Question 1

How early should I arrive for my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete New Patient paperwork.

Question 2

What do I need to bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:
 
-- Identification such as Driver's License, Military ID or State ID
-- Dental Insurance Card (if applicable)
-- Patient Health History information
-- Co-pay for the office visit fee 
​
Our team members look forward to welcoming you and your family to our dental family. We’d love to help you attain a healthy, beautiful smile through comprehensive dental care.

Question 3

Why should I visit the dentist regularly?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, many people do not visit the dentist on a regular basis. They only may only make an appointment when they have a problem. While these patients may feel they are saving money, it often ends up costing much more in dollars and time. This is due to many dental problems not having any symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process.
 
An example of this issue is tooth decay. It is typical to hear, "Nothing hurts - I do not have any dental problems."
 
However, tooth decay often does not cause any pain until it gets close to the nerve of the actual tooth. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a large cavity who has never felt any pain. The dentist can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it develops any symptoms. This early detection can help you prevent root canal treatment.

Question 4

Does Dr. Stanaland treat pediatric patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dr. Stanaland treats patients of all ages. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends children begin seeing a dentist by the age of 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts. Primary teeth typically begin growing in around 6 months of age.

Question 5

How do I prevent cavities?

Accepted Answer

Try to spend at least two to three minutes, twice a day, brushing your teeth. It takes that long to get rid of the bacteria that destroy tooth enamel. Do not brush too hard. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque. Floss at least once a day. Flossing is the only way to get bacteria from between your teeth.
 
Also, be sure to watch the sugar you eat. Sugar is found in a variety of foods, including, but not limited to: candy, fruits, crackers, chips and bread. These are the foods that the bacteria in your mouth like best. 
 
If you are unable to brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water - which can help to remove food from your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help.  
 
Be sure to not forget your regular dental visits. Good dental habits will go a long way towards a cavity-free visit!

Question 6

Is there a prescription or rinse I can use instead of brushing or flossing?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, oral bacteria live within a film we call plaque. The best and time-proven method for removing plaque is, and this should be no surprise, brushing and flossing. Any rinse or chemical that would be strong enough to disrupt the film of plaque would also permanently damage teeth and gums.

Question 7

Why does the dentist take X-rays?

Accepted Answer

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues are unable be seen when the dentist examines the mouth. An X-ray examination helps to reveal:
-- small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
-- infections in the bone
-- periodontal (gum) disease
-- abscesses or cysts
-- developmental abnormalities
-- some types of tumors
 
Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and often unnecessary discomfort. X-rays can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumor, X-rays may even help save your life.

Question 8

I knocked out a tooth. Can it be saved?

Accepted Answer

Oral injuries can be painful and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. If you have knocked out a tooth, these tips may be able to help save it:
-- Rinse, do not scrub, the tooth to remove dirt and/or other debris
-- Place the clean tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum or under your tongue
-- Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket as this could cause further damage
-- Get to the dentist. Successful re-implantation is possible only when treatment is performed promptly
-- If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse it in milk.

Question 9

What is periodontal disease?

Accepted Answer

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone structure, If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause permanent jaw bone destruction and possible tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, low birth weight in babies, pre-term delivery, respiratory disease, and prostate cancer. An advanced stage of periodontal disease exhibits inflamed gums pulling away from your bone and teeth. Other signs of periodontal disease include:
-- Bad breath
-- Red or swollen gums
-- Loose teeth or teeth that have moved
-- Sensitive teeth
-- Pus coming from around the teeth
-- Pain when chewing
-- Tender gums
-- Bleeding gums

Question 10

Is smokeless tobacco harmful?

Accepted Answer

Smokeless tobacco may be smokeless, but it isn't harmless. These are some of the potential hazards:
 
-- A sore that does not heal
-- A lump or white patch
-- A prolonged sore throat
-- Difficulty in chewing
-- Restricted movement of the tongue or jaw
-- A feeling of something in the throat
 
Pain is rarely an early symptom. All tobacco users need to see their dentist regularly.

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