Yes.  With routine dental and preventive care, combined with excellent oral hygiene, your teeth could last your entire life. Remember to schedule and keep your cleaning appointments and floss every day. That will put you in the low risk group for gum disease, the number one reason for tooth loss.
  

No, when proper techniques are used, most dental care can be extremely comfortable and pain free. We use only the most modern and effective pain control techniques.

This is a warning sign that gum disease is present and needs to be treated. This is what leads to tooth loss. This may frequently occur in the absence of pain, making it an important first symptom in detecting the disease.

The American Dental Association and Dr. Hayes recommends two to four times a year depending upon your history.

Save your money!  You'll find the same primary ingredients in almost all toothpastes and they are all "whitening" to some degree.  Check the fine print in ads that feature dramatic "before/after" photos - they say that the results are not typical.  Also, for some people, "whitening" toothpastes encourage canker sores.  If the "whitening" toothpaste contains fluoride, it will work as well as any other product - removing only superficial stains.  Why pay more for minor cosmetic results?  The best way to whiten your teeth is to visit our office.

These kits will produce results only if your teeth are lightly stained and the decision to use them should be carefully considered. The peroxide in these kits is in an unspecified or varied dose. The trays themselves are not custom fitted. The combination of these factors could lead to uncontrolled exposure to the peroxide which may damage your teeth and or gums. Due to their limited effectiveness it seems unwise to risk damage. An office monitored program has been determined safe and effective!

Our staff is dedicated to protecting your health and safety.  We meet or exceed all guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control, OSHA and the American Dental Association.  We sterilize instruments and hand pieces after every patient. We routinely test for spores and monitor our technique in order to ensure effectiveness.

No. Our equipment is state-of-the-art and minimizes patient exposure. The office follows ADA guidelines as to the frequency of radiographs. X-rays are never automatically taken, the decision is based upon clinical experience. All our units have filters and we use the fastest film possible. Additionally, you will be covered with a lead apron decreasing your exposure to negligible levels.

No, tooth colored fillings are an excellent alternative.  Either direct filled composites or indirect inlays and crowns can be provided in almost all situations.

In many cases dental implants can eliminate or reduce the need for a removable appliance. Implants are a two stage procedure. The implants are placed in the jaw by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. After healing they are just like tooth roots and can be used to support crowns or bridges.