Patient Info

Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of disorders and diseases of a patient’s teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Dentistry performed properly is necessary for complete oral health and it has a significant impact on the health of a patient’s entire body.

A dentist is a specialist who has been trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health conditions problems. Dr. Vantramp has completed many years of advanced training in order to practice dentistry and take remarkable care of patients of all ages.

A dental hygienist is a contributing dental team member who specializes in cleaning, scaling, and polishing teeth, and in providing information and advice on the best ways to achieve optimum oral health.

An Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) is a certified dental assistant who has acquired extra schooling and training in order to obtain the skills and licensure allowing them to perform some procedures dentists traditionally do, such as placing fillings and tooth sealants, polishing teeth, and application of fluoride treatments.

Here at Dove Family Dentistry we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental appointment into your busy schedule seems to be one of the most difficult things you have to do. Proper oral hygiene is difficult to maintain. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing after every meal will keep many oral hygiene problems away, but not all. Scheduling a cleaning at Dove Family Dentistry twice a year is highly recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.

It’s very important to schedule regular cleanings here at Dove Family Dentistry. Our doctors recommend seeing you twice a year. There are many problems with can exist without knowing. Not only can we identify problems before they become a painful and expensive but we can also help to keep your smile looking fantastic. We know how important it is to feel comfortable with your smile. This is why we offer many treatments to help improve patient aesthetics.

Sixth-month cleanings are recommended for proper oral hygiene. At Dove Family Dentistry an appointment will include a full oral examination, oral cancer exam, professional x-rays to catch cavities and a full cleaning by our amazing hygienists. Your cleaning will remove tartar, debris, and plaque from your mouth.

At your Initial, New Patient, appointment your hygienist will diagnosis/determine what type of cleaning you will require and discuss their findings and the process with you.

Dr. Vantramp will coordinate with your hygienist and recommend a treatment plan for any problems that are found. We’ll also recommend any aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to improve your smile. Please call our office at (253) 770-2777 to schedule an appointment or for any additional questions.

Recommendations by professionals throughout the dental industry as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is as early as 1 year old. This is when a child’s teeth begin to show. Dr. Vantramp will be able to examine the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations.

Our doctors recommend at least every three months. If you’re using an electronic toothbrush, make sure to check the recommendation of the type of toothbrush because you may not have to change the head of the brush often. If a patient has gum disease Dr. Vantramp recommends that you change your brush more often than every three months. Also, after brushing it’s very important to wash and rinse your brush out with hot water. This will kill germs and bacteria and keep your toothbrush clean.

Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. Plaque and bacteria build up in a patient’s mouth. When this build-up is not treated in the early stages it can cause gum disease. Periodontal disease can also be caused by smoking and chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications and genetics. Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause bone and tooth loss as well as permanent damage. Dr. Vantramp recommends brushing and flossing every day as well as scheduling dental appointments every six months is the best way to fight gum disease. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are the following:

• Abscessed teeth
• Extreme tooth sensitivity
• Chronic bad breath
• Loose teeth and or loss of teeth
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Receding gum line

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please call us as soon as possible. You can reach us at (253) 770-2777 or email us to schedule a consultation. Your dental health is our highest concern.

Here at Dove Family Dentistry we accept most insurance and PPO plans but check with us. Please call our office for more information about insurance at (253) 770-2777. Prior to calling please have your insurance information ready. Also, please plan to pay your co-pay or deductible portion at the time of service.

For your convenience here at Dove Family Dentistry we accept cash, check, cashier’s checks, Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express. If none of these payment methods suit your needs we also provide payment plans through our office or third party financing through Care Credit. We also provide discounts for those able to pay in full at the time of service. If you have any more questions regarding payment methods please give us a call at (253) 770-2777 and we’ll do our best to find the right solution for you.