What Is a Dentist?
A dentist is a specialist who has been trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health conditions and dental problems. Our Grand Junction doctors have completed many years of medical schooling in order to practice dentistry. After schooling, a dentist can receive either a DDS or DMD degree. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Some doctors specialize in pediatric dentistry as well, which means they work with children from infancy up through teenage years. There are other specializations that a dentist may go to school for:
- Oral and maxillofacial (includes pathology, radiology, and surgery)
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
- Endodontics (specialization in root canals)
- Periodontics (specialization in gum disease)
- Prosthodontics (specialization in dental implants)
What Is Dentistry?
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.
Are Regular Dental Cleanings Necessary?
Here at Ruby Canyon Dental, we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental appointment into a busy schedule can feel like a hassle, but it’s worth it. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily will keep many oral health problems away; however, it’s not a complete guarantee. Scheduling a cleaning at Ruby Canyon Dental twice a year is highly recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.
Do I Need to See a Dentist Even If My Teeth Feel Fine?
It’s very important to schedule regular cleanings here at Ruby Canyon Dental. Our doctors recommend coming in twice a year. Not all dental problems have obvious symptoms at first. Not only can we identify problems before they become painful and expensive, 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.
What’s a Dental Cleaning Like at Ruby Canyon Dental?
At Ruby Canyon Dental, 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.
Our doctors 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 (970) 241-1313 to schedule an appointment or for any additional questions.
At What Age Should I Bring My Child to See the Dentist?
Professionals throughout the dental industry as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) agree that a child’s first dental appointment should happen as early as six months of age. This is when the first baby teeth usually begin to show. We will be able to examine the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations.
When Should I Change My Toothbrush?
We 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 as often. If a patient has gum disease, our doctors recommend changing toothbrushes more often. Also, after brushing, it’s very important to wash and rinse your brush out with hot water, then store it upright somewhere it can dry between uses. This will kill germs and bacteria and keep your toothbrush clean.
How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?
Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. Plaque and bacteria build up in a patient’s mouth. When this buildup is not treated in the early stages, it can result in gum disease. Risk factors that increase a person’s susceptibility to gum disease include smoking or chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics. Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause permanent damage in the form of bone and tooth loss. Our doctors recommend brushing and flossing every day as well as scheduling dental appointments every six months as 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 gumline
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us as soon as possible. You can reach us at (970) 241-1313 or email us to schedule a consultation. Your dental health is our highest concern.
Do You Accept Insurance?
Here at Ruby Canyon Dental we accept PPO plans. Call or text our office.
NOTICE: Please be aware that Ruby Canyon Dental accepts all PPO plans; we are out of network for Aetna, United Concordia, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and DHA/Sunlife.
What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
For your convenience here at Ruby Canyon Dental, we accept cash, checks, cashier’s checks, Visa, Master Card, AmEx, Discover, and Care Credit. If none of these payment methods suits your needs, 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 (970) 241-1313 and we’ll do our best to find the right solution for you.
Ruby Canyon Proven Process Board
What is The Proven Process Board?
The Proven Process Board is our unique approach at Ruby Canyon Dental to ensure consistent, high-quality communication and care. It encompasses our core practices and philosophies, including The Hygiene Cycle, our financial arrangement guidelines, and our overall purpose.
Why do we have The Proven Process Board?
The primary goal of The Proven Process Board is to unify our team in the way we communicate with our patients about their oral health. By using the same language and procedures, we aim to reduce confusion and build a stronger foundation of trust and confidence with our patients.
How does The Proven Process Board benefit our patients?
Patients benefit through clear, consistent communication and a standardized approach to their dental care. This consistency helps in understanding treatment plans, financial arrangements, and the overall importance of maintaining good oral health.
What is The Hygiene Cycle, and why is it important?
The Hygiene Cycle is a cornerstone of our patient care philosophy. It emphasizes regular dental check-ups and cleanings, which are crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing more complex issues. This proactive approach is central to our commitment to patient health and well-being.
Can you explain the Ruby Canyon Dental Guarantee?
Our Ruby Canyon Dental Guarantee is our commitment to transparency, especially regarding financial arrangements. We ensure that all financial aspects of treatment are discussed and agreed upon before any procedure. This clarity and upfront communication help avoid any unexpected surprises for our patients.
How does The Proven Process Board reflect our Purpose?
Our Purpose at Ruby Canyon Dental is not just about providing dental services; it’s about caring for our community’s overall health and well-being. The Proven Process Board reflects this by ensuring that every aspect of our care is aligned with this purpose, from patient education to treatment execution.
Where can patients learn more about The Proven Process Board?
Patients can learn more about The Proven Process Board by speaking with any of our team members during their visit or by exploring the dedicated section on our website. We also provide informational materials in our clinic that explain each component of the process in detail.
