How often should I see a dentist?
Healthy teeth and gums are important for you and your children. Dental disease can affect your overall health, so it’s important that you and your children see a dentist regularly to stay healthy.

Regular dental visits are important because they can help spot oral health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. They also help prevent many oral problems from developing in the first place. Visiting your dentist regularly is also important because some diseases or medical conditions have symptoms that can appear in the mouth. We will determine and recommend a customized interval for your hygiene visits based on your periodontal health and risk factors.

There is no one-size-fits-all dental treatment. Some people need to visit the dentist once or twice a year; others may need more visits. You are a unique individual, with a unique smile and unique needs when it comes to keeping your smile healthy.

What does "gentle dentistry" mean?
Gentle dentistry describes your experience in our office because we provide care in a compassionate, trustworthy environment. We will discuss treatment options and whenever possible, alleviate discomfort by the means most comfortable to you. We pride ourselves in using methods during cleanings and dental treatment that will provide our patients with a relaxing overall experience.

What should I expect at my first initial appointment?
One of our staff members will work with you to compile your medical and dental history during your first visit. We will examine your teeth and gums, perform an extensive oral cancer screening, take digital radiographs of your teeth as needed, and complete a TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint) exam. After we review your dental profile, we will discuss your options for treatment when necessary and fees related to any procedures prescribed, determining which payment options best fit your needs, as well as working with you and your insurance company for estimated benefit determinations. We strive to co-partner with our patients to develop a lifetime dental wellness plan at their pace.

Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
Yes! We accept all traditional plans for dental insurance (and selected in network plans) and will be happy to process your claim electronically for you upon receipt of your estimated copayment. We offer a payment plan for up to 12 months no interest with the CareCredit Program. We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express.

What if I have a dental emergency?
Please call our office as soon as you experience a dental emergency. We will be glad to work you into our schedule if you have a dental emergency during regular business hours. After hours, during weekends or holidays, feel free to call our office for our emergency numbers.

Can the dentist whiten my teeth?
We offer Opalescence® which is only one of two products to receive the ADA seal of approval for safety and efficacy (effectiveness). We take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays that fit your bite exactly. You dispense the gel into the tray and wear it daily for a few hours or overnight. This method usually takes approximately two weeks.

Working from the inside out, the active ingredients in Opalescence® gels penetrate your teeth to break down the discolored molecules deep down in your teeth, removing stains and whitening your smile. Opalescence gels contain potassium nitrate and fluoride which have been shown to strengthen enamel, decrease sensitivity, and help prevent cavities!

Other over-the-counter daily whitening products are available, but it is important to use any whitening product under the direct supervision of a dentist. Many of these products are not as safe or effective as professional products. The ADA recommends you seek the professional advice of a dentist, including examination and diagnosis of the cause of tooth discoloration, before you begin any whitening program.

What if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth or teeth that do not respond to normal whitening methods?
Porcelain veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually and permanently attached to the front of your existing teeth. Porcelain veneers are color-matched to the rest of your teeth. Some situations can also be corrected with composite bonding. For more detailed information, view the videos located in our Services Menu found under Cosmetic Dentistry: Bonding or Veneers.

Are there any new methods for straightening my teeth in a shorter time frame as an adult?
We are proud to be a certified provider of the Raintree Essix MTM® Clear•Aligner System. MTM® Clear•Aligner provides an innovative approach to bracket-free orthodontics, so you can achieve great results without traditional braces. What's more, you can do so in a fraction of the time and cost of many other aligner or bracket treatments, including clear braces and invisible braces.

MTM® Clear•Aligner uses clear, removable aligners to correct slight misalignments (such as crowding or gaps). Each aligner is custom fabricated, per your treatment plan, to progressively advance your teeth into their ideal position, leaving you with a healthy and beautiful smile, all for just a fraction of the cost of traditional orthodontic treatment. During your next dental exam, ask Dr. Yager if you are a "good fit," or call for an appointment today!