:: Your Questions

Both Dr. Brecheisen and Dr. Lumpkin subscribe to the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental industry. They also take a number of continuing education courses and ensure that the staff does, too. As a team and as individuals, we believe it is our responsibility to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials.

Modern dentistry offers a number of options for a whiter smile. We use the Zoom! whitening system, which whitens your teeth in one simple visit. Dr. Brecheisen or Dr. Lumpkin can evaluate the potential for whitening your teeth, based on their current color and the causes of any discoloration.

We accept cash, checks and major credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa and Discover. We also accept most major insurance plans, and request that you pay any co-pay amount at the time of your visit. We will file your insurance claims for you electronically, which expedites payment. For more extensive treatment, we offer financing through CareCredit, which has a six-month interest-free plan and a plan with interest for periods of longer than six months. Our friendly, knowledgeable office coordinators will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Our website is designed to help you learn all you need to about the various restorative and cosmetic services we offer. Simply click on the Patient Educational Library section for helpful information. If you desire even more information, click here to visit the American Dental Association website.

Depending on the individual situation, many times the Invisalign system can be used. This is a series of comfortable, removable, clear plastic aligners that can be used to correct tooth alignment.  From crowded teeth to spaces between teeth to orthodontic relapse, this system is a safe, effective way to achieve a desired smile. We would be happy to talk with you about Invisalign and/or other options that best suit your individual needs.

YES!  Healthy gums generally do not bleed.  Bleeding is an indication of gingivitis (inflammation and/or infection of the gum tissue).  If gums bleed easily or always when brushing, then they should be evaluated and treated. Untreated gum disease may result in bone loss around the teeth and/or eventually tooth loss.  Periodontal disease (not cavities) is the #1 reason people loose their teeth.

The newest cosmetic techniques offer a number of options to improve your smile, from simple whitening to porcelain veneers to invisible braces. Please call us for a consultation appointment to discuss how your smile can be enhanced.

As metal fillings (also known as amalgams) age, corrosion of the metal allows bacteria to reach the inner, softer part of the tooth which begins the decay process.  Corrosion of the metal also causes the filling to expand over a period of time, which puts additional stress on the cusp(s) of teeth.  This can often lead to fracture lines and/or breakage of tooth structure.  It is advisable to restore old amalgams before a tooth breaks, cracks, or decays because the more solid tooth structure remaining means the better the new restoration will be.  Additionally, our new composite (tooth colored) filling materials allow us to chemically bond to the existing tooth structure which helps to reinforce and seal the remaining tooth structure.

P.S. They also look great!

Temperomandibular disorders, or TMJ, can contribute to headaches, insomnia, dizziness, facial, neck or should pain, and popping sounds in the jaw. TMJ is often the result of an imbalanced bite. Dr. Brecheisen has experience treating bite-related pain and state-of-the-art technology that measures muscles in the jaw and identifies hot spots. He can devise a treatment plan to correct the problem and offer you relief from nagging symptoms that keep you from feeling your best.

X-rays are necessary to give the doctor a comprehensive view of your oral health. With x-rays, minor problems can be corrected before they become major ones. We use digital x-rays, which expose patients to less radiation than traditional x-rays. They also can be viewed immediately, without any developing time.