Q&A

We encourage our patients to ask questions, and we're always glad when they do. We've listed below some of the questions that we most frequently receive, as well as brief answers to them. We’ve also compiled some informative articles that we hope will help you learn more about oral health and the services we provide. Please give us a call if you'd like more information on these or any other dental-related topics.

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Common Questions

 

How do I know when to come in for a checkup?
Too often, we hear from patients only when there is a problem. Unfortunately, by the time your situation "bothers" you, it may need more major work like a root canal, crown, or worse yet, tooth removal. While we’re happy to help, the problem can almost always be avoided with regular dental checkups. At your checkup, we examine your teeth and gums for signs of trouble and offer preventive solutions. Regular exams help us prevent you from needing more extensive dental work in the future, and they help you keep your teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime. Because all patients have different needs, Dr. Leatherman will customize a checkup schedule uniquely for you.

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At what age should I bring my child to the dentist?
We’d like to see our youngest patients starting at age two or three. We love kids and strive to make their experience at the dentist’s office a great one. Our young patients can enjoy a children's video right in the chair, then visit our “toy box” when they’re done. For their first visit, we recommend that a child observe a parent's cleaning appointment to get an idea of what we do.

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Can you straighten my teeth without using metal braces?
Yes! Most patients’ teeth can be straightened using revolutionary cosmetic solutions, including invisible braces and porcelain veneers. Invisible braces gradually move teeth into their ideal arrangement using clear, removable aligners. This technology allows patients to straighten their teeth while maintaining a mature image. If you have minor misalignments and would like immediate results, porcelain veneers may be the answer. In just two visits, veneers correct gaps, chips, stains, and slight misalignments. Schedule a consultation to learn which option is right for you.

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Should I really be concerned about gum disease?
Millions of people needlessly suffer from this preventable disease. It stems from poor oral hygiene (not flossing, avoiding the dentist, etc.) and can lead to tooth loss, chronic bad breath, bone loss, and more. Recent studies have linked gum disease to such serious health conditions as heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, kidney disease, respiratory illness, diabetes, and pre-term births. So yes! Gum disease is serious, and we can help you prevent or treat gum disease with proactive therapies.

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What makes your office so much fun to visit?
We like to think that our passion and enthusiasm are infectious. We truly enjoy what we do: we enjoy working together as a team, and we enjoy our patients! It's incredibly rewarding to help people get healthy and learn to truly love their smiles.

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