bacteria that cause gum disease live and multiply underneath tartar. By removing this hardened material, we reduce bacteria and lower your risk of developing gum disease.

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Do you accept my insurance plan?
Our office accepts almost all of the major dental insurance plans. We are knowledgeable about the major coverage trends and happy to discuss the details of your plan with you before you receive treatment. Call for information.

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How can I safely whiten my teeth?
We offer in-office and take-home teeth whitening. The dentist will evaluate the staining on your teeth and discuss your expectations, then suggest the method that’s right for you. Call today to schedule your teeth whitening appointment.

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What makes you different from any other dental practice I can visit?
When you become a patient of our practice, we think of you as a person, not just another set of teeth to fix and clean. Our goal is to help you obtain and then maintain the best possible oral health. So, we take time to understand your dental history and evaluate the best options for your particular needs. Plus, we help you understand the whys and wherefores of preventive care through patient education. Our three conveniently located offices are staffed with knowledgeable teams eager to deliver the personalized dental care you deserve. We offer a full array of services to meet virtually all of your oral healthcare needs.

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My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
If your gums bleed after you brush, you may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough scrubbing instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar buildup below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. If you continue to experience bleeding gums despite correct brushing and flossing, or if it happens every time you brush, contact our office to schedule an evaluation.

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I brush every day, but my breath just isn’t fresh. Is there anything I can do?
Millions of people struggle with bad breath even though they practice good oral hygiene. The following is a checklist of procedures that can usually eliminate the problem: twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and tongue cleaning (ask us if you need more information about this); regular professional cleanings; and careful cleaning of dentures or removable dental appliances. If you still experience bad breath after following these routines, let us know and we can help you.

We’ll give you a plastic tool called a tongue scraper to remove bacteria buildup on your tongue and significantly alleviate odor. The dentist may recommend a specially-prepared rinse or toothpaste to break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. If we think an internal problem such as an infection or underlying health condition is causing your bad breath, we’ll recommend a visit to your family physician or a specialist to investigate the cause.

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I want my front teeth to look better, but I don’t want to wear braces. What do you recommend?
We offer a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of metal braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, some cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, or Lumineers can give smiles a bright, uniform look. The dentist may recommend Invisalign clear braces – removable aligners that straighten teeth without metal wires or brackets. We’d be happy to schedule your appointment to discuss how we can revitalize your smile

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My spouse snores and keeps me up at night. I’ve heard that a dentist can prescribe an appliance that prevents snoring. Can you help?
Snoring can test any relationship! And, since snoring has many causes, we encourage you to have your spouse schedule a consultation and analysis. In some cases, a person who snores may actually stop breathing for short periods during the night – a condition called sleep apnea. In other cases, enlarged anatomical structures in the mouth and throat contribute to snoring. During sleep, the throat relaxes, and these structures may collapse against one another, which obstructs airflow. We treat snoring with a custom-fitted oral appliance called a snoreguard, which gently holds the mouth and throat open to prevent snoring.

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Call one of our conveniently located offices today to schedule your appointment with one of our dentists. From our Arlington, Southlake, and Fort Worth offices, we provide personalized, full-service dental care to give patients beautiful smiles and whole-mouth health.

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