Frequently Asked Questions

We accept cash, personal checks, credit cards, and offer in-house payment plans to make your care as affordable as possible. We’ll work with you to find a payment solution that fits your budget, ensuring you can receive the preventive care you need without stress.

Yes, our digital X-rays are safe and use very low levels of radiation. We only take X-rays when necessary to get a clear picture of your oral health, helping us detect issues like cavities or bone loss that are not visible during a regular exam. We’ll always explain the need for X-rays and ensure they’re done with your comfort and safety in mind.

If you have a dental emergency, don’t wait—call us right away! We offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible to provide you with the quick relief you need. Whether it’s a toothache, injury, or sudden pain, we’ll work to get you in as soon as we can and help you feel better fast.

For your first visit, please bring your ID, insurance information, and a list of any medications you’re currently taking. Arriving about 15 minutes early helps us complete the necessary paperwork, so we can get you started with minimal wait time.

If we find a cavity or other concerns during your checkup, we’ll discuss treatment options with you right away. For cavities, we typically use tooth-colored fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. We’ll walk you through all your options and help you make informed decisions that are best for your oral health.

Yes, we absolutely see children! Starting dental care early is important for establishing healthy habits. We provide a gentle, kid-friendly environment designed to make dental visits a positive experience for your little ones. Our goal is to help your children feel comfortable and excited about taking care of their teeth.

Dental anxiety is common, and we completely understand. To help you feel more comfortable, we offer relaxing amenities such as wireless headphones, soft blankets, and calming music or TV shows during your visit. If you feel anxious about treatment, we can also offer gentle sedation options to help you relax and make your experience as stress-free as possible.

A typical checkup appointment usually takes about 60 minutes. This allows us time to thoroughly clean your teeth, check for any signs of oral health issues, take any necessary X-rays, and talk through any questions or concerns you may have about your dental care.

We recommend visiting us every six months for routine dental checkups. Regular checkups allow us to catch small issues before they become bigger problems, helping you avoid more extensive treatments down the road. Based on your unique dental health, we may suggest more frequent visits to ensure everything stays in great shape.

Most dental insurance plans cover preventive services, including regular checkups and cleanings. Our team will work with you to verify your benefits, explain your coverage, and help you understand any out-of-pocket costs. We’ll make sure you get the most out of your insurance plan.

Preventive care, like regular checkups and cleanings, is key to maintaining long-term oral health. By catching small issues early, we can help you avoid cavities, gum disease, and more serious conditions. Regular exams also give us the opportunity to spot signs of oral cancer or other health concerns that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Our practice is designed with your comfort in mind, featuring a warm, northwoods-inspired atmosphere and a focus on making dental visits positive experiences for everyone. We offer a range of amenities to keep you and your family comfortable, including soothing music, entertainment options, and a friendly, compassionate team that genuinely cares about your health and well-being.

Yes, we warmly welcome children with special needs and create individualized treatment plans to meet their unique requirements. Our team is experienced in offering compassionate care and making sure every child feels comfortable and supported during their visits.

Limit sugary snacks, drinks, and sticky candies that can contribute to cavities. Hard foods that could damage teeth, such as hard candies or ice, should also be avoided. We can offer guidance on making healthy food choices that protect your child’s teeth.

Start by leading by example—brush and floss your teeth together. Make brushing fun by using colorful toothbrushes, kid-friendly toothpaste, and positive reinforcement. Regular dental visits also help your child understand the importance of taking care of their teeth. We're here to guide you in teaching proper techniques and building a strong foundation for lifelong oral health.

If you or your child experience a dental emergency, contact our office immediately. We reserve time in our schedule for same-day emergency appointments, so we can get you the care you need as quickly as possible. Don’t wait—early care can often prevent bigger problems down the road.

Yes, we work with most major insurance providers and are happy to help you navigate your benefits. We also offer flexible payment options to make dental care more affordable for you and your family. Our team is here to assist with insurance claims and ensure you get the most out of your coverage.

We understand that some children feel nervous about dental visits. To help your child feel at ease, we offer comfort amenities like cozy blankets, wireless headphones, and calming music. Our gentle techniques and patient approach make sure your child feels relaxed throughout the visit.

Yes, we use digital X-rays, which expose children to far less radiation than traditional X-rays. Digital X-rays are a safe and effective way to help us detect any hidden dental issues early, ensuring the best care for your child.

For most children, we recommend dental checkups every six months. Routine cleanings and exams help prevent cavities and ensure your child’s teeth and gums stay healthy as they grow.

We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Early visits help establish healthy habits and allow us to address any potential issues before they become bigger concerns.

Most patients with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for veneers. During your consultation, Dr. Peterson will assess your oral health and determine if veneers are the right solution for you. Veneers are ideal for correcting issues like chipped, stained, or misaligned teeth.

Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining and will maintain their color over time. While they are not completely impervious to staining, they are much less likely to stain compared to natural teeth, making them a long-lasting and low-maintenance option.

Caring for your veneers is simple. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, and schedule routine dental checkups to keep your veneers and natural teeth in top condition. Avoid habits like biting nails or chewing on hard objects to preserve their longevity.

As veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, they are generally not covered by insurance. However, we offer flexible financing options to make veneers more affordable, and we’re happy to discuss the best payment plans for your budget during your consultation.

Typically, the process requires 2-3 visits. The first visit involves consultation and preparing your teeth, followed by the placement of temporary veneers. On your second visit, we’ll place your permanent veneers, making any final adjustments to ensure they fit perfectly.

Yes, you can eat most foods with your veneers. However, to protect them, we recommend avoiding excessive force, such as chewing on hard objects like ice or using your teeth to open packages. Treat your veneers with care, and they’ll continue to look and function great.

The procedure is generally very comfortable. We use local anesthesia during the preparation process to ensure you’re pain-free. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, and any sensitivity typically resolves quickly after the procedure.

Absolutely! Our custom-crafted porcelain veneers are designed to match the color, shape, and translucency of your natural teeth. We take great care to ensure they blend seamlessly, so you can enjoy a stunning, natural-looking smile.

Yes, veneers are considered a permanent restoration. During the preparation process, a small amount of enamel is removed from the surface of your teeth, making it a permanent change. However, veneers are designed to last, giving you a long-term solution for a beautiful smile.

With proper care and regular maintenance, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or even longer. Regular checkups and maintaining good oral hygiene will help ensure they remain in great condition for years to come.

Certain medical conditions, insufficient bone density, or active gum disease may make dental implants unsuitable. We’ll evaluate your specific situation during your consultation and discuss all options to determine if implants are the right choice for you. If implants aren’t recommended, we may suggest alternative treatments

Most patients return to work within 1-2 days after dental implant surgery. You may experience some swelling or discomfort, but this is typically manageable with rest and pain relief. We’ll provide post-surgery instructions to ensure your recovery goes smoothly and that you’re back to your routine as soon as possible.

Dental implant coverage varies by insurance provider and plan. Our team will help you navigate your insurance benefits to see what is covered and what is not. We also offer financing options to ensure you can move forward with your treatment even if your insurance doesn’t fully cover the cost.

Caring for your dental implants is very similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly, and continue to schedule routine dental checkups. Our team will provide specific aftercare instructions to help you maintain the health and appearance of your implants.

Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, especially when placed by skilled professionals like Dr. Peterson. Implants are one of the most reliable and effective long-term solutions for missing teeth, with success largely depending on good oral health and proper aftercare.

Yes, if you’ve experienced bone loss, we may recommend a bone grafting procedure before placing the implants. Bone grafting helps create a solid foundation for the implant, ensuring it stays secure and functional. We’ll evaluate your bone density during your consultation and determine the best course of action.

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Regular checkups, good oral hygiene, and healthy habits are essential for ensuring the longevity of your implants. Our team will guide you on how to take care of your implants to ensure they continue to function and look great for years to come.

The cost of dental implants varies depending on your specific needs, including whether additional procedures like bone grafting are required. We offer flexible financing options and work with most insurance plans to help make dental implants more affordable for you. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of your costs and payment options.

Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the dental implant procedure. We use local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable during the procedure, and we offer sedation options for those who may feel anxious. Afterward, any discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

The complete dental implant process typically takes 3-6 months. This time frame accounts for your individual healing process and any necessary procedures, such as bone grafting. We’ll work with you to create a personalized timeline and keep you informed every step of the way.

Professional whitening is far more effective than over-the-counter products because we use stronger, dentist-approved formulations tailored to your specific needs. Custom-fitted trays ensure a better fit, and expert application ensures superior, longer-lasting results. Plus, with professional whitening, you’re under the care of a trusted dental team, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.

Existing dental work like crowns, veneers, or fillings won’t respond to whitening treatments. If you're concerned about achieving a uniform smile, we’ll discuss your options for whitening your natural teeth and adjusting existing dental work to match your new shade.

We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, including dietary recommendations and proper oral hygiene techniques. Avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages (like coffee and red wine) and brushing regularly will help maintain your bright smile.

Cosmetic whitening treatments are typically not covered by insurance, as they are considered elective. However, we offer flexible financing options to make teeth whitening more affordable and accessible for everyone.

While most external stains (from coffee, tea, or smoking) respond well to whitening, some internal stains (from trauma or medications) may not be fully removable with whitening alone. If that’s the case, we’ll discuss alternative cosmetic treatments like veneers or bonding to help achieve your desired result.

In-office whitening treatments typically take about 60-90 minutes, with immediate results. If you choose take-home whitening options, you’ll wear the custom trays for a specified period over several days, allowing for gradual whitening that fits your schedule.

The level of whiteness varies depending on the individual and the type of stains on your teeth. Most patients see a noticeable improvement of several shades brighter, and we’ll discuss realistic expectations for your smile during your consultation to ensure you’re happy with the outcome.

Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity during or after the whitening procedure, but this is generally mild and short-lived. We take steps to manage sensitivity, including using desensitizing treatments and careful application techniques to minimize discomfort.

Yes, professional teeth whitening is completely safe when performed under the supervision of a dental professional. We carefully monitor the process to ensure your comfort and safety, using high-quality products that are proven to be effective and gentle on your teeth.

With proper care and good oral hygiene habits, the results of professional teeth whitening typically last 1-2 years. Regular dental checkups, along with routine brushing and flossing, can help maintain your bright, beautiful smile for a longer period.

While it’s not always possible to prevent dental emergencies, regular dental checkups can help identify potential issues before they become urgent. Additionally, wearing a mouthguard while playing sports, avoiding hard foods that could crack your teeth, and maintaining good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of injuries and decay that might lead to emergencies.

We offer comprehensive emergency dental care to address a variety of urgent issues, including severe toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, lost fillings or crowns, dental abscesses, and trauma-related injuries like knocked-out teeth. If you’re experiencing an emergency, we’re here to help you get relief as quickly as possible.

For your emergency appointment, please bring any relevant medical history, a list of current medications, and your insurance information. If applicable, bring any knocked-out teeth or broken restorations, such as crowns or fillings. This information helps us provide the best care possible and ensures a smooth visit.

Yes, we offer sedation options to help ensure your comfort during emergency dental procedures. We provide local anesthesia to numb the area and, if needed, we also offer laughing gas to help you relax during treatment. Our team works to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.

You can manage pain temporarily by taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, depending on your situation. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your mouth can also help reduce swelling and numb the area. We’ll provide more specific instructions based on your emergency and help you manage any discomfort until you can be seen.

Most dental insurance plans do provide coverage for emergency dental care, but coverage can vary depending on your plan. Our team will work with you to verify your insurance benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs before starting treatment. We’re here to help you navigate your benefits and find the best options for you.

Yes, we understand that dental emergencies can be both stressful and unexpected. To help make your emergency care more affordable, we offer flexible financing options and accept various forms of payment. We can discuss payment plans with you during your visit to ensure that you can receive the care you need without added stress.

If your tooth gets knocked out, it’s important to act quickly. Try to place the tooth back into its socket if possible, or hold it gently between your cheek and gums. If that isn’t possible, place the tooth in milk or saline and get to our office as soon as possible. Time is critical when it comes to saving a tooth, so seek dental care immediately.

We offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible. If you’re experiencing pain or have a dental injury, contact us immediately, and we’ll work to get you seen as quickly as we can. We prioritize emergency cases to ensure you get the treatment you need without delay.

A dental emergency is any situation where you experience severe pain, bleeding, or trauma to your teeth or gums. This includes conditions such as knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, broken teeth, or dental abscesses. If you're in pain or have sustained an injury, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible for immediate care.