FAQs

Answers to Your Questions

How do I know when it’s time to come in for a checkup?

We recommend that patients with good oral health schedule a checkup and hygiene visit twice each year. If you need more frequent visits, we'll let you know. Checkups are important because, even if you don't notice any pain or problems with your teeth, we may find signs of potential issues. For instance, demineralization is a precursor to decay, oral cancer often goes undetected until the later stages, and gum disease can be very stealthy. At your hygiene appointment, we'll clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. We'll also make sure your gums are healthy and strong.

What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

We follow strict guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control, American Dental Association and OSHA. Our practices include sterilizing reusable instruments in an autoclave, then sealing them for the next use; disinfecting treatment rooms between patient visits; and using disposable products when possible. We always wear disposable gloves during exams and treatment, for your safety. Oregon Health Sciences University monitors the effectiveness of our sterilization process weekly.

 

Does your office use latex?

Latex allergies are becoming increasingly common in children and adults. Symptoms can range from mild itchiness to anaphylactic shock. For your safety, we are a latex-free dental office. We have carefully researched latex-free alternatives to gloves, dental dams, and other materials and have chosen comparable substitutes that don’t endanger our patients’ health.

My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep hygiene treatment to alleviate your symptoms. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults and has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can significantly damage your health, so call our Keizer dental office for an assessment now. We’ll help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!

Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials…Where can I learn more about these procedures?

Our Patient Library is a great resource for learning about dental procedures. You can also review our Services page for more information. If you have questions about these or other dental procedures, don't hesitate to call us. We’ll be happy to explain any aspect of your dental care or our service offerings.

Do you refer patients to specialists?

While we’re trained and equipped to handle a wide variety of dental issues in our office, when a specialist would better serve you, we'll refer. Some dental specialists are oral surgeons, periodontists (supporting structures), endodontists (internal tooth problems), orthodontists (for moving teeth), and pedodontists (for children). We refer to only trusted professionals with whom we have a good rapport.

What are my options to replace missing teeth?

We offer bridges, partials, full dentures, and dental implants. Learn more about these options on our Services page, then call for a consultation. With X-rays, intraoral photos, and a thorough assessment of your dentition, Dr. Sutter can help you decide which replacement option is best for you.

How can I improve my smile?

That sounds like an easy question to answer, but it isn't! Your smile is unique, and we won't compromise your individuality with smile enhancements. Smile design dentistry done right requires an initial consultation in which we’ll discuss your goals, preferences, and options for care. Generally speaking, we may suggest porcelain veneers or Lumineers, teeth whitening, all-white fillings or crowns, and/or replacement teeth. After your comprehensive evaluation and consultation, we'll present a treatment plan for your new smile.

My teeth are stained. Can you help?

Yes. We offer teeth whitening solutions to brighten teeth dramatically at home or in our office. Call for an appointment today!

What’s the difference between porcelain veneers and Lumineers?

Lumineers are actually a brand of veneers that requires minimal or no tooth preparation prior to placement. Some patients prefer Lumineers because of the quick application and reduced risk for sensitivity. However, others prefer porcelain veneers because of their completely customized design.