Frequent Questions

Believe it or not, poor oral health is closely linked to poor physical and systemic health. How so? Well, consider the big picture: your mouth is a key entryway into the rest of the body and its systems. If the mouth has a chronic infection or disease, then your entire body may be indirectly or directly exposed to those bacteria. Furthermore, the resources needed for your general health to function will be diverted to handle the chronic infection, weakening the overall natural protection your other systems typically enjoy. And the results? Research documents connections between periodontal disease and increased risk of heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness, diabetes complications, pregnancy complications, and pre-term low birthweight babies in women. What's more, some studies indicate that those who lose all their natural teeth may have a much shorter life span.

The answer to this question is highly individualized, depending on your particular level of periodontal health. When we first see you, we perform a comprehensive oral examination to determine the exact extent of gum disease, determine a treatment plan, and then estimate the length and intervals of needed follow-up visits. The success of this treatment plan will depend not only on keeping these appointments, but on your diligently following our prescribed at-home care as well.

Absolutely! In fact, our practice is predominantly based on referrals from the many professional relationships we've formed throughout the community, based on our hard work and excellent patient outcomes. We're also happy to accept referrals from recommendations by our patients to their family and friends!

In all that we do, each member of our practice team maintains an unshakable focus on caring for our patients with dedication to their best interests, seeking to obtain the very best possible outcome for their particular situation. This patient-centered focus is a natural outcome of our Christian faith, which undergirds all that we do both professionally and personally. It's our sincere desire that this focus result in your feeling comfortable, welcome, and well-cared for throughout the time that you spend with us. This dedication to excellence also means extra professional study for each of us in our areas of specialization so that we can keep up with the latest advances in our field and pass those benefits along to you.

Bleeding gums, which is never a good sign, can be caused by plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line, or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If your problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods, or occurs every time you brush, it's likely to be the result of some level of gum disease, and we recommend you set up an evaluation appointmentwith Dr. Bass or Dr. Hall. We specialize in helping patients arrest and successfully treat all stages of gum disease, through the use of our excellent non-surgical and surgical gum care procedures.

We understand that many people have qualms about having their teeth worked on so we strive to create a relaxing atmosphere. We all have a positive attitude about our work that's hard to beat. Plus, our entire staff is trained to be alert and aware of your concerns, so that we can make your visit as comfortable as possible. Of course, for extreme anxiety and/or complex procedures, we do offer nitrous, local anesthesia or oral and IV sedation as well.

Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Here's a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem: twice daily brushing, daily flossing, tongue cleaning, regular professional cleanings, and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances. However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, we can offer several solutions. First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue and significantly alleviates odor. We will also recommend a specially-prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, if we suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify and treat the cause.

A little regular flossing goes a long way and is truly critical for your overall oral health. It loosens food particles in tight spaces that your toothbrush cannot reach, it gets rid of plaque build-up just below the gum line that toothbrushes alone cannot remove, and it helps increase healthy circulation in your gum tissues. All of which is necessary to avoid gum disease. So, just think of daily flossing as the finishing touch after brushing-insurance for your smile's future.

Yes! Simply go to the New Patients page and download the appropriate printable forms you need. If you don't have acrobat reader, you can also download the instant software on that page as well. Then, just fill out the forms prior to your visit and bring them with you for discussion.