At the dental office of Dr. Bruce Harle our goal is to make your visit as pleasant and comfortable as possible. One of the ways we accomplish this is to make sure each patient is aware of what to expect during their first and subsequent visits.
The following are some frequently asked questions. Have a question that is not addressed here? Contact our office for more information.
Click on any of the following questions to view the answer.
A. When you come for your first visit you can expect a thorough examination and report on your oral and dental health. Some of the other services you will receive on your first visit include:
A. There is a demonstrated connection between oral health and overall health. Medical research is confirming that inflammation in the body is a significant factor in many of the chronic diseases of aging, such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and respiratory disease. It turns out that the mouth is a significant source of inflammation, especially when gum disease is present.
When left untreated, gum disease increases your risk for these serious systemic diseases:
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits that include an examination of the entire mouth are important steps in leading a healthy life. Speak to us about the relationship between oral health and overall health.
A. Your mouth is home to millions of microscopic bacteria that feed on the food particles left on your teeth. Brushing can get rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth, but flossing removes the bacteria that your toothbrush can’t reach. If you do not floss, plaque remains between your teeth, nourishing harmful bacteria until it finally hardens into tartar. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing; only your dentist can remove tartar.
A. Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes vary widely in effectiveness. They are designed to remove surface stains from the teeth using mild abrasives; however, unlike professional whitening that is performed by a dentist, some whitening toothpastes do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth. Those toothpastes that are actually effective in removing stains often use harsh abrasives that can destroy tooth enamel and contribute to increased tooth sensitivity. Consult with your dentist before trying any commercial teeth whitening product.
A. Professional teeth whitening is effective, but the length of time you can expect it to last will vary according to your lifestyle and oral health habits. If you smoke, drink red wine or coffee, or consume other acid-containing foods and beverages, your bright smile may begin to darken more quickly than expected. Generally speaking, a teeth whitening procedure can last up to a few years. And even though the results can fade, occasional touch-ups can be done to restore luster.
A. Our office is dedicated to providing our patients with the best dentistry and service possible and we work very hard to try to accommodate everyone's busy scheduling needs. When we schedule an appointment for you, it is reserved especially for you. If an unforeseen circumstance occurs and you need to re-schedule, we respectfully request that you give us two business days’ notice of the change.
A. Payment is expected at the time services are rendered. For your convenience, we accept debit, , cash and major credit cards. We also offer third party financing through Dentalcard.
A. Our dental office is open Monday through Friday:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
A. We offer a full range of dental services from cleanings and fillings to extractions and implants. Count on us for:
A. There are a number of organizations and websites dedicated to this purpose. The Ontario Dental Association website offers an excellent overview of dentistry for the layman, including explanations of industry terms as well as the various treatments available. It also offers helpful info about oral health, visiting the dentist and teaching your children about the importance of dental health.