New Patient Interview and Consultation

Dr. Mark expresses the importance of listening to your concerns about your dental condition and what your goals are for your dental treatment. Our new patient appointments are exclusively reserved times and will be followed by a personal consultation.

During your initial exam, you will meet with Dr. Mark and one of his dental assistants. Approximately an hour and a half long, this comprehensive exam includes an evaluation of your present dental conditions, a tooth and periodontal health exam, a jaw joint exam, a blood pressure check and an oral cancer screening. Dr. Mark will also discuss any dental questions you may have.

With your permission, necessary X-rays, as well as some images, will be taken. Following your initial examination, we will schedule a consultation appointment to discuss your treatment options. Our patients have choices – you are a co-therapist who participates in the decisions regarding your treatment options. Dr. Mark and his team pay attention to every detail of your condition to create the best treatment plan for your individual needs, and we make sure you are fully educated on all of your options to make the best decision possible for you. This detailed treatment plan outlining your appointments, costs and time commitment will be agreed upon so that your goals can be met in the most efficient way possible.

Dr. Mark and his team are committed to treating the patients of our practice like family, placing emphasis on respect and trust. Your treatment, comfort and satisfaction are of the utmost importance to us.

Ten Myths About Dentistry and The Facts That Will Surprise You

The following dental health information is presented with the compliments of Dr. Mark. This is a compilation of answers to questions commonly asked during a New Patient Exam.

MYTH #1: Losing your teeth is a natural part of the aging process.

FACT: With proper oral hygiene at home and regular visits to our office, your teeth can last a lifetime. Our registered dental hygienists will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

MYTH #2: Missing teeth are always replaced by bridges or removable dentures.

FACT: Missing teeth are often replaced by dental implants. An artificial tooth root is placed in the jawbone and a “cap” or crown is fabricated to fit on the implant. The result is very stable and functions much like a natural tooth. Dental implants can replace one tooth or many missing teeth. Ask us how dental implants can improve the quality of your life by giving you the ability to laugh, smile, chew and talk with confidence. You no longer have to endure the embarrassment or discomfort of old-fashioned bridges or dentures.

MYTH #3: Periodontal (gum) disease affects only the mouth.

FACT: The bacteria that cause periodontal disease are carried throughout the body in the bloodstream. Scientific studies have also demonstrated possible links between periodontal or gum disease and the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and respiratory disease. In addition, pregnant women who have significant periodontal disease are much more likely to give birth to premature, low birth weight babies. Your oral health is part of your overall health.

MYTH #4: You have to be young to have really white teeth.

FACT: Patients of all ages can have their teeth whitened in our office in about an hour. As we age, teeth can become yellowed and stained, but the advanced whitening process we use in our office can give you a dazzling smile in just one visit. The procedure does not involve any needles or drilling. You will definitely leave our office smiling!

MYTH #5: The only way to fill a cavity is by using “silver fillings.”

FACT: New “tooth-colored” restorations are available. In the past, dental amalgams (“silver fillings”) were used, but these restorations tend to darken over time. The new tooth-colored fillings not only restore teeth, but they also provide a great cosmetic benefit.

MYTH #6: It is not necessary to replace a missing tooth in the back of the mouth.

FACT: A missing tooth can cause other teeth to move. The result can be tooth decay, infection or an improper bite that can lead to discomfort. Even if the missing tooth is not noticeable, we can recommend treatment to prevent problems such as the loss of additional teeth.

MYTH #7: Orthodontic treatment is just for children.

FACT: Orthodontic treatment can be a great benefit for both adults and children. In our office, we provide orthodontic treatment to give patients a beautiful smile. Also, when teeth are properly positioned, the patient’s bite and overall oral health are also improved.

MYTH #8: If I brush and floss daily, I do not need to see a dentist except when I have a toothache or other dental problems.

FACT: Although daily brushing and flossing help remove plaque and early tartar information, once tartar has hardened, it can only be removed by a dental professional. In addition, the majority of oral cancers occur in people over the age of 45, so regular dental checkups are especially important for individuals in this age group.

MYTH #9: For some people, waking up with a headache every day is normal.

FACT: Headaches can be caused by many different factors. Some patients who have frequent headaches have a condition called TMD. This condition occurs when the jaws are not aligned properly. In our office, we provide conservative, non-surgical treatment to help align the jaws, improve your bite and relax the muscles in the face and neck. As a result, many patients experience a significant reduction in the number and severity of their headaches.

MYTH #10: Now that there is fluoride in water and toothpaste, dentists are finding it difficult to stay busy.

FACT: There is tremendous interest in cosmetic dentistry – everything from tooth whitening to porcelain veneers and implants. Dental materials and techniques are becoming increasingly sophisticated. There has truly been a knowledge explosion in dentistry. Although we are busy, we are accepting new patients.