dental FAQs

Family Dentist | Apple Family Dental

 

What Is Dentistry?

Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of disorders in a patient’s teeth, gums, and jaw.

What Is a Dentist?

A dentist is a specialist trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health conditions and dental problems. Dr. Julia Gourley, your dentist in Longview, has completed many years of medical schooling to practice dentistry. After education, a dentist can receive either a DDS or DMD degree.

DDS = Doctor of Dental Surgery
DMD = Doctor of Dental Medicine.

There are specializations that a dentist may go to school for:

  • Oral and maxillofacial
  • Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
  • Endodontics (specializes in root canals)
  • Periodontics> (specializes in gum disease)
  • Prosthodontics (specializes in dental implants)

Dentistry is crucial for complete oral health and has a significant impact on the health of a patient’s entire body.

Are Regular Dental Cleanings Necessary?

Here at Apple Family Dental, we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental visit into a families busy schedule can be a hassle. Brushing your teeth and flossing daily is a great way to keep oral health problems away; however, not all.

We highly recommend scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch hard to reach tooth decay before issues become painful and expensive.

Are Regular Dental Cleanings Necessary?

Here at Apple Family Dental, we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental visit into a families busy schedule can be a hassle. Brushing your teeth and flossing daily is a great way to keep oral health problems away; however, not all.

We highly recommend scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch hard to reach tooth decay before issues become painful and expensive.

Do I Need to See a Dentist Even If My Teeth Seem Fine?

It’s essential to schedule regular cleanings here at Apple Family Dental. Dr. Julia Gourley recommends dental visits twice a year. Not all dental problems have obvious symptoms at first.

We can identify problems and keep your smile looking fantastic. We know the importance of feeling comfortable and confident when your smile. Because of this, we offer many high-quality cosmetic dental treatments to help improve patient aesthetics like teeth whitening.

What’s a Dental Cleaning Like at Apple Family Dental?

At Apple Family Dental, an appointment in our dental office includes:

  • A complete oral examination.
  • Oral cancer exam.
  • Professional digital X-rays to catch cavities.
  • Thorough cleaning by our excellent hygienists.

Dr. Julia Gourley will coordinate with your hygienist and recommend a dental treatment plan for any problems found. We’ll also recommend any aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry treatments to improve your smile. Please call our office at 360-423-5580 to schedule an appointment or additional questions.

What Age Should I Bring My Child to See the Dentist?

Dental professionals and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend a child’s first dental appointment as early as six months. Dr. Julia Gourley will examine the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations.

When Should I Change My Toothbrush?

Dr. Julia Gourley recommends changing your toothbrush at least every three months. If you’re using an electric toothbrush, be sure to check the recommendations on the box because you may not need to change the heads as often. If a patient has gum disease, Dr. Gourley recommends changing toothbrushes more often.

Also, after brushing, it’s imperative to thoroughly wash and rinse your toothbrush out with hot water and store it upright to dry. Properly doing this kills germs and bacteria.

How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

Gum disease aka periodontal disease is a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Risk factors for gum disease are smoking or chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics.

Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause tooth loss. Dr. Julia Gourley recommends brushing and flossing every day and scheduling biannual dental appointments as the best way to fight gum disease. Common signs of periodontal disease are:

  • Abscessed teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Loss of teeth
  • Red, swollen, bleeding gums
  • Receding gum line

If you experience any of these symptoms, please call us as soon as possible. You can reach us at 360-423-5580 or email us to request an appointment. Your dental health is our most profound concern.

Do You Accept Insurance?

We accept most insurance and PPO plans at Apple Family Dental in Longview, WA. Please call today for more information about insurance at 360-423-5580. Before calling, please have your insurance information ready. Also, please plan to pay your co-pay or deductible portion at the time of service.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

Here at Apple Family Dental, we accept cash, checks, cashier’s checks, Visa, Master Card, AmEx, and Discover. We also accept payments via Paypal, Zelle, and Cash App. If none of these payment methods suits your needs, we provide payment plans through our office or third-party financing through Care Credit.

We also provide dental care discounts for those able to pay in full at service. If you have any questions regarding payment methods, please call us at 360-423-5580; we’ll do our best to find the right financial solution for you.

Visit your Dentist in Longview, Washington

If you have any questions or are curious about specific dental services, please call us or stop by for a visit. We are happy to discuss your concerns.

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