Goettsche and his family

Regular dental cleanings and examinations are crucial for maintaining not just your oral health, but your overall well-being too. Our team at 208 Dental in Meridian is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive, gentle care in a comfortable environment. Whether you're coming in for your routine check-up or you have specific dental concerns, we're here to ensure that every visit leaves you feeling confident about your dental health.

What is a Dental Exam?

During a dental exam, Dr. Goettsche meticulously assesses the overall health of your mouth, focusing on your teeth, gums, bone structure, and the soft tissues in your mouth.

These bi-annual checkups are vital in maintaining your oral health, which also impact your overall well-being. Early detection and treatment of oral issues such as periodontal disease can prevent more serious health concerns, including heart disease.

How Often Do You Need a Dental Exam?

We recommend that our patients get routine dental exams and cleanings every 6 months. However, we understand that life's demands can sometimes make this challenging. At 208 Dental, we believe in a judgment-free approach and are happy to be of service whenever you are ready!

If your visits have been irregular, it's important to remember that addressing dental issues sooner rather than later is often simpler and more cost-effective. For example, early detection of a cavity can be treated with a simple filling while a later detection of that same cavity can translate to a larger filling, a root canal, a crown, or even a non-restorable tooth. Remember, it's never too late to start taking care of your dental health – we're here to support you every step of the way.

What Happens During a Dental Exam?

During a dental exam at our practice, we ensure that you receive personalized attention and comprehensive care. Here's what you can expect:

  • Personalized Attention: First, we address any questions or concerns you might have about your teeth. Common issues include tooth sensitivity, cavities, broken fillings, and gum recession.
  • Comprehensive Examination:
    • Appropriate X-rays
    • Checking for new cavities and evaluating the condition of existing dental work
    • Assessing gum health for signs of gingivitis or gum disease
    • TMJ evaluation
    • Oral cancer screening
    • Airway analysis for issues like sleep apnea
  • Professional Cleaning: Our team of dental hygienists perform scaling, flossing, and polishing, including Fluoride Varnish as needed.
  • Same Day Dentistry: For urgent issues that are causing discomfort, we offer same day treatments like sealants, fixing chips or fractures, and managing dental pain.
  • Comfort Measures: Enjoy amenities like weighted blankets, warm face towels, and TVs with headphones for a relaxing experience.

What Age Do You Need Routine Dental Exams?

It's recommended that a child's first dental visit occurs within six months of the first tooth's eruption, or by their first birthday. Early examinations and preventive care lay the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health and habits.

As children grow, starting routine cleanings as young as two helps familiarize them with dental care. On the other end, it's never too late for adults to begin or continue regular dental exams.

How to Prepare For a Dental Exam

Before your appointment, continue with your regular oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing. Be sure to tell Dr. Goettsche about any medications you're taking or health conditions you have, so he and our hygienists can provide a safe and effective treatment.

Feel free to bring personal headphones or personal comfort items like a stuffed animal or fidget toy. Dress comfortably for your visit, and remember, we’re equipped with various amenities to make your experience as relaxing as possible. Your comfort and health are our priorities.

How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy Between Dental Examinations

To keep your teeth healthy between dental exams, it’s essential to maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine. We recommend you follow these guidelines in-between appointments:

Dental Implants Warranty
  • Brush and Floss Daily:
    • Use a soft-bristle or electric toothbrush twice a day and floss once daily. Consider using alternatives like water piks or proxy brushes for more effective cleaning.
  • Replace Your Toothbrush:
    • Change your toothbrush or its head every three months.
  • Prescribed Dental Products:
    • Use specialized products like Clinpro 5000, Fluoridex, and Peridex mouthwash as recommended.
  • Watch Your Diet:
    • Limit sugary foods and drinks. Swish with water after consuming them and wait 30 minutes before brushing.
  • Avoid Harmful Substances:
    • Steer clear of tobacco, excessive alcohol, and recreational drugs.
  • Manage Dry Mouth:
    • Consult with Dr. Goettsche for treatments if you suffer from dry mouth.
  • Proper Use of Dental Appliances:
    • Orthodontic Retainers: Wear as prescribed, usually nightly.
    • Night Guards: Wear nightly to protect against clenching or grinding. Keep them away from pets.
    • Sports Guards: Use custom-fit sports guards from 208 Dental, especially in contact sports.
    • Sleep Apnea Appliances: Wear these appliances nightly to maintain adequate breathing during the night. Be sure to bring them in to 208 Dental for routine maintenance.
    • Dentures: Clean nightly and bring to your exams for professional cleaning.
  • Disclosing Solutions:
    • These little chewable tablets turn your teeth pink and are used for identifying missed spots during brushing. It’s particularly beneficial for children or those with brushing challenges.
  • Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks:
    • Use mouthwash with fluoride after consuming acidic or sugary items to protect your enamel.

Should You Tell Dr. Goettsche About Your Heart Conditions?

It’s important for us to be current with your health including your heart health so we can provide safe dental treatments tailored to your needs. This is especially important if you're taking medications like blood thinners, which can affect dental procedures.

Why Might Your Dentist Ask Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis can have significant implications for dental health and treatment. We pay close attention to this condition of your health history for several reasons:

  • Medication Interactions: Osteoporosis treatments often involve medications like bisphosphonates, which can affect dental procedures.
  • Bone Density Concerns: These medications impact jawbone density, crucial for procedures like implants.
  • Tailored Dental Care: Understanding your osteoporosis status allows Dr. Goettsche to adjust treatments, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Goettsche and his family

What Health Issues Can a Dentist Identify During a Dental Examination?

During a dental examination at 208 Dental, our team is not only focused on your teeth and gums. We're also trained to identify signs of several health issues throughout the body, as oral health is often a window to your overall health. Some of the health issues we can spot include:

  • Autoimmune Disorders: Signs in the mouth can indicate systemic conditions.
  • Anemia: Oral symptoms like pale gums might suggest this.
  • Eating Disorders: Conditions like bulimia may leave telltale signs on teeth.
  • Oral Cancer: Early detection of oral cancer through visual clues is key.
  • Diabetes: Gums and how fast they heal or don’t heal can indicate diabetic conditions.
  • Osteoporosis: X-rays may show changes in bone density.
  • HIV: Mouth sores can be an early indicator of HIV.

This comprehensive approach helps us catch potential health issues early, ensuring that you receive not only the best dental care but also attention to your overall well-being.

What Other Dental Services Can You Get at 208 Dental?

At 208 Dental, we offer a vast array of dental services designed to cater to every aspect of your oral health. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care as a one-stop office for most of your dental needs. From preventative care to complex procedures, our expert team is equipped to handle a wide range of dental services:

  • Diagnostics: Utilizing state-of-the-art technology like 2D and 3D X-rays, intraoral photography, and 3D intraoral scanners for precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Prosthodontics: This includes expert care in crowns, bridges, veneers for cosmetic enhancements, full smile makeovers, dentures for tooth replacement, and all-on-4 or hybrid restorations for more complex cases.
  • Preventative Applications: Focused on preventing dental issues through prescription toothpaste, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants.
  • Sedation Dentistry: We offer a variety of sedation options such as nitrous oxide, and oral conscious sedation, or IV/general anesthesia by a qualified provider, ensuring comfort for patients who may feel anxious.
  • Oral Surgery: Comprehensive oral surgical procedures including wisdom tooth extraction, dental implant placement, bone grafting for implant preparation, and alveoplasty for denture fitting.
  • Restorative Care: Focused on restoring the function and aesthetics of your teeth with various treatments.
  • Pediatric Dentistry: Tailored dental care for children, including sealants, fillings, root canals, pediatric crowns, space maintainers, frenectomies, and sedation options for our young patients.
  • Orthodontics: Offering clear aligners for adults seeking a less noticeable form of teeth straightening.
  • Root Canal: We’re specialized in performing root canals, including complex procedures on molars.
  • Denture Services: Providing traditional and implant-supported dentures, customized for each patient.
  • Emergency Dentistry: Ready to handle dental emergencies with same-day treatment options for urgent care.
  • Cosmetic Dentistry: Services like veneers and complete smile makeovers to get you the aesthetic outcome you deserve!
  • Implant Dentistry: Comprehensive implant services, from placement to restoration, all done in-house.
  • Adjunctive Services: Additional specialized treatments to meet the unique dental needs of our patients.

With our wide range of services, 208 Dental is committed to being your trusted partner in oral health, providing top-tier dental care for every member of your family.

Contact 208 Dental for a Tooth Fillings in Meridian

Whether you're a new patient looking for a change in dentists, or you recently moved to the Meridian area, we're here to meet all your dental needs. Schedule your appointment online and join our family of satisfied patients. You can easily book online, call us, or even send a text at (208) 501-8860. Let us be a part of your journey to a healthier, brighter smile. Your smile deserves the best care, and we're here to provide just that!

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208 DENTAL

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Phone:

(208) 501-8860

Location

53 E Calderwood Dr #110, Meridian, ID 83642

Hours

Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Wednesday: 7:00am - 4:00pm

Thursday: 7:00am - 4:00pm

Friday: 8:00am - 1:00pm

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

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208 Dental Logo

CONNECT WITH US

CONTACT

(208) 501-8860

LOCATION

53 E Calderwood Dr, #110
Meridian, ID 83642

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