At West Gate Dental
We believe that your dental health and entire well-being are our number one priority. Whether it's teeth whitening, dental crowns, or dental fillings, we provide all our patients with the most comprehensive and high-quality care possible. Dr. Rebecca Sowers and the entire team are dedicated to providing your family with the best experience possible.
We've developed the following FAQ to provide you with answers to some of our patients most common questions:
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I see a dentist?
In conjunction with The American Dental Association's (ADA) recommendation, we advocate that you visit the dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning.
- What do I do if I have a dental emergency?
Please call our office so that we can get you in to see Dr. Sowers. If your dental emergency occurs during regular business hours, we will be glad to work you into our schedule. If your emergency occurs after hours, current patients of record should call our office to access the doctor's emergency contact number.
- What kind of toothbrush should I use?
Adults should use a small-to-medium size toothbrush with soft bristles. The head of the brush needs to be small enough to brush all areas of the mouth thoroughly, specifically the back of the mouth, which can be hard to reach. Children should use small toothbrushes with soft bristles. People with sensitive teeth can benefit from using gentle, soft-bristled toothbrushes.
- How often should I replace my toothbrush?
The ADA recommends that you replace your brush every 3 to 4 months. With each use, the bristles become worn and cleaning effectiveness decreases. Depending on your oral health, you may need to replace your brush sooner. Typically, children's toothbrushes need to be replaced more regularly than adults. Once you start to see the bristles fray, you should replace the brush.
- Is a powered toothbrush more effective than a manual toothbrush?
Generally, manual toothbrushes are nearly as effective as powered toothbrushes. Children may find brushing with a powered toothbrush more exciting, and that may encourage them to brush more. If you have difficulty using a manual toothbrush, a powered toothbrush may be much more comfortable and easier to use.
- Should I brush or floss first?
As long as you brush and floss thoroughly, it does not matter if you brush then floss or floss then brush. However, flossing before brushing enables the fluoride in your toothpaste to better reach the areas between the teeth.
- Is one type of toothpaste better than the others?
No. However, we recommend using a toothpaste containing fluoride and carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which means it has been assessed for safety and effectiveness. Studies consistently show that fluoride helps strengthen and rebuilds tooth structure to help prevent tooth decay.
- Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
Yes. We accept most major credit cards, many types of dental insurance, and CareCredit. We will process your insurance claim for you upon receipt of your co-payment.
Contact Your Local Lincoln, Nebraska Dentist Today!
If you have any more questions about our practice or our dental treatments, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be glad to help you in any way we can. If you're interested in scheduling an appointment, contact us, or complete the online appointment request form. We hope to see you soon and help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.