The Wright Answers

You have questions and Dr. Wright has the Wright Answers!

The list below is a compilation of some of the most frequent inquiries our office receives, from routine dental maintenance to the appropriate age for your first check-up. We hope these answers will put your mind at ease about any concerns you may have regarding our cooperation in your dental care.

What's with the pineapple?

As the international symbol of hospitality, the pineapple represents our desire to extend our warmest welcome from our family to yours. We want you to be comfortable and cared for and to see our office as a place you look forward to visiting. One of Dr. Wright's favorite parts of his job is that he gets to see his friends and family every day, and by "friends and family" he means YOU! So please come visit us and let us welcome you to your new dental home!

What should I expect at my first appointment?

At your first appointment, our staff will happily welcome you to our office and give you your new patient information and health history forms to complete. For this reason, we do ask that you arrive at least ten minutes early to your first appointment or print them and fill them out prior to your appointment: New Patient Info Form / Health History Form. If you are visiting us for a routine hygiene check-up, you will receive a thorough cleaning, head and neck exam, and bitewing x-ray. The doctor will also inform you of any restorative procedures you may need at this time. If you are seeing the doctor for a consultation, he will privately assess your needs and develop your individualized dental plan.

What should I expect at my regular dental check-up?

A regular dental check-up always includes a thorough cleaning and a head and neck exam. Bitewing x-rays are taken once a year while panoramic x-rays are taken every five years. Children under the age of sixteen will also receive fluoride treatment at their regular hygiene appointment.

Does your office work with my dental insurance?

Wright Family Dental is not currently in network with any insurance companies but we will gladly submit your claim to your dental insurance as a courtesy to you. Your estimated co-pay will be expected of you at the time of your appointment and any additional amount not covered by your insurance will be billed to you once the claim has been fulfilled.

How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

You should visit your dentist for a routine hygiene cleaning and dental exam every six months in order to assure your utmost oral health.

How often should I brush and floss?

Although brushing after each meal is ideal, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, morning and night, using a nylon, soft-bristle brush and fluoridated toothpaste. Floss at least once a day to make sure you are getting something between your teeth to clean out the spaces your toothbrush cannot reach. Antimicrobial or fluoridated rinses are also beneficial.

What kind of toothbrush should I use and why?

Nylon, soft-bristled brushes are recommended as these offer a thorough yet gentle cleaning. Rough bristles can irritate the gum line and wear on the tooth's surface enamel while soft bristles bend more easily around the contours of your teeth and gums. Soft bristles are not only kinder but better for your mouth as a whole!

How often should I get a new toothbrush?

Bacteria can grow on your toothbrush which makes for a not-so-clean cleaning experience! We thus recommend that you replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months. Replacing it after an illness or when the bristles have frayed is also a good idea. Make sure you are using a nylon soft-bristled brush and that you aren't brushing too hard.

What kind of toothpaste should I use?

We recommend either Colgate Total or Crest Pro-Health. Not only are Colgate and Crest trustworthy, reputable companies, but these two products are made with the ingredients that will properly address all the issues surrounding plaque and tartar, bad breath, and our need for a fresh and clean mouth. They also contain fluoride, which strengthens the enamel and makes it more resistant to the acid that causes cavities.

What are dental sealants and why are they beneficial to my child?

Dental sealants or "tooth sealants" are a great way to aid your child in preventing cavities. By bonding a plastic resin into the chewing surfaces of certain teeth, your dentist smoothes those grooves considerably. The resulting smoothness keeps food and plaque from getting stuck in those hard-to-reach grooves and allows your toothbrush to clean those teeth more easily. Children should get their dental sealants once their 6-year molars grow in and again when their 12 year molars grow in.

Is it time for my child to start visiting the dentist regularly?

We recommend that children begin their regular visits around age three for routine hygiene cleanings, dental exams, and fluoride treatments.

Still have questions? Give us a call at 717.872.8310.

Need to make an appointment? Call us at 717-872-8310

Routine dental exam includes:

  • Hygiene cleaning
  • Head and neck exam
  • Bitewing x-ray (every 12-18 mos)
  • Panoramic x-ray (every 5 yrs)
  • Fluoride (for children under 16)

Financing options

Our goal is to help you achieve optimum oral health and the smile that you desire. We have several ways to make this both possible and affordable.

  • We will bill your dental insurance as a courtesy to you
  • We accept cash and checks and Visa, Master Card or Discover
  • We can help you secure financing through Care Credit, offering no interest payment plans OAC