Dental FAQs

What Is Dentistry?

Dentistry focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions affecting the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. When done properly, it supports overall oral health and plays an important role in a person’s general well-being.

What Is a Dentist?

A dentist is a trained healthcare professional who diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent conditions affecting the teeth and mouth. Dr. Robbins completed extensive education to practice dentistry and earned either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. Some dentists choose to specialize, such as in pediatric dentistry, which focuses on caring for patients from infancy through the teenage years. Dentists may also pursue advanced training in specific areas, including oral and maxillofacial specialties (pathology, radiology, and surgery), orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, endodontics (root canal treatment), periodontics (gum disease), and prosthodontics (tooth replacement, including dental implants).

Are Regular Dental Cleanings Necessary?

At iTooth, we understand how busy life can be, and finding time for a dental appointment is not always easy but it is an important investment in your health. Brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily go a long way in preventing oral health issues, but they do not replace professional care. Regular cleanings at iTooth help maintain optimal oral hygiene and allow us to detect and address potential problems before they become painful or expensive.

Do I Still Need to See a Dentist If My Teeth Feel Fine?

Regular cleanings at iTooth are essential for maintaining your oral health. Dr. Robbins will recommend how often you should visit based on your individual needs. Many dental issues do not show obvious symptoms at first, so routine checkups allow us to catch problems early before they become painful or costly. In addition to protecting your health, we are here to help your smile look its best. We understand how important it is to feel confident in your smile, which is why we offer a range of treatments designed to enhance your appearance.

What’s a Dental Cleaning Like at iTooth?

At iTooth, each appointment includes a comprehensive oral exam, an oral cancer screening, digital X-rays to detect cavities, and a thorough cleaning by our skilled hygienists. Your cleaning will remove plaque, tartar, and debris to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Dr. Robbins works closely with your hygienist to review your results and recommend a personalized treatment plan if any concerns are found. We can also suggest cosmetic and aesthetic options to help enhance your smile. Call us at (417) 459-4607 to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions.

When Should I Change My Toothbrush?

Dr. Robbins recommends replacing your toothbrush or brush head at least every three months. If you use an electric toothbrush, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, as some heads are designed to last longer. Certain conditions, such as gum disease, may require more frequent replacement. After each use, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with hot water and store it upright in a place where it can air dry. This helps reduce bacteria buildup and keeps your toothbrush clean.

How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when plaque and bacteria build up in the mouth and are not treated in the early stages. Over time, this can lead to serious oral health issues. Common risk factors include smoking or chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics. In it is advanced stages, periodontal disease can cause permanent damage, including bone loss and tooth loss. Dr. Robbins recommends daily brushing and flossing, along with regular dental visits, as the best way to prevent gum disease.

Common signs of periodontal disease include:

  • Abscessed teeth
  • Extreme tooth sensitivity
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Loose teeth or tooth loss
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Receding gums

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact our office as soon as possible. Call (417) 459-4607 or email us to schedule a consultation your dental health is our top priority.

Do You Accept Insurance?

At iTooth, we accept most insurance plans, including many PPOs. To confirm that your plan is accepted, please call our office at (417) 459-4607 be sure to have your insurance information available when you call. For your convenience, we ask that any co-pay or deductible be paid at the time of your visit.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

We want paying for your dental care to be as simple and straightforward as possible. All treatment fees are based on payment by cash, check, or ACH, allowing us to keep our pricing as affordable as possible for every guest.

For your convenience, we gladly accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, HSA, and FSA cards. Payments made using these methods are subject to a 3.95% processing fee.

Need additional flexibility? We also offer convenient payment options through our office along with financing through CareCredit®, Cherry®, and LendingClub®, making it easier to fit quality dental care into your budget.

If you have any questions about payment or financing, our team is always happy to help. Please call us at (417) 459-4607.

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(417) 459-4607