Advice from the American Dental Association:
The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won't do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Tooth decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove the sticky film on teeth called plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line. * Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
The proper way to brush my teeth:
- Proper tooth brushing technique.Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
- Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
The proper way to floss my teeth:
- Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
- Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
- When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. * Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
- Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. * Don't forget the back side of your last tooth.
We want to meet your specific needs:
Every new patient gets a complete consultation regarding the best ways to manage their own, and their families' dental health. We start with the basics, such as insurance and scheduling and then we answer any question you might have about your dental health in plain english and in terms that you will understand.
Insurance
We accept a wide variety of insurance plans. If you have questions about your particular insurance plan or if you don't see your plan in the list below, give us a call
(208) 375-8720.
Other Payment Methods
Our Services
At Ustick Dental Office we strive to maintain the beautiful smile you already have, and if you are not happy with your current smile we can help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.
Emphasis on Prevention:
Cleaning: At your initial appointment we will complete a thorough exam including the teeth and the supporting structures of the teeth. Depending on your needs we will treat your mouth accordingly.
Periodontal disease and gingivitis are the enemies. Our three hygienists will battle these enemies for you in a very gentle and caring way.
Sealants: When teeth develop the enamel sometimes does not completely fuse together. This can lead to deep pits and fissures in teeth that can accumulate plaque that leads to decay. Teeth like this can be sealed to prevent decay from forming by cleaning and bonding a plastic coating in these areas. We recommend that newly erupted teeth be sealed within six months before plaque has a chance to cause decay on teeth.
Fluoride treatments: Topical fluoride treatments aid in preventing decay from forming on the teeth by keeping the tooth structure strong and mineralized. Fluoride treatments are another important method we use to prevent dental caries from forming on teeth.
Oral Cancer Screening: At your dental checkup we include an oral cancer screening to help recognize any potential sign of oral cancer.
Improving ability to chew and appearance:
Whitening: This is a great way to improve your smile with very little expense. We will make custom whitening trays and provide you with the instructions and material to complete this process in the
comfort of your own home. You will see the difference in a few short home sessions.
Implants: A dental implant is a small titanium post that is inserted into your upper or lower jaw bone. The implant acts as a root would in a natural tooth. Titanium is used because it is
very durable and compatible with the body.
Whether replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth, implants are great alternative to partial dentures or bridges. With dental implants, we can replicate the function and appearance
of your natural teeth.
Additionally, if you have loose complete dentures, dental implants can be used to anchor them in place.
If taken care of properly with brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, implants can last a lifetime.
Dentures: For some individuals dentures are the only option. Whether the need is to replace a few teeth or replacing all the teeth a partial or complete denture may be used. Dentures can be made to attach to existing teeth or in the case of a complete denture it may be fully supported by the gums.
We now have the ability to now fabricate dentures that are implant supported. Implants act as support for the denture both by keeping it in your mouth and as a foundation for the denture when chewing.
Root Canals: When the inside of a tooth becomes damaged by trauma, decay or other means. It may be necessary to complete a root canal. This procedure involves removing the damaged tissue from the inside of the tooth. Cleaning and disinfecting the canal and sealing the tooth with a material to keep bacteria from entering the canal space.
Porcelain Crowns and Onlays in a Single Visit: With Cerec technology we now have the ability to restore teeth with tooth colored restorations (Crowns and fillings) in a single visit. It is no longer necessary to wait for a porcelain crown to return from the lab in a week or two. This means no longer having to wear a temporary and the process of removal and cementation of the permanent crown at a second visit.
