Q. How often should I see a dentist?
A. The American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year, or more, depending on individual needs.

Q. What should I expect during my appointment?
A. One of our team members will review your medical and dental history during your first visit. Your initial exam will last approximately one hour. We are proud of our new patient exam! Dr. Riehl dedicates time especially for you. He will discuss your desires and expectations, followed by a comprehensive examination of your teeth and soft tissues. Photographs and radiographs (X-rays) will give Dr. Riehl the necessary information to tailor a treatment plan specifically for you.

Q. What does “painless dentistry” mean?
A. Painless dentistry is a means of ensuring your total experience in our office is as stress-free and comfortable as possible. We will discuss treatment options that require minimal or even no local anesthetic

Q. What if I have an emergency?
A. Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. We will be glad to work you in to our schedule if you have a dental emergency during regular business hours. After hours, over the weekend and during holidays, please call our office for the doctor’s emergency contact number.

Q. Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
A. Yes. We accept many types of dental insurance and will process your claim for you. We offer an interest free plan, or a low interest rate payment plan for up to 60 months, on approved credit. We also accept most major credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.

Q. Can the dentist whiten my teeth?
Tooth whitening is a fun, easy cosmetic treatment that brightens most smiles, making many individuals look younger! Dr. Riehl will evaluate your teeth to see if you are a candidate for tooth whitening and what this procedure can possibly do for you. With impressions, we create trays that are an exact replica of your teeth. Each day, a small amount of whitening solution is placed in the tray and worn overnight or for a few hours during the day. The lightening process continues until your teeth reach the level of whitening potential of your individual teeth. It is important that the initial few weeks of tooth whitening are under the supervision of Dr. Riehl.

Other over-the-counter daily whitening products are available, but it is important to use any whitening product only under the supervision of a dentist. To achieve the whitening results you desire, the ADA recommends that you seek the professional advice of a dentist, including examination and diagnosis of the cause of tooth discoloration, before you begin any lightening program.

Q. What if I have teeth that do not respond to normal whitening methods? Or a gap in my teeth? Or a chipped tooth?
A. Porcelain veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually and permanently attached to the fronts of your existing teeth. Bonding utilizes a composite material made of plastic to fill in areas of your teeth and correct chipping and shape problems. Both porcelain veneers and bonding are color-matched to the rest of your teeth.

Q. How should I care for my toothbrush?
http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/positions/statements/toothbrush.asp