Patient information & resources

Patient Information

General Information

  • The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Please contact our office by phone or complete an online appointment request.

  • If you are a new patient to our office, please find the patient forms below to download our new patient bundle with forms that will need to be filled out when you arrive at our office. Printing them, filling them out and bringing them with you will allow us to attend to your medical needs more quickly than completing them on your arrival. Thank you and please contact our office if you have any questions at all.

  • Please contact our office for insurance details. We look forward to hearing from you.

  • For your convenience, we accept cash, personal checks, debit cards, and most major credit cards. Payment is expected at the time services are performed. Feel free to contact our office if your treatment plan requires more comprehensive dental work and you want to discuss financial arrangements.

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CareCredit

Financing

CareCredit healthcare credit card for dental procedure financing.

We are pleased to accept the CareCredit healthcare, credit card. CareCredit lets you say "Yes" to recommended surgical and non-surgical dental procedures like crowns, oral surgery or even a general checkup, and pay for them in convenient monthly payments that fit your financial situation.

CareCredit is a credit card that helps you pay for treatments and procedures for you or your family that may not be covered by insurance. With special financing options,* you can use your CareCredit card again and again for your dental needs, as well as at thousands of other healthcare providers, including optometrists, veterinarians, ophthalmologists and hearing specialists.

It's free and easy to apply and you'll receive a decision immediately. If you're approved, you can schedule your procedures even before you receive your card. With more than 21 million accounts opened since CareCredit began nearly 30 years ago, they are the trusted source for healthcare credit cards.

Learn more by visiting www.carecredit.com or contacting our office. Ready to apply? Apply online for your CareCredit healthcare credit card today.

You'll be smiling brighter in no time!

*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Visit www.carecredit.com for details.

Note: Collection of patient information by CareCredit through this CareCredit Services Tab is governed by CareCredit in the CareCredit privacy and data collection practices of CareCredit and are made available to patients by CareCredit and NOT by the privacy policies contained on this Practice’s website.

Patient Forms 

If you are a new patient to our office, the attached file contains our new patient bundle with forms that will need to be filled out when you arrive at our office. Printing them, filling them out and bringing them with you will allow us to attend to your medical needs more quickly than completing them on your arrival. Thank you and please call our office if you have any questions at all.

Patient Forms
To complete your forms online, click the button below to register using our online patient portal:

  • kden-light-document-pdfCreated with Sketch.

    This web site uses files in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (pdf) which require Adobe® Acrobat® Reader for viewing and printing. It is available to download free.

FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.

  • Bad breath can be unpleasant and embarrassing. While most people experience it occasionally—especially in the morning—persistent halitosis may have underlying causes.
    Common Causes of Bad Breath● Morning breath – Reduced saliva during sleep allows bacteria to grow.● Certain foods – Garlic, onions, and other foods release odor-causing compounds that are exhaled.● Poor oral hygiene – Food particles and plaque encourage bacterial growth.● Gum disease – Bacteria under inflamed gums contribute to odor.● Cavities or faulty dental work – Trap food and bacteria.● Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – Can result from medications, medical issues, or mouth breathing.● Tobacco use – Dries the mouth and worsens breath.● Dieting, dehydration, missed meals – Reduces saliva flow, allowing odor-causing bacteria to thrive.● Medical conditions – Diabetes, liver/kidney issues, sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
    Prevention Tips● Good oral hygiene – Brush twice daily, floss, clean your tongue, and replace toothbrushes every 2–3 months.● Dental visits – See your dentist at least twice a year or more often if you’ve had gum disease.● Avoid tobacco – Ask your dentist for help quitting.● Stay hydrated – Drink water frequently to wash away bacteria.● Use mouthwash – Ask your dentist about antiseptic options that kill odor-causing bacteria.If your dentist finds no oral cause, they may refer you to a physician for further evaluation.

  • Daily brushing and flossing help control plaque and bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
    What is Plaque?Plaque is a sticky film of food, bacteria, and saliva. If not removed, it hardens into tartar and can lead to gum disease and bone loss.
    How to Brush Properly● Brush at least twice daily, especially before bed, with a soft-bristled, ADA-approved toothbrush.● Hold the brush at a 45° angle to the gums and use gentle circular motions.● Clean all tooth surfaces, including the tongue.● Electric toothbrushes are effective and easy to use.
    How to FlossFloss daily to clean between teeth and under the gums.Use about 12–16 inches of floss, wrapping it around your fingers.Guide gently between teeth, curve into a “C” shape, and move up and down.Floss holders are a good alternative if needed.
    RinsingRinse with water after brushing or meals. Ask your dentist before using over-the-counter rinses.

  • Concerns have been raised about the safety of amalgam (silver) fillings, which are made from a mix of metals—including mercury—and have been used for over 100 years. The issue stems from claims that mercury vapor from these fillings could cause health problems.
    The American Dental Association (ADA) states that silver fillings are safe, and studies have not found any link between them and medical conditions. Up to 76% of dentists still use them.

    Health organizations like the ADA, CDC, WHO, and FDA agree that amalgam is safe, durable, and cost-effective. Allergies to its components are extremely rare.

    While mercury is toxic at high levels (such as in some fish), the mercury in fillings is stabilized by other metals and considered safe.

    Alternative options include composite (tooth-colored), porcelain, and gold. Talk to your dentist about what’s best for you.

  • You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits.
    Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health. These include:
    ● Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your overall health and also your dental health.● Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.● Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.● Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.● Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.● Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.● Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.● Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!● Teeth polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during toothbrushing and scaling.● Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).● Review dietary habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health.
    As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care, and to do so will require regular check-ups and cleanings.

  • Porcelain veneers are very thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are individually crafted to cover the fronts of teeth. They are very durable and will not stain, making them a very popular solution for those seeking to restore or enhance the beauty of their smile.
    Veneers may be used to restore or correct the following dental conditions:
    ● Severely discolored or stained teeth● Unwanted or uneven spaces● Worn or chipped teeth● Slight tooth crowding● Misshapen teeth● Teeth that are too small or large
    Getting veneers usually requires two visits. Veneers are created from an impression (mold) of your teeth that is then sent to a professional dental laboratory where each veneer is custom-made (for shape and color) for your individual smile.
    With little or no anesthesia, teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the front surface of the teeth to allow for the small thickness of veneers. The veneers are carefully fitted and bonded onto the tooth surface with special bonding cements and occasionally a specialized light may be used to harden and set the bond.
    Veneers are an excellent dental treatment that can dramatically improve your teeth and give you a natural, beautiful smile.

  • Periodontal disease affects 4 out of 5 people, often without their knowledge, as it is usually painless in early stages. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection.
    It starts when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva—is left on teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins that inflame gums and destroy bone. Proper brushing and flossing help prevent this.
    Risk Factors● Tobacco use● Improper dental appliances or crowded teeth● Medications that reduce saliva (e.g., steroids, cancer drugs, blood pressure meds)● Hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty, oral contraceptives)● Systemic diseases like diabetes or HIV/AIDS● Genetics – family history may increase risk
    Common Signs● Red, swollen, or bleeding gums● Persistent bad breath● New gaps between teeth● Loose teeth or receding gums● Pus near gums or tenderness
    Maintaining good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist regularly can help prevent periodontal disease.

  • Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
    Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
    Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums. Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gumline, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar). This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone. This is the beginning of periodontal disease.
    How to floss properly:
    Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
    Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

  • If you're self-conscious about your teeth or simply want to enhance your smile, cosmetic dentistry offers effective solutions. With advancements in techniques and materials, more people are turning to cosmetic treatments for a healthier, whiter, and more confident smile.
    Depending on your needs, cosmetic procedures can range from fixing a single tooth to a full smile makeover. Talk to your dentist about the best options for you.
    Common Cosmetic Procedures:● Teeth Whitening – Lightens teeth stained by food, drink, smoking, age, or medication.● Composite Fillings – Tooth-colored fillings used for cavities, chips, gaps, and exposed roots.● Porcelain Veneers – Thin, custom shells bonded to the front of teeth to correct shape, color, or alignment.● Porcelain Crowns – Full tooth coverings that restore and protect severely damaged or decayed teeth.● Dental Implants – Artificial roots for replacing missing teeth with crowns, bridges, or dentures.● Orthodontics – Clear aligners or discreet braces for straightening teeth, now popular among adults.
    Cosmetic dentistry can dramatically improve both the appearance and health of your smile.

  • The most widely used professional teeth whitening systems:
    Home teeth whitening systems: At-home products usually come in a gel form that is placed in a custom-fitted mouthguard (tray), created from a mold of your teeth. The trays are worn either twice a day for approximately 30 minutes, or overnight while you sleep. It usually takes several weeks to achieve the desired results depending on the degree of staining and the desired level of whitening.
    In office teeth whitening: This treatment is done in the dental office and you will see results immediately. It may require more than one visit, with each visit lasting 30 to 60 minutes. While your gums are protected, a bleaching solution is applied to the teeth. A special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent while the teeth are whitened.
    Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after having their teeth whitened. This sensation is temporary and subsides shortly after you complete the bleaching process, usually within a few days to one week.
    Teeth whitening can be very effective and can give you a brighter, whiter, more confident smile!

Request An Appointment Today!

Our experienced dental team is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile through personalized care. We offer a full range of services, including General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Dental Restorations, ensuring your teeth look and feel their best.
From routine cleanings to advanced treatments, we’re here to make every visit comfortable and stress-free.

Ready to prioritize your oral health? Request an appointment today and let us help you maintain a beautiful, lasting smile.