New Patients Welcome

Thank you for choosing Personal Care Dentistry as your dental care professionals.

Dr. Hunt and his staff of well-qualified and friendly assistants will care for your oral hygiene needs. We look forward to establishing a relationship with you for all your preventative and cosmetic dental needs.

 Let us take this opportunity to welcome you as a patient at our practice. We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with fine, quality dental care. Every one of us here at Personal Care Dentistry takes pride in the service we offer our patients. We have been trained as professionals and we put forth great effort to keep our patients at the highest level of satisfaction possible.

 Helpful Hints for New Patients

Please bring your dental health insurance card with you upon your first visit, along with your social security card, and a copy of any current medications you are taking.

When you come into our office, you will be encompassed within a comfortable environment and greeted with friendly smiles by each of us. Welcome once again and thank you for allowing us to assist you in maintaining a healthy, happy smile that will last a lifetime!

» Click here to review our New Patient Forms - please be sure to print the forms that apply to your visit, and fill them out and bring them with you for your appointment.

Thank you - we look forward to serving your dental needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental x-rays safe?

Natural radiation is something we all are exposed to in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a complete series of X-rays at a dental office is the same as that received in a single day from natural sources.

Dental X-rays, especially Digital X-rays, which we provide, are considered safe because they produce a low level of radiation. Dentists take safety precautions to limit the exposure to radiation when taking patients’ dental X-rays.


How often should dental x-rays be taken?

Each patient’s particular dental health needs determines how often they need updated dental X-rays. Your dentist recommends particular X-rays based on information gathered from your dental examination, dental and medical history, symptoms you may be experiencing and disease risks. Your age also will be taken into consideration.

It is recommended that new patients have a panoramic X-ray taken during their initial office visit. A full X-ray series typically is good for up to five years. X-rays of the top and bottom teeth biting together- often referred to as bite-wing X-rays- are taken at check-up visits and are recommended at least once annually in order to detect any new dental problems that may have arisen since the last dental visit.


What does getting a crown involve?

The process of getting a fixed bridge typically involves two appointments. During the first appointment, the area is numbed and the two teeth that will anchor the bridge are prepared. This is done by reducing the structure of the anchor teeth to enable crowns to fit over them.

An impression is taken and sent to a dental laboratory so the permanent bridge can be created. A temporary bridge is made in-house for you to wear until your follow-up appointment for the permanent fixed bridge.

At the second visit, the permanent bridge is adjusted as needed and cemented into place. Sometimes your dentist may cement the bridge temporarily, which allows your teeth and tissue additional time to grow accustomed to your new bridge. If that is the case, the bridge will be permanently cemented at a future appointment.

Proper oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing and routine trips to the dentist will help ensure that your fixed bridge lasts as long as possible.


What does getting a fixed bridge involve?

The process of getting a fixed bridge typically involves two appointments. During the first appointment, the area is numbed and the two teeth that will anchor the bridge are prepared. This is done by reducing the structure of the anchor teeth to enable crowns to fit over them.

An impression is taken and sent to a dental laboratory so the permanent bridge can be created. A temporary bridge is made in-house for you to wear until your follow-up appointment for the permanent fixed bridge.

At the second visit, the permanent bridge is adjusted as needed and cemented into place. Sometimes your dentist may cement the bridge temporarily, which allows your teeth and tissue additional time to grow accustomed to your new bridge. If that is the case, the bridge will be permanently cemented at a future appointment.

Proper oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing and routine trips to the dentist will help ensure that your fixed bridge lasts as long as possible.


What does getting porcelain veneers involve?

It takes about two dental visits to achieve the perfect smile with porcelain veneers. The veneers procedure typically requires little to no anesthesia.

The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. Impressions of the teeth are taken and you and your dentist will work together to select an appropriate shade for the permanent veneer.

At the second appointment, the teeth are cleaned with special liquids to achieve a durable bond. Bonding cement is applied to the teeth and the veneer is placed. A special light beam hardens and sets the bond.


What does tooth whitening involve?

At the initial appointment, impressions are made of your teeth so that clear plastic trays can be custom-made.

A follow-up appointment is required to ensure that the trays fit properly. A special whitening solution is placed in the trays, and the trays are placed on the teeth either twice a day for 30 minutes, or overnight for a couple of weeks. The duration depends upon the patient’s desired results and the amount of staining on the teeth. Patients sometimes experience tooth sensitivity during the teeth whitening process, but this goes away once the bleaching procedure is over. ;


What does getting dental implants involve?

The dental implants process requires several visits over a period of months.

It begins with taking X-rays and impressions of the teeth and jaw to determine the amount of gum tissue, bone and spacing available for an implant. The area is numbed and the implant is surgically placed into the bone. Then it must be left to heal and integrate itself onto the bone. This process can take up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required to place the "post" that will anchor the artificial tooth once it is placed. Some implants come with the post and anchor attached already.

Once the area is healed, the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Several fittings may be required, which could make this step may take a couple of months to complete. Finally, the artificial teeth are secured to the implant, which provides comfort and stability to the patient.


How are composite fillings placed?

Composite fillings are placed by numbing the tooth and removing all decay. The area is cleaned thoroughly and prepared for the new filling.

The composite filling then is placed, shaped and polished in a manner that restores the tooth to its original shape and function.

Sensitivity to hot and cold is normal after a composite filling has been placed, but that sensation will fade away as the tooth becomes acclimated to the new filling.


What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure can be performed by a dentist or an endodontist.

The tooth is numbed and an access opening is created on top of the tooth so that the pulp, nerve tissue and bacteria can be removed.

After the tooth is cleaned, it is sealed- temporarily or permanently, depending on whether additional appointments are needed to complete the treatment.

If a follow-up appointment is needed, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth are filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling is placed over the opening on top of the tooth and a crown is placed. This protects the tooth, keeps it from breaking and enables the tooth to fully function once again.

The tooth may be sensitive after the procedure, but that will go away as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth heals.


What does getting dentures involve?

Getting dentures requires several appointments and begins with having impressions and precise measurements taken, which are used to create your custom dentures. A series of appointments may be necessary to try on the dentures and ensure that they fit properly and are the appropriate color and shape.

The final appointment involves more adjustments and placing the completed dentures to ensure that they fit comfortably and naturally.

Many patients report experiencing increased saliva flow, difficulty with speech and chewing and some soreness initially. Over time, this goes away as your tissues and muscle grow accustomed to the new dentures.