Flossing is absolutely necessary because it cleans the areas between your teeth where a toothbrush simply cannot reach. It helps remove plaque, bacteria, and trapped food particles that can lead to cavities between the teeth and gum inflammation. For the best oral health, we recommend flossing every night before brushing.
We generally recommend an electric toothbrush because it helps remove plaque more effectively and makes brushing easier for most patients. When it comes to toothpaste, proper brushing technique and daily flossing are far more important than the brand of toothpaste you choose. The key to great oral health is consistently removing plaque and food particles every day.
Many patients confuse crowns and veneers. A crown covers the entire tooth, while a veneer covers only the front surface of the tooth. Veneers are commonly used for cosmetic smile makeovers to improve the size, shape, color, or alignment of your teeth. Because veneers require minimal preparation, they are considered a very conservative cosmetic treatment option.
A dental crown is a full-coverage restoration used to protect teeth that are weakened, fractured, heavily decayed, or have had root canal treatment. The process typically takes two visits. During the first appointment, the tooth is prepared and scanned, and a temporary crown is placed. Your final custom crown is then created by a dental lab and permanently placed at your second visit.
Tooth sensitivity can happen for many reasons, including cavities, gum recession, worn enamel, infection, or naturally sensitive teeth. While certain rinses and toothpastes may help reduce discomfort, sensitivity lasting more than a few days should be evaluated by your dentist to identify and treat the root cause.
Bleeding gums are often a sign of inflammation. This may be caused by gingivitis, periodontal disease, infection, or other dental issues. While flossing and antibacterial rinses may help, regular cleanings and dental exams every six months are essential to detect and treat problems before they become more serious.
Bad breath may be caused by gum disease, dental infections, dry mouth, or even dietary habits. Two commonly overlooked causes are not flossing between the teeth and not cleaning the tongue properly. Daily flossing and using a tongue scraper can help remove plaque and bacteria that contribute to bad breath.
We recommend visiting your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and comprehensive exam. These routine visits allow us to remove hardened tartar buildup, monitor your oral health, perform oral cancer screenings, and identify potential issues before they become bigger problems.
Full mouth rehabilitation, or FMR, is a comprehensive treatment designed for patients with worn, broken, or damaged teeth. This treatment restores both the beauty and function of your smile, helping your teeth look great and function properly for decades to come. Explore our smile gallery to see real patient transformations.
Our in-house membership plan is a great alternative to traditional dental insurance. With one annual fee, patients receive preventive care including exams, x-rays, and two cleanings each year. Members also receive discounts on most additional treatments—with no waiting periods, hidden clauses, or confusing fine print.
Dr. Elam chose to become an unrestricted provider so she could focus entirely on delivering the highest level of personalized care. This allows more time with each patient, access to premium materials and labs, and treatment recommendations based on what patients truly need—not insurance limitations. For patients seeking an alternative, our in-house membership plan provides affordable preventive care and treatment savings without the restrictions of traditional insurance.
