EMERGENCY SAME DAY CROWNS!! We are very excited to be able to offer same day crowns using CEREC technology.

Dental FAQs

How do I use dental floss?

Floss is cheap, so don’t be stingy! Tear off about a forearm’s length to start. Wrap one end around the middle finger of one hand to “anchor” it and pick up the other end about 4-6 inches away with the middle finger of the other hand. This allows you to manipulate the floss with your thumb and fore finger. As you soil a section of floss, “reel” in another 4-6 inches of clean floss with the anchor finger as you release the floss with the other finger.

Once you get the floss past the tooth contact, move the floss up and down, perpendicular to the tooth. Never shoe-shine the teeth in a back-and-forth motion! You will either notch your teeth or cut your gums, or both!

How often should I get dental checkups?

For most people, a checkup and cleaning every 6 months is standard protocol. Depending on a person’s dental health, however, a dental cleaning every 3 to 4 months may be recommended.

How often should I get x-rays?

For most people, a complete radiographic survey should be done every 3 years, and a “check up” or “recall” set every 6 to 12 months. A complete set of x-rays is estimated to expose you to the same amount of radiation you get on a flight from San Francisco to Seattle.

Doctors use x-rays as an aid in diagnosing problems. Without x-rays, “seeing” the problem will be difficult if not impossible.

Tongue Scraper

The tongue, with its rough surface, is the most common source of bad breath. “Tongue scrapers” are very effective in keeping the tongue clean. The dental hygienists at Family Dental Group can show you how to use a tongue cleaner to help keep your breath fresh.

What are cavities?

Cavities generally develop in the “hard-to-see” places in your mouth. These are normally the places where you need to floss. When bacteria combine with food particles, they form plaque that adheres to your teeth.

As long as plaque remains on the tooth, acid produced by bacteria will eat away the tooth structure. Once through the enamel, the acid attacks the dentin, which is that part of the tooth containing sensitive nerve fibers.

If the tooth decay reaches the dentin, a filling is needed to halt the degenerative process. Otherwise, it continues at an accelerated rate becoming larger and larger.

If not detected and repaired with a filling, the decay can reach the tooth nerve and cause the need for a root canal. With the decay removed and a filling in place the tooth is restored to its original contour.

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay happens when plaque or bacteria come in contact with the tooth and is allowed to sit. The bacteria, once fed with sugars, will begin eroding the enamel.

Causes of tooth decay include:

  • Poor oral hygiene (brushing / flossing)
  • Poor diet
  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Genetics

Adults tend to get cavities around old fillings, which may be cracked, rough around the edges or loose in the tooth. Another common form of tooth decay in adults is root cavities. These are likely to occur in adults who have receding gums due to age or periodontal disease. As the gum line recedes, the tooth root becomes exposed. Since root tissue is softer than enamel, it decays more easily.

What is the best kind of toothbrush?

Generally speaking, a soft bristled toothbrush is best. Whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric, anything harder than soft, is too hard. Stiff bristles may give you that clean feeling, but they can also abrade your teeth and cause gum recession.

Your First Visit

New patients receive a comprehensive examination which includes a screening for oral cancer, gum and bone disease, blood pressure, and systemic disorders. A routine oral exam is performed on established patients to determine any changes in dental and health status since the previous visit.

Your gum tissue is measured with a fine instrument ruler to calibrate in millimeters pocket depth between the tooth and the connective gum tissue around the tooth. Pocket depths more than 4 millimeters could indicate disease and infection. The deeper the pocket, the greater the extent plaque bacteria collects and infection in gum disease develops.

X-rays are taken as needed.

Tooth scaling and root planing occur as needed.

Routine cleanings also include a professional polishing (Prophy) that removes only the soft sticky plaque that is above the gum line.

Amazing Customers

5/5
Family Dental Group had been taking care of my teeth for a few years now and I tell everybody to go there. I not only feel cared for when I get my teeth cleaned but also empowered to continue caring for my own oral health. In my experience, they are honest in their recommendations and care; not always ambling for the upsell. The front desk employees are usually quite approachable.
Kezia Halverson
5/5
On trip to Yellowstone I broke a tooth. Family Dental to the rescue. Thank you Dr. Knable, Kendra, and all the staff who were friendly, helpful, and totally professional. I needed a crown and it was all done in a few hours. The crown feels perfect and I can smile again. Thank you!
Gigi de Jong
5/5
This is the best dentist office I have ever been to! I used to be scared to go to the dentist because of previous terrible experiences – I feel comfortable at family dental!!
Shannon Brewer
5/5
Excellent Dentist in Jason T Knable and Exceptional Staff. He put on 2 ???? Crowns on the same day-!-
Mark Alan Henley
5/5
Stunning, professional dental office that responded so quickly when an old filling fractured. They got me in right away and the process of getting that same-day crown was simply amazing. The dentist was fabulous, the assistants were incredible and the crown fit the first time it was put in. This is a happy place – the day I was there it was clear everyone was enjoying their work, enjoying the patients and enjoying each other. Incredibly positive and professional experience.!
N. N.
5/5
I have been going to Family Dental for about 15 yrs. I have always been happy w\ the great, friendly service! I have never had a bad experience and all of the staff are wonderful and very pleasant! I will continue to use Family Dental for my dental needs.
Chad Elliott
5/5
Dr Jason was super awesome. I went in for an emergency molar pain. Had it out and us on our way quickly. Love these guys everyone was helpful, professional, and nice
Rhonda Foster

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COVID-19 UPDATE

Family Dental Group now open for regular patient visits with some changes for additional protection against COVID-19. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety.