Oral Pathology

Welcome to the Lompoc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery blog, your trusted source for all things related to oral health. In this informative article, we delve into the fascinating world of oral pathology, shedding light on crucial aspects of this field to help you better understand your oral health. Dr. Lanzon and our dedicated team are here to provide you with valuable insights and guidance, ensuring that you maintain a healthy and happy smile. Let’s embark on this educational journey together!

What Is Oral Pathology?

Oral pathology refers to the study of diseases and conditions that affect the mouth, jaws, and related structures. It plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and treating various oral health issues. While it may sound intimidating, understanding oral pathology is essential for maintaining optimal oral health.

Common Oral Pathology Conditions:

  • Oral Lesions: Oral lesions are abnormal tissue growths that can occur anywhere in the mouth. They include canker sores, cold sores, and leukoplakia. These conditions may cause discomfort, but early diagnosis and treatment by a qualified professional like Dr. Lanzon can prevent further complications.
  • Oral Cancer: Oral cancer is a serious condition that requires prompt attention. It often begins as a small, painless sore or lump but can quickly progress. Regular oral screenings at Lompoc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can help detect and treat oral cancer at an early stage, significantly improving the prognosis.
  • Salivary Gland Disorders: Saliva plays a crucial role in oral health, aiding in digestion and protecting against tooth decay. Salivary gland disorders can result in dry mouth, difficulty in swallowing, and increased susceptibility to oral infections. Our team can provide solutions to manage these issues effectively.

The Importance of Regular Oral Pathology Screenings

Now that you have a glimpse into some common oral pathology conditions, it’s essential to highlight the significance of regular screenings at Lompoc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. These screenings are more than just routine check-ups; they are a proactive approach to maintaining your oral health.

Benefits of Regular Screenings

  • Early Detection: Regular screenings can identify potential issues before they become severe, allowing for early intervention and more straightforward treatment.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing that you are taking proactive steps to protect your oral health can provide peace of mind and reduce anxiety about potential issues.
  • Personalized Care: Dr. Lanzon and our team provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs. We create a customized treatment plan to address any concerns and promote overall oral health.
  • Preventive Measures: Through regular screenings, we can recommend preventive measures to reduce the risk of oral health problems, such as lifestyle changes or specialized dental products.

Additional Insights

Apart from regular screenings, there are several other steps you can take to maintain optimal oral health:

  • Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for strong teeth and gums. Avoid excessive sugary and acidic foods that can lead to tooth decay.
  • Proper Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing daily are fundamental habits for good oral health. Be sure to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush.
  • Regular Dental Check-ups: In addition to oral pathology screenings, regular dental check-ups are crucial for preventing and addressing dental issues.
  • Avoid Tobacco and Excessive Alcohol: Both tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are linked to an increased risk of oral cancer. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake can significantly improve your oral health.

Conclusion

Oral pathology is a vital aspect of oral health care that should not be overlooked. Dr. Lanzon and the team at Lompoc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery are here to ensure that your oral health is in the best possible hands. By staying informed, taking preventive measures, and scheduling regular oral pathology screenings, you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. For any questions or to schedule your next appointment, please contact us at (805) 735-3665. Your oral health is our top priority, and we look forward to serving you!

Bone Grafting

Welcome to the world of oral health and surgery! At Lompoc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Lompoc, CA, led by the esteemed Dr. Lanzon, we’re excited to delve into the fascinating realm of bone grafting. In this educational and conversational article, we’ll take you on a journey to understand bone grafting, its importance, and how it can enhance your dental health. Let’s embark on this insightful adventure together.

Understanding Bone Grafting

Bone grafting might sound complex, but it’s a vital procedure that can improve your oral health significantly. It involves the transplantation of bone tissue to repair or regenerate damaged bones. At Lompoc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we perform bone grafting with precision and expertise, helping our patients regain their smiles and oral function.

Why Bone Grafting Matters

  • Enhancing Bone Density: Bone grafting is often recommended to address bone loss due to tooth extraction or gum disease. By restoring bone density, it provides a solid foundation for dental implants.
  • Supporting Dental Implants: If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, bone grafting is frequently a necessary step. It ensures your jawbone is strong enough to support the implants securely.
  • Improving Facial Aesthetics: Bone loss can lead to facial sagging and premature aging. Bone grafting not only restores functionality but also enhances your facial structure and aesthetics.

The Bone Grafting Procedure

Now, let’s dive into the details of how bone grafting is performed:

  • Consultation: It all begins with a consultation at our Lompoc, CA office, where Dr. Lanzon will assess your oral health and discuss your specific needs.
  • Preparation: Local anesthesia is administered to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience. Dr. Lanzon then makes a small incision in the area where bone grafting is required.
  • Graft Placement: The bone graft material, often sourced from your body, a donor, or synthetic options, is placed at the targeted site. This graft serves as a scaffold for your natural bone to grow and integrate with it over time.
  • Healing and Integration: Over the following months, your body works its magic. New bone cells gradually replace the graft material, creating a strong and stable foundation for future dental procedures.

The Benefits of Choosing Lompoc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

When you opt for bone grafting at our practice, you’re not just getting a procedure; you’re benefiting from:

  • Expertise: Dr. Lanzon, our seasoned oral and maxillofacial surgeon, has a wealth of experience in performing bone grafting procedures. You can trust your oral health in his capable hands.
  • State-of-the-Art Technology: We use cutting-edge technology and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
  • Personalized Care: Your unique needs and concerns are our top priority. We work closely with you to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your situation.
  • Reputation: Our reputation in Lompoc, CA, is built on trust and excellence. We take pride in our successful bone grafting procedures and satisfied patients.

Conclusion

Bone grafting is a remarkable procedure that can transform your oral health and aesthetics. At Lompoc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we are committed to providing the highest level of care to our patients in Lompoc, CA. Dr. Lanzon and our team are here to guide you through this journey towards a healthier, more beautiful smile. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to call us at (805) 735-3665. Your dental health is our priority, and we’re here to help you achieve the smile you deserve.

Teeth Whitening treatments are popular for patients that have tooth discoloration, or for those that just want a brighter smile. Whitening your teeth can be done safely and there are several options to choose from. If the directions are followed patients can successfully whiten their teeth with no side effects. Teeth whitening boosts self-confidence, can change a patient’s smile quickly, and make you feel great.

What Are My Options for Teeth Whitening?

If you have decided to whiten your teeth there are a few options to choose from. We offer teeth whitening treatments in our office, and this typically is a faster way to get the results you desire. We also offer a treatment you can take with you and whiten in the convenience of your own home.
Both options give great results patients are happy with. In addition to those two options there are over the counter whitening treatments that can help you whiten your teeth. Part of the evaluation process is to take a good look at your teeth and the level of discoloration, your age, and dental history to help you decide what treatment options will work best.

What Are Common Side Effects With Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is perfectly safe, but there are a few side effects that patients can experience.

Teeth Sensitivity

When you whiten your teeth the product gets deep into the tooth enamel. In some cases patients can experience sensitivity after teeth whitening treatments. We may recommend you use a sensitive type tooth paste to help with any sensitivity after whitening.

Irritated Gums

Gum irritation is another common issue when patients decide to whiten your teeth. In some cases patients are sensitive to the whitening treatment. This typically goes away after your treatment is complete.
Whitening treatments can be done periodically to keep teeth looking bright white. Whitening treatments are for patients with natural teeth. If you have implants, crowns, bridges, or dentures and want to whiten your teeth, we recommend scheduling a consultation to discuss your options. If you suffer from many cavities we recommend those are treated before any whitening treatment begins. Depending on each case we can help determine if teeth whitening is right for you.

How To Keep My Teeth Looking White

There are things you can do at home to help keep your teeth looking bright white. Avoiding food and beverages that may stain your teeth like coffee, tea, or red wine. If you do eat or drink something that may stain your teeth it is a good idea to rinse or brush right afterwards to help decrease staining.

Looking To Whiten Your Teeth?

Teeth whitening is a great way to give you a bright white smile. Whitening your teeth is safe and easy, and does not cause many side effects or issues. Scheduling a consultation with our team to examine your teeth and discuss your goals is a great way to start the process. Our skilled professionals will help you decide what treatment is best, and help get you on the road to a brighter smile.

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation to find out if teeth whitening is right for you, contact our office and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Do you notice when you smile you see gum tissue more than your teeth? This is known as a gummy smile, and many patients are bothered by how their smile looks. There are treatment options to correct a gummy smile, and we are here to help you find a treatment that works best.

What Can Cause a Gummy Smile?

  • Your Bite

Your bite can be genetic and your top jaw may not align properly with your bottom jaw. If your bitecauses the upper jaw to protrude this can cause a gummy look.

  • Hyperactive Upper Lip

If your lip raises up too high gum tissue may be exposed, and this results in a gummy smile.

  • Excess Gum Tissue

The most common cause of a gummy smile is having too much gum tissue. In many cases gum tissue can over grow when permanent teeth erupt in the mouth.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Crown Lengthening

Crown Lengthening helps to reshape the gum tissue around the tooth and correct a gummy smile. Thisprocedure exposes more of the patient’s natural tooth and make the teeth look longer.

Gum Contouring

Gum contouring can help change the shape of your gum,and this can be done if you have excess gumtissue. This procedure also helps if the gum line is uneven. Gum contouring removes the excess gumtissue and exposes more ofyour teeth. This helps to give patients a beautiful even looking smile.

Scaling and Root Planning

If a gummy smile is caused by inflamed gums a deep cleaning treatment may be recommended. Scalingand root planing reach down deep into the gum pockets to remove bacteria. This can help the gummyappearance subside.

Lip Lowering

This procedure involves removing a section of gum tissue to reveal a shorter looking lip. This keeps theupper lip from rising too high and exposing your gum tissue.

Orthodontics

If youhave an issue with your bite orthodontics may help correct your gummy smile. Orthodontictreatment can help adjust your bite to avoid gum tissue showing when you smile.

Looking To Take the Next Step to a Beautiful Smile?

If you are looking to correct your smile we encourage you take the first step and schedule a consultation in our office. This will give our team the opportunity to evaluate your concerns, and discuss possible treatment options that work for you. We want you to be proud of your smile, and we are here to help you get the smile you have always wanted.

If you are interested in scheduling acosmetic consultation, contact our office and we will be happy toassist you.
 

Cosmetic dentists can help enhance or improve the appearance of your teeth, gums, and jaw. If you are unhappy with your smile, or have cracked, broken, or misshapen teeth, finding a good cosmetic dentist is important. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the overall appearance of your smile. This includes the color, shape, size, and position of your teeth.

Searching for a good cosmetic dentist can be stressful, but knowing what to look out for can help you find a dentist that is perfect for you.

What to Consider When Searching for a Cosmetic Dentist

  • Check for a dentist’s credentials by visiting their website and reading a biography about the doctor. If this is not available contact the office directly to collect this information.
  • Ask for referrals and talk to people that have had prior cosmetic dental procedures.
  • Look for a dentist that has continuing education. Continuing educations how’s that a dentist is constantly improving their knowledge, learning new techniques using the latest technology, and expanding on skills.
  • When reading their biography look to see how long they have been practicing cosmetic dentistry and how many procedures they have done over the years.
  • Look at before and after photos to help get a good idea of the doctor’s skills.
  • Schedule a cosmetic consultation to learn about the doctor and practice. Consultations allow you to discuss your concerns, and learn about what treatment options are available. This will also give you a good idea if you feel comfortable with the dentist you choose.

Choosing the best cosmetic dentist for you is important. Knowing their background, expertise, and workthey have done can help you make a decision. Achieving that perfect smile to boost confidence, orcorrect an issue can be life changing. Taking charge of your dental health can give you thatsmile youhave always wanted.

Looking to Schedule a Cosmetic Consultation?

Our detailed consultation process gives patients the ability to discuss their concerns and smile goals. Our skilled team will examine your mouth, teeth, and jaw and recommend treatment options that work for you. Starting with a consultation can give you the ability learn about our doctors, practice, and help you decide what treatment may be best.

To schedule your cosmetic consultation and begin the process to that perfect smile, contact our office and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Creating an oral hygieneroutineat home is important to help maintain your oral health and keep yourteeth and gums feeling great. Brushing and flossing each day is extremely important,and the order inwhich you do these two items is a common question. Many wonder which way gives the most benefit.

Is Brushing First Better?

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a key part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Brushingcleans yourteeth and removes plaque,as well as prevents cavities from developing. Brushing is not theonly thingyou need to do to keep your oral hygiene in check. Flossing is another integral part of oralhygiene. The order in which you do these two items is a popular discussion.

 

Brushing does allow the toothpaste with fluoride to get in-between the teeth and help lift residualplaque when you floss after brushing. Studies show that flossing first is better, and is a more efficientway to keep up with your oral health. Flossing last also leaves particles in your mouth if you do notremember to rinse afterwards.

How Should I Go About Switching Dentists?

Once you have made the decision to switch dentists you can focus on finding your new practice. Makingsure the new dentist is agood fit is important, and there are many things to consider. Think about whattype of dental practice you would like for you and your family. Would a family practice work better andif so, make sure the new practice can provide all of the necessary services for your entire family.Research ifthe practice offers orthodontics if you have teenagers, should you need thattype oftreatment. This will help to eliminate the need for switching dentists again in the future.

 

Do yourresearch and check out some online reviews to read about the dentist’s certifications orbackground. Read aboutthe missionstatement to understand the practice values, and how the practiceis run. Make sure the facility is updated,and has the latest technology and advanced proceduresavailable.

 

Once you have done your research and have found a dentist you think may be a good fit, schedule a visitto check out the practice. This way you can see firsthand if you are comfortable, and ifyour familywould benefit from joining the practice.

 

When visiting the office take mental notes of important things such as how you are treated during yourvisit,and how long it takes you to get to and from the practice. Ask the staff if you can have a tour of theoffice to ensure the practice meets yourexpectations.

What About Flossing First?

Flossing first has many benefits, and recent studies now recommend that you should floss first beforeyou brush. Flossing first helps to loosen that plaque buildup, as well as increase fluoride concentrationbetween your teeth. When you brush after flossing the brushing then helps to remove those particlesthat are released from flossing. This helps to reduce plaque in your mouth, and lowers your risk ofdeveloping gum disease. Brushing after you floss helps the toothpaste to really do its job to protect yourteeth from decay.

Benefits of Flossing and Brushing

  • Prevents gum diseasethat is caused by poor dental hygiene or not brushingand flossingproperly. Routine dental cleanings in our office areimportant and we recommend dentalcleanings at least twice a year.
  • Removes plaque that is the leading cause of gum disease.If you floss and brush your teethregularly plaque does not havethe chance to harden on your teeth.
  • Prevents decay and costly dental procedures. If you take care of your oral health you can avoidserious complications or dental procedures in the future.

Overall, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy by practicinggood oral hygiene habits. Cavities andgum disease are preventable, and remembering to floss and brush each day will help keep your mouthfeeling great. Visiting our office regularly for your cleaning and exam is another way to stay on top ofyour oral health.


During your dental exam our team will discuss any hygiene recommendations, and review how to keepup with your oral hygiene care at home. Taking care of your oral health is important, and your health isour priority.


If you are interested in findingout more about how to improve your oral hygiene routine at home, or toschedule your next dental exam, contact our office and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Snacking is an activity we all do and what we choose to snack on is important. Snacks that are full ofsugar such as candy or cake may taste good, but are not good for our teeth. In addition to the sugarthesetypes of snacks contain large amounts of fat. Sugary snacks if eaten regularly can cause toothdecay. At our practice, we provide our patients with guidelines for healthy eating, and always promotehealthy choices to keep teeth free of harmful bacteria.

How Can Sugary Snacks Impact My Teeth?

Our mouths contain bacteria,and this bacteria forms a sticky material called plaque. The plaque stickson or in-between our teeth and this can cause decay. When sugary snacks are eaten the bacteria in themouth gravitates towards the sugar, and turns the sugarinto acids. This acid can damage the hardenamel that covers our teeth,and cause cavities to begin to develop. Staying away from snacksor foodsfilled with sugar can help keep the bacteria in your mouth from producing the acid that causes decay.

How Should I Choose A Healthy Snack?

When you have that urge to snack take a minute to ask yourself if the snack you chose contains sugar. Ifit does, you may want to choose another snack that would be healthier for yourteeth. Staying awayfrom gooey sweets or snacks that are very chewy is a good rule of thumb. These types of snacks canstick to the surface of your teeth and take longer to remove,exposing your teeth to sugar longer. If youdo choose to eat sweets, it maybe best to save that type of snack for after a main meal instead ofhaving that snack between meals.

 

We work to teach our pediatric and adult patients the benefits of healthy eating. Taking care of our oralhealth not only includes brushing or flossing,but it includes making healthy eating choices. Staying awayfrom snacks full of sugar can help prevent cavities, and keep your teeth looking and feeling great.Brushing your teeth after eating a sweet with a fluoride toothpaste can remove any harmful bacteriathat may cause cavities if left on our teeth.

What Types of Snacks Are a Good Choice?

There are many goodtastingand healthy shacks on the market today that are less harmful to our teethand body. Stickingto snacks that are lower in sugarcan help protect our teeth from decay or otherdiseases. Choosing foods like fruits or vegetables,andcrackers or bread are good choices. It may behelpful to make a healthy food list that you pick from when snacking or eating. This can help you makegood choices and stay away from those harmful sugary foods.

Examples of Smart Food Choices That Are Less Likely to Cause Tooth Decay

Fresh Vegetables of Fruits

  • Oranges
  • Bananas
  • Apples
  • Grapefruit
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Cucumbers
  • Tomatoes

Grains

  • Unsweetened cereals
  • Popcorn
  • Bread
  • Bagels
  • Pasta
  • Crackers

Milk and Dairy Products

  • Low or non-fat milk
  • Low or non-fat cheese
  • Low or non-fat yogurt

Meat, Nuts, Seeds

  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Nuts

Looking For a Dentist?

Many foods or snacks are harmful to our teeth and body. At our practice, we careabout the overallhealth of each patient, and always promotes healthy snacking and eating. Checking the label and sugarcontent can help you make the right decision for healthy snacking. Choosing a variety of foods from thebasic food groups can help you eat a balanced diet, and keep your teeth looking and feeling healthy.Brushing and flossing daily as well as attending your regular dental exams in our office can help keepyour oral health in check. Our team works diligently to not only care for your teeth, but care for youroverall health.If you are looking for a dentist, our team is happy to help. To get more information or to schedule yourdental exam, contact us and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

When deciding on a restorative solution it is important to look at all of your options to help you decideon the best option that works for you. A common question patients face is if they should choose adental bridge or dental implants when they are looking for a tooth replacement solution. Both arerestorative solutions for missing teeth, and it is helpful to understand the differences. At our practice,we provide our patients with a thorough consultation to examine their teeth and mouth, and discuss thedifferences between all of the restorative options available. Our staff works closely with our patients tohelp choose the best solution.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge isa fixed restoration that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Bridges areanchored to one or more neighboring teeth also known as abutment teeth. Bridges can be supported bynatural teeth or by dental implants. The false teeth are in-between and are called pontics.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

During your first appointment we prepare the neighboring teeth. The preparation for a bridge involvesremoving part of the enamel to allow room for the crown. The crowns are placed over the neighboringteeth. Impressions of your teeth are takento make the bridge in the lab,and temporary bridges areused while you wait for your permanent bridge.

 

Patients return to the office,and we remove the temporary bridge to prepare for the permanent bridge.The new bridge is installed,and we check to make sure the bridge is comfortable,and the perfect fit.Patientsmay have to return to our officeagainto ensurethe bridge is working well with your bite. Oncewe know the bridge fits properly we will cement the bridge in place.

How Long Will Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges last around 10-15years. Bridgesdoinvolve using some of your natural teeth, and this cancause your bridge to fail over time. The teeth around the bridge arestillvulnerable to decay and diseasewhich can attribute to the life of the bridge. Patients must practice good oral hygiene habits at home tokeep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. We recommend brushing twice a day and flossing toensure youcarefullycleanaroundboth the falseand natural teeth. Visiting our office regularly can helpto keep yourteeth clean,and your bridge looking and feeling great.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

  • Surgery is not required
  • Dental bridges tend to be lesscostly compared to implants
  • Jawbone density is not an issue with bridges
  • Overall the bridge procedure is less invasive compared to dental implants

Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Implants are a permanent solution for patients that have missing, broken, or damaged teeth. They aredurable,and act similar to a screw that is placed into the jawbone. The screw acts like an artificial toothroot, and provides a strong base for one or more artificial teeth. Implants require a healing periodtogive the implant time to fuse to the jawbone. Thisprocess allows the implant to function just like anatural tooth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants require multiple appointmentsin our office,and the process takes a few months. Thefirst step involves placing the implant into the patient’s jawbone. Once this is done there is a healingperiod where we must give the implant time to fuse to the jawbone. This process is known asosseointegration.

 

Part of our implant evaluation process is to determine if the patient has adequate bone in the jaw tosupport the implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to give patients the bone required to providethe necessary support. Once the healing process is complete the patient returns to our office,and anabutment or connector is placed on top of the implants. This allows the crown to be secured to theimplant. Custom crowns are made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. Temporarycrowns may be used while patients wait for the permanent crowns to be installed.

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are durable and last upwards of 25 years,or a lifetime if they are cared for properly.Implants are built out of titanium,and provide patientswith a permanent solution for missing teeth.Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth,and we recommend practicing good oralhygienehabits at home to keep your implants looking and feeling great.

Benefits of Dental Implants

  • Dental implants are long lasting,and are a permanent restorative solution
  • Easy to carefor
  • Implants function like natural teeth
  • Chewing power is restored with dental implants
  • Speech and overall appearance are improved
  • Patients can eat all the foods they normally would with implants
  • Dental Implants tend to cost more, butare a good investmentbecause they are built to last

Looking For a Dentist to Provide Dental Implants or Dental Bridges?

Choosing the best restorative option is a big decision, and our team is here to help. Our consultationprocess will answer all of yourquestions, and we will discuss what option may work best for you. Wewant our patients to be proud of their smile, and our team works to give patients the highest level ofcare. We welcome our patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment using stateof the arttechnology. Creating beautiful smiles is what we do, and we take pride in giving patients a smile theycan be proud of.


If you are interested in finding out more about your restorative options such as dental implants ordental bridges, contactour office today to schedule your consultation.

 

Switching dentists can be a hard decision, but patients need to make a change if they notice thingsaren’t working out with the current practice. Knowing when to make the move can be hard, but thereare some tips youcan follow to help you find your new dental office or dental clinic in the X area.

 

There are signs you can look out for that indicate it may be time to start your search to find your nextdental practice. At our practice, we welcome new patients to our practice, and strive to provideexceptional service to patients of all ages. We know how important finding the right dentist is, and wego above and beyond to provide the highest level of service and care for our patients.

Signs That Indicate it May Be Time to Switch Dental Practices

  • Your dentist has retired or moved
  • You have decided to move away from the area
  • Appointments tend to be at inconvenient times
  • Getting to your dentist is difficult,and the practice may be in an inconvenient location
  • The practice does not offer the dental procedures you need
  • Your friends or family have recommended another practice that sounds like it may be a betterfit
  • You have had to call the billing department and dispute charges multiple times
  • Your dental insurance has changed
  • You do not feel comfortable with the recommended treatment plan at your current dentist

How Should I Go About Switching Dentists?

Once you have made the decision to switch dentists you can focus on finding your new practice. Makingsure the new dentist is agood fit is important, and there are many things to consider. Think about whattype of dental practice you would like for you and your family. Would a family practice work better andif so, make sure the new practice can provide all of the necessary services for your entire family.Research ifthe practice offers orthodontics if you have teenagers, should you need thattype oftreatment. This will help to eliminate the need for switching dentists again in the future.

 

Do yourresearch and check out some online reviews to read about the dentist’s certifications orbackground. Read aboutthe missionstatement to understand the practice values, and how the practiceis run. Make sure the facility is updated,and has the latest technology and advanced proceduresavailable.

 

Once you have done your research and have found a dentist you think may be a good fit, schedule a visitto check out the practice. This way you can see firsthand if you are comfortable, and ifyour familywould benefit from joining the practice.

 

When visiting the office take mental notes of important things such as how you are treated during yourvisit,and how long it takes you to get to and from the practice. Ask the staff if you can have a tour of theoffice to ensure the practice meets yourexpectations.

How Can I Transfer My Dental Records?

When switching dentists make sure you also take your records with you to your new practice. Thisprovides the new dentist with your dental history. To request a transfer of records you can simply callyour current dentist and ask them to send over the records. This is a good time to let your dentist knowyou will be moving to a new practice.Most dentists do charge a small fee to transfer records, and this covers the cost or postage involved. In some cases, dental practices now have automated systems forpatient’s records, and this makes the transfer process easier

 

Looking for a Dental Clinic or Dental office?

If you are looking to find the perfect dental practice, consider visiting our office. We provide a comfortable and welcoming environment, and provide superior dental care in our surrounding communities. Our patients are treated like family, and your oral health is our first priority. We service your entire family, and offer many dental services using state of the art technology.


Building a relationship with our patients is important, and our goal is to give patients beautiful smiles.We welcome all new patients, and encourage each patient to tour our office and meet our amazing doctors and staff. 


Ifyou are interested in scheduling a consultation visit with us please contact our office,and one of ourfriendly staff members will be happy to assist you!