Dental FAQs

How do I schedule an appointment?

To schedule an appointment please call our main line at 503-538-2143. You may also send an inquiry or request an appointment from our homepage.

What services are provided at Arbor Hills Dental?

Our office provides comprehensive dental care which includes preventative, restorative and cosmetic services. These services include cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, partial dentures implant restorations, root canals, extractions, veneers and teeth whitening. We are not, however, providers for full dentures but we are happy to refer you to some local resources for full dentures.

What insurances do you accept?

We are currently preferred providers for Delta Dental.  Participation with any of these plans are subject to change.  Please call us to verify provider participation.

All other insurances are accepted and billed for your convenience. If you are unsure about your coverage, please give us a call.

What payment options do you offer?

We offer a variety of payment options so you can get the dental care that you need in a timely manner. Options include cash/checks, credit cards, debit cards, and CareCredit. We also offer courtesy adjustments for senior citizens and cash payments. Please refer to the Payment Options menu under our Office tab.

Why do gums bleed when I brushing or flossing?

Bleeding gums is a sign of inflammation and/or infection. It can occur for several reasons - ranging from medical problems or pregnancy, to being overdue for a professional cleaning, having periodontal (gum) disease or having improper home care (brushing & flossing). A build up of plaque or tartar increases the amount of bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria contributes to swollen gums resulting in bleeding and tenderness. For a proper diagnosis regarding your specific concerns, please schedule a dental appointment with us.

When should I start brushing baby teeth?

Start brushing baby teeth as soon as they come in. Use a soft cloth instead of a toothbrush until all of the baby teeth are in. Once all the teeth are present, child-sized brushes are available to help accustom your child to regular brushing. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry:

  • Brush at least twice each day. Ideally, your child would always brush after eating, but aim for at least twice a day, including after dinner.
  • Use a toothpaste with fluoride. Any toothpaste containing fluoride sold over the counter in the U.S. contains an effective, appropriate amount of fluoride. Use a lentil-size amount for a child younger than 3 years and a slightly larger amount for older kids.
  • Make sure your child is brushing properly. Let them brush first but you should do a follow-up brushing as well. If you're not sure your child has fully grasped the right technique, you might want to do most of the brushwork yourself.
  • When your child is a little older - maybe 7 or 8 - you can just watch them as they brush. Keep an eye on what they do.

 

When should I bring in my child for their first visit, what should I expect and how should I prepare them?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children see a dentist by age one. Tooth decay among toddlers has been on the rise and seeing the dentist early can help combat this trend. The purpose of your child's initial visit is to create a trusting and positive experience. For some children the first visit can simply be just a ride in the chair (a "Happy" visit), For others are able to do other things like counting teeth, polishing teeth, apply fluoride and sometimes even taking pictures (x-rays)! We recognize that all children are unique and some may be more apprehensive than others. We will help your child ease into their comfort zone. If you, the parent, have any apprehension about dental visits, never pass that on to your child.

You can prepare your child by telling them that the dentist is a person who is there to help keep their teeth healthy. Simply explain "the dentist will look at your teeth, count them, clean your teeth with a special toothbrush and maybe take some pictures.

How can I overcome my fear of going to the dentist?

We recognize that every person has a different level of comfort when visiting a dental office and for different reasons. The first step in overcoming your fear is making an appointment. Inform our patient coordinator of your concerns. Your appointment could simply be a "meet and greet" with Dr. Toy, or an initial check up and teeth cleaning with our hygienist during which you can inform us of your dental fears. We offer different options to our patients with mild to a deeper level of fear. Make an appointment with us to discuss which options may be best suited for you.

Am I too old for braces?

Many adults believe they are too old for braces or are afraid of the discomfort and embarrassment of wearing braces at their age. But with advances in orthodontic treatments, wearing braces is no longer esthetically unattractive or uncomfortable, as it used to be.

There are many different reasons and options for treatments. We recommend that you share your interest with us. Although Arbor Hills Dental does not currently provide orthodontic treatment, we can help you locate a highly qualified orthodontist who can discuss your treatment options.

What precautions are taken for infection control?

At Arbor Hills Dental we take your safety and the safety of our staff very seriously. We set the highest standards regarding infection control. Our entire team has been trained to follow an infection control protocol when interacting with and/or treating patients. To keep current and to maintain the highest standard of infection control, annual training is provided for our entire team. In addition to using gloves, masks and glasses, we use the latest technology to sterilize our instruments and disinfect the rooms.

What is plaque?

Plaque, also known as dental bio-film, is composed of about a thousand species of bacteria that take part in the complex ecosystems of the mouth. If plaque is not controlled through daily home care, for example with brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities, infections, tooth loss and other systemic problems that affect your overall health.

What causes cavities?

Acid is formed when the bacteria in plaque break down sugars and carbohydrates from the diet. Repeated acid attacks break down the tooth, which causes cavities.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in all water sources, even the oceans. The fluoride ion comes from the element fluorine. Fluorine, the 17th most abundant element in the earth's crust, is never encountered in its free state in nature. It exists only in combination with other elements as a fluoride compound.

What are the benefits of fluoride?

Research has shown that fluoride reduces cavities in both children and adults. It also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay becomes visible. It makes the tooth structure stronger, so teeth are more resistant to acid attacks. Fluoride also acts to repair, or remineralize, areas in which acid attacks have already begun. The remineralization effect of fluoride is important because it reverses the early decay process as well as creating a tooth surface that is more resistant to decay.

Is fluoride safe?

Yes! Unfortunately, many people continue to be misinformed about fluoride and fluoridation. Fluoride is like any other nutrient; it is safe and effective when used appropriately.

What is the difference between a DDS and DMD?

Dentists in the United States either have the initials DMD or DDS after their name. The only difference is in the name. The dental degree and the education are the same. DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine and DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. Some dental schools award the DMD degree while others award the DDS degree.