Frequently Asked Questions
Your Dentist in Baraboo Answers all Your Dental Questions
What Is Dentistry?
Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders in a patient’s teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Dentistry performed adequately is necessary for complete oral health, and it has a significant impact on the health of a patient’s entire body.
What Is A Dentist?
A dentist is a specialist trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Our doctors at Dental Associates of Baraboo, WI, have completed many years of medical schooling to practice dentistry.
After their training, a dentist can receive either a DDS or DMD degree.
DDS = Doctor of Dental Surgery
DMD = Doctor of Dental Medicine
Some doctors choose to specialize in pediatric dentistry, which means working with children from infancy through their teenage years. Other specializations a dentist may choose to study additionally are:
- Oral and maxillofacial
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
- Endodontics
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
Are Regular Dental Cleanings Necessary?
We understand how busy life can be in today’s modern world. Fitting a dental appointment into a busy schedule gets complicated. Sometimes it is easier just to drop the dental visit altogether. We recommend always visiting the dentist for dental exams and cleanings.
Proper oral hygiene can be challenging to maintain all by yourself. Brushing for two minutes morning and night and flossing after every meal may keep tooth decay at bay, but not all. Scheduling a professional cleaning at Dental Associates Of Baraboo in Baraboo, Wisconsin, twice a year is critical to maintain proper oral hygiene and prevent cavities before worsening.
My Teeth Feel Fine. Do I Still Need To See A Dentist?
It’s imperative to schedule regular cleanings with your dentist in Baraboo. Not all dental issues have apparent symptoms, and catching issues early on will save a lot of money and hassle. Beyond that, our dentists can identify problems before symptoms even start with the help of dental x-rays. Read more here.
We know the importance of feeling comfortable with your smile. For this reason, we also offer many dental treatments to help improve the aesthetics of your smile, like teeth whitening and smile makeovers.
What’s A Dental Cleaning Like At Dental Associates Of Baraboo?
Biannual cleanings are recommended for proper oral hygiene. At Dental Associates Of Baraboo, an appointment in our dental office includes:
- full oral examination
- oral cancer screening
- professional x-rays
- complete cleaning by our excellent hygienists
Professional dental cleanings remove tartar, debris, and plaque from your mouth.
Our doctors coordinate with the hygienists and recommend dental care treatment plans for any found problems. We also recommend any aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to improve your smile.
Please call our office at 608-356-6611 or 800-362-1224 to schedule an appointment.
At What Age Should My Child First See The Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and your dentist in Baraboo, recommend starting dental checkups as early as three years. On average, this is when a child’s teeth begin to show. Our doctors will examine the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations. This appointment is the perfect time to ask your dentist questions.
How Often Should I Change My Toothbrush?
We recommend changing your toothbrush every three months. For those who use an electric toothbrush, check the brand’s recommendation as the heads may not need to be changed as often.
Patients with gum disease are recommended to change toothbrushes more often than three months. Do not forget to wash and rinse your brush with hot water and store it upright where it can dry between uses. Doing this kills harmful germs and bacteria.
How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?
Plaque and bacteria naturally build up in everybody’s mouth. If not cleaned off sufficiently with brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it can lead to gum disease. Risk factors for gum disease include bad oral hygiene, smoking and chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, specific medications, and even genetics. Click here to learn more.
If periodontal disease advances, it can cause bone loss and permanent tooth loss. We recommend brushing and flossing every day and six-month dental appointments as the best way to fight against gum disease.
The most common signs of periodontal disease are:
- Abscessed teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Halitosis
- Loosened teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Receded gum line
If you have any of these symptoms, please call us as soon as possible. You can reach us at 608-356-6611 or 800-362-1224 or email us to schedule a consultation. Your dental health is our deepest concern.
Do You Accept Dental Insurance?
At Dental Associates Of Baraboo, we accept most insurance and PPO plans. Please call our office at 608-356-6611 or 800-362-1224 for more insurance information. Before calling, please have your insurance information ready. And plan to pay your co-pay or deductible portion at the time of service.
What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
Here at Dental Associates Of Baraboo, we accept cash, checks, cashier’s checks, and major credit cards. We provide payment plans through our office or third-party financing through Care Credit.
For patients that pay in full at the time of service, discounts are provided. If you have any more questions regarding payment methods, please call us at 608-356-6611 or 800-362-1224, and we’ll do our best to find the right solution for you.
Visit Your Dentist in Baraboo Today!