(508) 270-6770
Many people have questions about their oral health and dental treatments. We have provided some answers to frequently asked questions for you below. If you have further questions, or to schedule an appointment, call Orris Dental at (508) 270-6770. We look forward to helping you care for your smile!
How can I prepare for my dental appointment?
For your first dental appointment, visit our patient resources.
Please be prepared to update your address, phone number, and emergency contact at every visit, and your medical history annually. If you pre-medicate before dental visits, please do so accordingly.
What insurance plans do you accept? What if I don’t have insurance?
We accept most major dental insurance plans. Since coverage varies by plan, we recommend calling our office so we can help verify your benefits and answer any insurance questions. We offer a few options for patients without insurance. Read more about our new patient special and our in-house membership plan.
What should I expect from a dental exam?
During your dental exam, the dentist will check for signs of tooth decay and screen for oral cancer, gum/periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and other oral health concerns. X-rays may also be taken to provide a more detailed evaluation of your oral health and help identify problems that may not be visible during the dental exam.
Are X-rays safe? Are they necessary?
Dental radiographs (X-rays) expose patients to very small amounts of radiation and are an integral part of a comprehensive dental exam. Modern digital X-rays reduce radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional film X-rays. These images help detect problems such as decay, infections, cysts, bone loss, and other abnormalities that may not be visible during a dental exam.
How often should I get a dental cleaning?
It varies depending on your oral health needs. For patients without periodontal disease, a dental cleaning is typically recommended every 6 months. Other patients may need to be seen every 3–4 months to help maintain their oral health and manage periodontal disease. Your recommended cleaning schedule will be determined during your appointment.
What can I expect during a dental cleaning?
During a dental cleaning, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth and review your home care routine. We will also provide personalized recommendations to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Is dental anxiety common?
Yes, studies show that many people experience some level of dental anxiety, and some avoid dental care because of it. If you have a fear of dental work, we want you to know that making you feel comfortable and safe at our office is our first priority.
Whatever your level of anxiety may be, our team is committed to making your visit as efficient, and stress-free as possible. We will keep you informed before, during, and after your procedure so you understand what is being done and why.
For additional comfort, patients are welcome to use personal headphones during treatment, and each operatory is equipped with a TV with streaming capability for entertainment and relaxation.
At what age should I take my child to the dentist?
Children should begin seeing a dentist as soon as their baby teeth erupt. Early visits help children become comfortable with the dental environment, which may feel unfamiliar or noisy at first. To help prepare your child, we recommend talking positively about dental visits beforehand and using books, games, or children’s TV shows to help familiarize them with what to expect.
When will my child lose their baby teeth?
Most children begin losing their baby teeth around age 5 or 6, usually starting with the front teeth. It is not uncommon for the adult tooth to begin erupting before the baby tooth falls out. Most children continue losing baby teeth until approximately age 12 or 13.
At what age should my child start braces?
Each case is different. Our office offers interceptive orthodontic treatment with HealthyStart®, as well as Invisalign® for select patients who may benefit from orthodontic treatment. Learn more about HealthyStart® and Invisalign®.
Can you remove my wisdom teeth?
The best way to evaluate wisdom teeth is with dental X-rays. In many cases, wisdom teeth can be extracted in our office; however, some situations may require evaluation and treatment by an oral surgeon. If a referral is needed, we will provide you with the appropriate recommendation.
Do you offer sedation dentistry?
We do not offer sedation dentistry at our office.
My jaw pops/clicks, is this normal?
Jaw popping or clicking can be a sign of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction (TMD) or other bite-related issues. We recommend bringing this up to your dental provider so it can be properly evaluated. Our office offers specialized TMJ appliances and treatment options designed to help reduce jaw discomfort.
Learn more about TMJ/TMD.
Why do I grind/clench my teeth?
Teeth grinding and clenching, also called bruxism, can lead to tooth wear, jaw discomfort, headaches, and TMJ symptoms. Many people grind their teeth during sleep without realizing it. Treatment options may include a custom night guard or other TMJ therapies depending on your needs.
What if I have not been to the dentist in a long time?
You are not alone. Many patients return to dental care after spending a few years away from the dentist. Our goal is to provide a comfortable experience and give you the tools and information needed to improve and maintain your oral health.
We understand that choosing a dental office is personal, and we encourage you to read our patient reviews to learn more about our approach to care.
Additional Resources
• Insurance & Financing
• Emergency Dental Care
• Invisalign®
• TMJ/TMD Treatment
• HealthyStart®
