Frequently Asked Questions

Dental emergencies can include facial trauma that damages the structure of the teeth or jaw, loss of a permanent tooth, severe tooth pain, or signs of infection. If you believe you have a dental emergency, please give us a call right away.

Our practice offers handicap accessible amenities including convenient ramps from the parking lot, wide walkways, automatic doors, entrance ways that measure 32” or greater, and a designated wheelchair accessible operatory. We also have staff on hand available to read aloud documents for the illiterate or blind and have braille in the waiting area and in all restrooms. 

Visiting the dentist regularly not only helps keep your teeth and mouth healthy but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Dental care is important because it:

• Helps prevent tooth decay
• Protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss
• Prevents bad breath – brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly reduces the amount of bad-breath causing bacteria in your mouth
• Gives you a more attractive smile and increases self-confidence
• Reduces stains from food, drinks, and tobacco

• Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss at least once a day.
• Use toothpaste with fluoride. We might also recommend a fluoride rinse to help prevent cavities.
• Avoid foods with a lot of sugar. Sugar increases the bacteria that grows in your mouth causing plaque and cavities. Avoid tobacco which can stain teeth, cause gum disease, and lead to oral cancer.
• Brush your tongue to remove food particles and reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria.

Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see us more frequently.

While the dose of radiation you are exposed to during standard dental x-rays is extremely small, Southeastern Dental has eliminated this concern by only using digital x-rays.

We recommend that adults and children change their toothbrushes every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to read the directions because you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six-months-old and no later than one year old. During this time, your child’s baby teeth will be coming in and we can examine the health of these first few teeth.

Seniors often face certain dental problems such as decay on the root surfaces of the teeth and tooth sensitivity. Dry mouth from various medications can damage the teeth and existing health conditions can affect oral health. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and gums are part of that process. Older adults should use softer toothbrushes to prevent gum damage from over-brushing. Regular checkups with Southeastern Dental are important to prevent many of the issues that seniors face.

Dental sealants are a breakthrough in our fight against tooth decay. They are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to seal out the bacteria and food that cause decay. Sealants are applied in a quick, comfortable procedure in just one office visit but can provide protection for years. Ask us about them at your next visit.

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Advanced gum disease will lead to permanent tooth and bone loss. Signs of gum disease include:

• Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Loose teeth, or loss of teeth
• Extreme tooth sensitivity
• Receding gum line
• Abscessed teeth

A cavity is a small hole that forms inside the tooth because of tooth decay. We use a synthetic material to fill the cavity after the decay has been removed. Fillings do not generally hurt because we numb your mouth with an anesthetic. Fillings can be made from materials such as composites, gold, or ceramic.

Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. Bacteria can build up and lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease.

We believe dental care should be available to everyone. We know insurance may not always cover total treatment costs, so we offer several different payment options so you can make the best decisions about your care. To learn more about our payment and insurance policies, check out our Financial Options page.

Yes we do! CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that you can use to pay for treatments and procedures not covered by insurance. Learn more about our payment and insurance policies, check out our Financial Options page.

To better serve you, we file paperwork for a variety of dental insurances. To see a full list of insurances we are in-network with, check out our Financial Options page.

Your safety and health are our number one priority. We've made some changes to make sure you and your family are all in good hands.

Our Updated COVID Policies:

• We ask that you social distance at least 6 feet when possible in common areas.
• We are continuing to wipe down all common surfaces for your safety and the safety of our team.
• As of right now, our lobby is open and you are welcome to come in to wait for your appointment.
• If you choose to wait in your car, we just ask that you give our office a call when you arrive and let us know that you are here.

Thanks so much for your support and understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to give us a call.