FAQs

You should see your dentist at least twice each year. These regular “maintenance” checkups are vital to ensuring your teeth and gums are healthy.

You may need more frequent dentist office visits if:

• You’re pregnant (pregnancy can cause several dental issues, including a painful inflammation of the gums)
• You have a heart condition (frequent cleanings have been proven to reduce the likelihood of strokes and heart attacks)
• You’re a smoker
• You’re undergoing cancer treatment (radiation and chemotherapy kill cancer cells as well as normal cells – including those in your mouth)

During your visit, Dr. Walters and his team will:

• Perform a periodontal exam of your gums to check for signs of redness or inflammation that need to be addressed
• Thoroughly exam your mouth for any changes, signs of decay and other issues
• Conduct an orthodontic evaluation to check the strength and placement of your bite and bone structure
• Clean your teeth, and apply fluoride and whitening agents

While a visual examination is important, it alone does not provide your dentist with everything that needs to be known. With an X-ray, Dr. Walters is able to see inside and between your teeth – making it far easier to diagnose any problems much sooner.

Through early intervention made possible through X-rays, your teeth are more likely to be saved.

Essentially, a cavity is a decayed area of your tooth that’s been affected by the buildup of bacteria and acids. Generally, your tooth’s enamel – it’s hard outer layer that protects the softer inside tissues – is penetrated and the tooth begins to decay.

While cavities can be treated if they’re detected early enough, they are likely to be prevented through simple and proper daily hygiene. This includes committing to brushing your teeth at least twice each day and flossing after every meal.

It’s also a good idea to regularly use mouthwash to rid off any remaining bacteria.

There are several telltale signs that your tooth may be under attack, including:

• A sharp toothache with no apparent cause
• Increased sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Discoloration and spotting on the tooth

If you experience any of these symptoms, you need to see Dr. Walters ASAP.

If you’re brushing as recommended (at least twice daily) you should plan on replacing your toothbrush every three months or when it begins to show the signs of wear – whichever comes first.

Dr. Walters is proud to offer a wide range of services designed to keep your smile bright. Doing so is important because a bright smile is often associated with trustworthiness, confidence, and warmth.

Our smile-improving services include:

• In-house teeth whitening with the safest and most effective bleaching products
• Porcelain veneers that bond to the front of your teeth
• Dental bridges and crowns that not only restore your smile but dramatically improve your speaking and chewing capabilities
• Dental implants and restoration for missing or damaged teeth

The short answer is “it depends.” Each of us is different, so the effects of teeth whitening can last as little as six months or as long as several years.

Lifestyle habits that can shorten the effectiveness of teeth whitening include:

• Smoking
• Drinking dark liquids (coffee, red wine, tea, etc.)
• Regularly eating foods that are known to cause stainings, such as berries and beetroot

A root canal is needed when your tooth has cracked or has a deep cavity. Rather than removing the tooth, Dr. Walters will use a root canal to cleanse and repair the canals of your tooth’s roots.

No. Because we use the most effective anesthetics, your dental experience should be pain-free.

In most instances, we use a gel that’s applied to the surface of your gum for pain relief. Other options include a painless injection to the specific area or the use of nitrous oxide.

If you’ve chipped off a small piece of your tooth’s enamel, Dr. Walters will most likely use a simple filling to repair the tooth. If a front tooth has been damaged and can be seen when you smile, a resin-based bonding will most likely be used.

In most cases, yes – but that’s dependent on you seeing Dr. Walters as soon as possible. A loose tooth rarely gets better on its own, so the sooner you make an appointment with us, the better.

Yes, we offer 0% financing for up to one year. Also, a free estimate is available before any procedure is done so that you have peace of mind about affordability.

If you have dental insurance, we’re happy to file your claims for you.