Q & A
- How do Dr Beavers and Dr Broomfield keep up-to-date on all the current techniques and materials?
- They subscribe to the latest industry journals to stay informed on all the current research and development in the dental industry. Also, they are involved in continuing education on a regular basis. As a team and as individuals, our office makes it a priority to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available.
- How do I know when it's time for a checkup?
- A healthy adult person typically benefits from a professional cleaning and check up every six months. While twice daily brushing and daily flossing go a long way towards maintaining a healthy mouth, it is wise to check for plaque that has hardened into tartar, requiring professional cleaning to avoid gingivitis
- Do you accept referrals?
- We are happy to accept referrals from other dental offices as well as from our patients to their family and friends. We are grateful for your confidence in us and consider your referrals as the highest compliment.
- What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
- In case of a true dental emergency, please contact our office voice mail and let us know the nature of your condition. We will return your call as soon as possible and give you helpful information over the phone, then determine if you need to be seen immediately.
- My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?
- If there is no imminent medical emergency such as uncontrolled bleeding, unconsciousness or other bodily injury, please contact us immediately. Simply describe the situation over the phone and our office staff will help you determine the safest and most appropriate plan of action.
- What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
- Our entire team is well trained in sterilization techniques designed to ensure patient safety. This goes beyond wearing gloves and facemasks. These techniques include a state-of-the-art sanitation center and a water filtration system guaranteeing a fresh water source for each patient.
- I really don't like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
- We understand many people feel uneasy about having their teeth worked on. Our goal is to create a relaxing atmosphere to help relieve your anxiety. And for the more complex procedures, we also offer laughing gas and local anesthesia to keep you comfortable and relaxed.
- At what age should I start bringing my child to see the dentist?
- We recommend around the age of 2 years old. If they have an older sibling, it's good to have them attend an appointment with their sibling to become comfortable with the surroundings. We'll even give them a ride in the chair!
- What is tooth decay, and what causes it?
- Tooth decay is the disease known as caries. Unlike other diseases, however, caries is not life threatening and is highly preventable, though it affects most people to some degree during their lifetime. Tooth decay occurs when your teeth are frequently exposed to foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars) like soda pop, candy, ice cream, milk, cakes, and even fruits, vegetables and juices. Natural bacteria live in your mouth and form plaque. The plaque interacts with deposits left on your teeth from sugary and starchy foods to produce acids. These acids damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving, or demineralizing, the mineral structure of teeth, producing tooth decay and weakening the teeth.
- How is caries prevented?
- The acids formed by plaque can be counteracted by simple saliva in your mouth, which acts as a buffer and remineralization agent. Dentists often recommend chewing sugarless gum to stimulate your flow of saliva. However, though it is the body's natural defense against caries, saliva alone is not sufficient to combat tooth decay.The best way to prevent caries is to brush and floss regularly. To rebuild the early damage caused by plaque bacteria, we use fluoride, a natural substance which helps to remineralize the tooth structure. Fluoride is added to toothpaste to fight cavities and clean teeth. The most common source of fluoride is in the water we drink. Fluoride is added to most community water supplies.
- What is Temporomandibular Disorder?
- TMD describes a variety of conditions that affect jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Your symptoms may occur on one or both sides of your face, head or jaw, and can develop after an injury. TMD affects more women than men and is the most common non-dental-related chronic orofacial pain. There can be pain on chewing, or constant pain in front of the ear. Headaches are common.
- What makes you different from any other dental practice I can visit?
- When you become a patient of our practice, we think of you as a whole person, not as just another set of teeth to fix and clean. We want to help you obtain and then maintain the best possible dental health, which enhances your overall health. We’ll sit down and talk with you to obtain a complete dental history, answer your questions, address your concerns, and evaluate the best options for your individual dental needs. Plus, we’ll help you understand preventive care through a comprehensive patient education program.
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