Frequently Asked Questions

At Great Lakes Family Dental, we believe that excellent dental outcomes are achieved when dentists coordinate care with specialists. That's why Great Lakes Family Dental offices are multi-specialty with dental specialists on staff, so you do not need to go anywhere else to complete your treatment. These specialists may include periodontists, endodontists, pediatric dentists, orthodontists, and oral & maxillofacial surgeons. Your general dentist will let you know if you need care from one of our talented dental specialists.

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics.

Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease. If detected, it is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition.

Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting our office every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease.

Common signs of gum disease:

• Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Loose teeth, or loss of teeth
• Extreme tooth sensitivity
• Receding gum line
• Abscessed teeth

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts. Primary teeth typically begin growing in around 6 months of age.

We understand that going to the dentist can be a challenging task for some people. Our offices are designed with patients in mind to put you at ease. Our front desk and clinical staff are trained to help anxious patients feel more comfortable. Before your first visit, plan a visit to come by and tour the office and meet the staff. We're happy to accommodate you. During treatment, we recommend anxious patients wear ear buds with music, book, or podcast to tune out external noise. For very anxious patients, speak with your dentist directly before treatment for additional options.

Yes, it is important to continue to have dental checkups every six months if you have braces. Food may be caught in places your toothbrush cannot reach and this will cause bacteria to build up. This can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease.

A serious injury like a knocked-out tooth should be treated by a dentist. Carefully rinse the tooth to remove any dirt and place the clean tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum or under your tongue. If you cannot do so, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth and immerse in milk. Successful re-implantation can be possible if the treatment is performed promptly so get to your dentist as soon as possible.

At Great Lakes Family Dental, new patients pay just $57 for an exam, all necessary xrays, a cleaning and treatment plan. Our fees are competitive and we will carefully review the costs of your treatment with you and discuss payment options. Please call your nearest office to speak to a patient care representative.

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making your tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria in your mouth. Fluoride can also reverse early decay. City water often contains fluoride, so by drinking tap water you will acquire fluoride. If your drinking water does not have fluoride, supplements are available. Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about whether you are getting the daily amount of fluoride you need. The ADA recommends fluoride for adults as well as children.

If you require premedication, request a prescription from your healthcare provider before your appointment. For specific questions about premedication, please call our office.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association have guidelines to determine when and how often children should have xrays. The dentist will use his or her clinical judgement, using these guidelines, after a thorough review of your child's health history and a clinical exam. Your child's first dental appointment can be by age 1 or 6 months from the first tooth eruption.

Bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease or gingivitis which, if caught early, can be reversible. It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to have a periodontal screening to determine if you have gum disease and the best course of treatment. When gums are inflamed, brushing and flossing could help reduce the inflammation so continue to follow your oral health protocols. Ignoring the problem can lead to more serious problems including tooth and bone loss.

The timing for baby teeth differs for each individual but all 20 baby teeth are usually in by 3 years of age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts. Primary teeth typically begin growing in around 6 months of age. Baby teeth are just as susceptible to cavities as adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost early, the permanent teeth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find room. Proper oral hygiene is important as soon as your baby is born, and it is critical to establish good oral health habits early.

"Treatment with fluoride is an effective way to strengthen your tooth's enamel. It takes a few minutes to apply a fluoridated varnish or gel that has a higher concentration of fluoride than in over-the-counter products. Your hygienist can apply the product with a soft brush. After application, you should not brush or floss for 4 to 6 hours, and not eat for a few hours. Drinking can resume immediately. The American Dental Association recommends fluoride treatments for adults as well as children. Speak to your dentist about how fluoride can help you achieve optimal dental health.

A fluoride varnish is applied with a soft brush and you will not be able to eat or drink for a few hours afterward. A fluoride gel takes 4 minutes to apply, and you should avoid eating and drinking for 30 minutes after treatment."

New patients should arrive with identification, insurance card if applicable, and any forms that may be relevant including health history or medication list.

At Great Lakes Family Dental, we welcome new patients with a New Patient Offer as low as $57 for an exam, all necessary xrays, a cleaning and treatment plan. This is a great way to get to know the practice. We also accept Essential Dental, a discount dental plan that allows members to have the dental care they need at the savings they can afford. Get instant access to savings on all dental services plus free exams and x-rays. Please call your nearest office to speak to a patient care representative about your payment options.