Patient Resources

We recommend visiting us twice a year to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Even if you brush and floss daily, there is buildup, bacteria, and stains that you can’t remove. We can detect early signs of decay, gum disease, and oral pathology with regular checkups. Identifying these problems early can help prevent serious problems, pain, and extensive dental work.

Acid from plaque, bacteria, and foods/beverages can cause loss of minerals from your teeth. This is a process known as demineralization. The end result is possible tooth decay. Fluoride is a mineral that can help remineralize tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay. Fluoride can also help decrease the ability of bacteria, in our mouths, to grow and feed on sugar.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child be seen by a dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting. It’s important for children to become familiar and comfortable with the dentist from an early age. It’s also beneficial to discuss diet, risk factors, and how to keep your child’s teeth healthy. At Branches Dental, we see children of all ages and strive to provide the best experience we can and have them leave with a smile on their face.

Baby, or “primary” teeth, are important to help children speak clearly, chew, and smile. They help in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they erupt. Baby teeth also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth to come in.

We take X-rays to see between the teeth, below the gum line, and in the jaw. X-rays help see cavities, impacted and extra teeth, missing teeth, abscesses, and cysts/tumors. We use digital X-rays at Branches Dental which reduces radiation by as much as 80% compared to film based X-rays. We also base our decision to take X-rays on your need and risk factors. The true value of X-rays is discovering problems before they cause issues.

A common misunderstanding is that dental restorations last a lifetime. While this is certain in some circumstances, it’s not true for everyone and every case. The life a filling/crown/bridge is dependent on your hygiene, diet, bite forces, habits, and the condition of the tooth prior to the placement of a restoration. While it’s impossible to say how long they will last, you can do your part by maintaining great oral hygiene and visiting Branches Dental regularly.

Sealants are a plastic material that is painted over the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. These teeth have tiny pits and grooves that can be difficult to keep clean and can trap food particles. The sealant material fills in these pits and grooves, making the areas easier to clean and harder for food and bacteria to get trapped. Sealants are recommended on children, as their permanent teeth erupt, due to the difficulty of reaching these areas and the brushing habits of some. Sealants can be a great benefit for adults who are susceptible to cavities, have difficulty brushing their back teeth, or are considered high risk for decay.