Dental FAQs
Tigard, OR
 As a family dentist in Tigard, we strive to provide all of our patients with the outstanding dental care they need to enjoy a great looking smile for a lifetime. The health of your teeth and gums matter, that's why our team at Tigard Family Dental works hard to ensure every visit to our Tigard dental office results in a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a first time or returning patient, we know you're bound to have questions about a variety of topics. With that in mind, here are a few answers to some frequently asked questions.
What are your hours?
We can be found happily assisting patients during the following hours:
Monday: 8am to 5pm
Tuesday: 9am to 5pm
Wednesday: 8am to 5pm
Thursday: 8am to 5pm
Friday: Closed
Sat & Sun: Closed
Where are you located?
We are proud to serve Tigard, Tualatin, King City, and the greater Portland metro area from our office conveniently located at Highway 99W & SW Durham Rd in Tigard, Oregon. Click here for more detailed driving directions.
What types of dental insurance do you accept?
At Tigard Family Dental, we want it to be easier and more affordable than ever for our patients to receive the dental care they need. We currently accept most major dental insurance plans. We also accept cash, credit, and debit card payments for the cost of treatment.
Are you currently accepting new patients?
Yes! We are currently accepting new, transfer, referral, and walk-in (schedule permitting) patients of all ages.
How often should I see a family dentist in Tigard?
Your oral health matters in ways you might not even think possible. For example, a growing amount of research has found that individuals with poor oral health have a significantly higher risk for developing a range of chronic diseases. Studies have found that patients who have dealt with tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss are at an increased risk for diseases that include heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and cancer.
Fortunately, you can better protect your oral and overall health by scheduling regular exams and cleanings. The American Dental Association recommend that patients visit the dentist at least once every six months. Depending on the current state of your oral health, however, more frequent visits may be required.
What is a cavity?
While most of us have heard that cavities are bad since childhood, there still remains some confusion about what actually causes cavities to develop. Most of us are familiar with the idea that cavities are caused by eating too much sugar, but that's actually only part of the truth.
Cavities are small holes that develop in the surface of tooth enamel. Cavities are caused by plaque, a sticky biofilm that's made mostly of germs. Plaque uses the sugars we consume to produce acids that slowly erode away the surface of our teeth. Over time, holes can develop that require treatment in the form of a filling to repair.
Failing to treat a cavity in a timely fashion can only make the problem worse. Cavities will continue to grow until the underlying roots and nerves of a tooth are exposed. If the decay caused by plaque permanently damages these delicate structures, the long-term health of the tooth becomes in doubt. This level of decay could require a root canal to treat or it may result in permanent tooth loss.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a chronic infection of the soft tissues that hold our teeth into position. Early stage gum disease, referred to as gingivitis, can cause gum tissue to become red, swollen, inflamed, and to bleed easily, especially after brushing or flossing. If gum disease is allowed to progress, the condition can become the far more problematic periodontitis. When gum disease progresses to this stage, it begins to destroy the underlying bone and tissue structures that hold our teeth into place. Periodontitis ranks as the leading cause of permanent tooth loss among adults.
I have a fear of the dentist, can you help?
If you avoid visiting the dentist due to experiencing some type of dental anxiety know you're not alone. A recent study found that around 50 percent of the adult population in the U.S. suffers from some degree of dental anxiety. Unfortunately, that just means that millions of adults are failing to receive the quality dental care needed to protect their long-term oral health.
At Tigard Family Dental, our staff works hard to create a comfortable and relaxing office environment that is designed to make every visit a stress-free and relaxing one. To help put you at ease, our dentist and staff will work with you to address any discomfort during every step of the treatment process. From providing detailed explanations of what to expect, to moving at a pace you're comfortable with, feel assured that your comfort is our top priority. If you ever feel uneasy, simply tell us and we will stop your treatment until you're ready to proceed.
To ensure your convenience, the information you need about our practice can be found by clicking the buttons below.
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