Patient Information
Patient Information
Your First Visit
Thank you for choosing Anamosa Dental Associates, where we have created a comfortable environment in which you can feel confident about the dental care you receive. During your first visit, our objective is to get to know you better, to become familiar with your past dental experiences and to establish a treatment plan that will best meet your dental needs.
When you arrive, please be prepared to complete all insurance and health information forms. We ask that you fill out several forms that will get you acquainted with our office. Also, please assist us by providing the following information:
- Any x-rays (radiographs) taken within the past year.
- If you have dental insurance, please bring your insurance card. This will enable us to give you an estimate of your costs.
Your initial appointment will last approximately 1 1/2 hours. Our dentist will perform a thorough examination and evaluate diagnostic records, including and
x-rays and digital photos. These help in diagnosing teeth decay, periodontal problems, jaw problems and any signs of oral cancer.
After the examination, our dentist will provide a detailed summary that outlines any existing dental problems and proposed treatment. Take-home oral hygiene instructions will also be provided, along with any suggestions to help you care for your teeth.
We believe that good dental care begins with open communication and we promise to speak candidly with you. Working together, we can achieve a true partnership with one common goal – keeping your mouth healthy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Patient Forms
You may access the following form to assist us with your dental care. Please download, print and complete the New Patient Form
and bring it to your appointment.
Some Common Dental Problems
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, also known as caries or cavities, is preventable. Carbohydrate-rich foods, such as candy, cookies, soft drinks and even fruit juices, leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in your mouth and form plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth and eat away at tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.
Sensitive Teeth
Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold foods and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Simply breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.
Gum Disease
Gum, or periodontal, disease can cause inflammation, tooth loss and bone damage, and common indicators are consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Gums in the early stage of disease, known as gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen.
As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may become loose or need to be removed by a dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided through good daily oral hygiene and regular maintenance visits with our hygiene team.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Daily brushing and flossing help to prevent the build-up of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and can cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem.
Canker Sores
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often reoccur. They have a white or gray base surrounded by a red border. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents.
Orthodontic Problems
A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types of improper bites may be acquired. Common causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth, misaligned jaws, injuries/trauma, developmental issues, or parafunctional habits such as finger or thumb sucking.
Dental Emergencies
Toothache
Begin by meticulously cleaning around the sore tooth. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. Do not use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. Apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen is recommended. If the pain persists more than a day or of you have facial swelling, please contact us.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure, or continues longer than 15 minutes, please go to the nearest emergency room.
Broken Tooth
Recover any of the broken tooth fragments. Rinse the area with warm water and apply a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Please seek immediate dental attention.
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup of milk or water. Time is essential, so see a dentist immediately.
Possible Broken Jaw
In the event of a jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to the nearest emergency room.
Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes. If the bleeding continues, please see a dentist.
Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If the sores persist, visit your dentist.
Brushing and Flossing
The cornerstone to a good at-home oral hygiene regimen is proper brushing and flossing. Practicing excellent dental hygiene avoids unhealthy teeth and costly dental treatments.
Brushing
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small strip of fluoride toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small, circular motions to reach food particles that may be under your gum line. Hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and brush slowly and carefully, covering all areas between teeth and the surface of each tooth.
Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth before you rinse.
Brush your teeth at least twice daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles and plaque, in the morning after breakfast and before bedtime.
As soon as the bristles start to wear down or fray, replace your toothbrush with a new one.
Flossing
For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can't reach, dental floss is used to remove food particles and plaque. Dental floss is a thin thread of waxed nylon that is used to reach below the gum line and clean between teeth. It is very important to floss between your teeth every day.
Pull a small length of floss from the dispenser. Wrap the ends of the floss tightly around your middle fingers. Guide the floss between all teeth to the gum line, wrapping around the curve of the tooth. Unwrap clean floss from around your fingers as you go so that you have used the floss from beginning to end when you finish. Floss behind all of your back teeth.
Floss at night to make sure your teeth are clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing, your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not stop after the first few times flossing, let a staff member know at your next appointment.
Tooth Decay Prevention
Regular Dental Visits
In order to maintain a healthy smile, it is vital to have professional cleanings and regular check-ups. Therefore, you should visit your general dentist at least twice a year (once every six months). At each appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and provide an evaluation of existing dental problems and proposed treatment.
Tooth Decay Prevention
Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting from the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur in your mouth and the sugars consumed in your diet. Sugar causes a reaction in the bacteria, which causes the bacteria to produce acids. These acids break down the minerals in teeth, forming a cavity.
Dentists can remove the decay and fill the tooth using a variety of materials or cover the tooth with a crown. Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental check-ups, diet control and fluoride treatment.
Diet Control
The teeth, bones and soft tissues of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups help minimize and avoid cavities and other dental problems. Consuming sugary and starchy foods should be limited, including candies, cookies, chips and crackers. Healthier foods, such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt and cheeses, help promote stronger teeth.
Sealants
The grooves that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) are extremely difficult to clean of bacteria and food. As the bacteria react with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities.
Tooth sealants can protect these areas by sealing the grooves, preventing bacteria and food particles from accumulating. The sealants are made of a resin material that is applied to the back teeth, molars, premolars and any area prone to cavities. Sealants last for several years but need to be checked during regular appointments.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Regularly drinking fluoridated water and daily brushing and flossing ensures significantly fewer cavities.
Many, if not most, public water sources contain fluoridated water. Your dentist can evaluate the level of fluoride in your primary drinking water source and recommend fluoride supplements if necessary. There are also many kinds of toothpastes, mouthwashes and even some dental flosses that contain fluoride.
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