Dental FAQs

Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of disorders and diseases of a patient’s teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Properly performed dentistry is necessary for complete oral health and it has a significant impact on the health of a patient’s entire body.

A dentist is a specialist who has been trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health conditions and dental problems. Drs. Race and O’Brien have completed many years of school in order to practice dentistry. 

• Orthodontics
• Endodontics (specialization in root canals)
• Periodontics (specialization in gum disease)
• Prosthodontics (specialization in aesthetic restoration and replacement of teeth)

Here at Sunset Dental Care, 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 regular cleanings at Sunset Dental Care is highly recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.

It’s very important to schedule regular cleanings here at Sunset Dental Care. Drs. Race and O’Brien can make a recommendation on how often you should be coming in to best suit your dental health needs. 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. 

At Sunset Dental Care, an appointment will include an oral examination, oral cancer exam, review of medical history, necessary x-rays to check for cavities, gum disease, or infection, and a cleaning by our amazing hygienists. During your visit we gently and effectively remove tartar, debris, and plaque and polish your teeth.

Any findings will be reviewed with you, and your questions answered so you feel informed and confident about your oral health. Please call our office at (262) 544-4404 to schedule an appointment or for any additional questions.

Professionals throughout the dental industry as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) agree that a child’s first dental appointment can happen during their first year. Drs. Race and O’Brien will be able to assess the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations for things like navigating teething periods, reducing the risk of decay, and good cleaning techniques.

Drs. Race and O’Brien recommend at least every three months. If you’re using an electronic toothbrush, make sure to check the recommendation for the type of toothbrush because you may not have to change the head of the brush as often. Other factors like gum disease might require 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.

Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. Plaque and bacteria build up continually in our mouths. When this buildup is not treated in the early stages, it can result in gum disease. Risk factors that increase 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. Drs. Race and O’Brien recommend brushing and flossing every day as well as scheduling regular dental appointments 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 (262) 544-4404 or email us to schedule a consultation. Your dental health is our highest concern.

At Sunset Dental Care, we’re happy to work with your dental insurance! While we are not in-network with any specific plans, this actually allows us to focus entirely on providing you with the highest quality care without the limitations insurance companies can place on treatment.

We will gladly submit claims on your behalf and help you maximize any out-of-network benefits you may have. Many of our patients still receive reimbursement and appreciate the flexibility and personalized care this approach provides.

You can contact your insurance provider to ask if your plan allows benefits with an out of network dentist.