For most healthy patients, every six months is ideal. Some people with periodontal (gum) disease or heavy tartar buildup benefit from cleanings every three to four months. Others with excellent oral hygiene and very low tartar formation may be able to go longer between visits. Regular preventive care helps us detect concerns early, when treatment is simpler and more comfortable.

X-rays allow us to see areas that aren’t visible during a clinical exam — between teeth, under the gums, and in the supporting bone. They help us detect cavities, infections, and bone changes early. The digital imaging technology we use keeps radiation exposure very low — comparable to natural background exposure from everyday life.

Healthy gums typically do not bleed. Bleeding can be a sign of inflammation caused by plaque or tartar buildup along the gumline. It can also be related to issues such as defective fillings, trapped food, or other irritants. If your gums bleed regularly, we recommend an evaluation so we can help restore gum health.

Your oral health is closely connected to your overall health. Medical conditions, surgeries, and medications can affect how we safely provide dental care and how your body heals. Updating your health history helps us keep you safe and provide the most appropriate treatment.

If tartar extends below the gumline and gum pockets are deeper than normal, a standard cleaning is not sufficient. Root planing allows us to gently and thoroughly remove buildup below the gums while you are comfortable, helping the gums heal and reattach more securely to the teeth.

Antibiotics can reduce the symptoms of infection, but they do not remove the source of infection inside the tooth. If the nerve tissue is infected, the tooth will need root canal treatment to fully resolve the problem and prevent it from returning.

A crown covers the entire tooth, like a cap, and is used when a tooth needs full structural support. A veneer covers only the front surface of a tooth and is used primarily for cosmetic improvement with more conservative tooth preparation. Dr. Baldree will help determine which option best suits your specific needs and goals.

While some offices offer same-day crowns, Dr. Baldree prioritizes the precision, fit, and esthetics that come from working with highly skilled dental laboratory technicians. Many of our cases also involve multiple teeth or complex restorations that require careful customization. Laboratory craftsmanship remains essential for optimal long-term results.

Dr. Baldree works closely with trusted periodontists and oral surgeons who place dental implants. He is often involved in implant planning and provides the specialized restorations that attach to implants, such as implant crowns, bridges, and dentures. Careful planning before implant placement helps ensure the best long-term outcome.

Creating well-fitting dentures is a detailed, step-by-step process. Each stage — from impressions and bite records to try-ins and final adjustments — allows us to refine fit, function, and appearance. While this process may involve more visits than some patients expect, these steps help ensure dentures that are comfortable, stable, and natural-looking.

High-quality prosthetic work requires both clinical precision and laboratory craftsmanship. Time is needed for custom design, detailed laboratory fabrication, and careful evaluation at each stage. Rushing these steps can compromise fit, comfort, and longevity.

We collaborate with highly skilled dental laboratory technicians who specialize in advanced restorative and esthetic work. Their expertise, combined with Dr. Baldree’s clinical planning and oversight, allows for a level of detail and customization that is difficult to achieve with same-day, in-office fabrication alone.

A prosthodontist is a dentist with advanced specialty training in restoring and replacing teeth. Prosthodontists focus on complex restorative care involving function, comfort, and esthetics — from single teeth to full-mouth rehabilitation.

You’re not alone. Many of our patients come to us after difficult or uncomfortable experiences elsewhere. Dr. Baldree is known for a gentle approach and excellent local anesthesia techniques that help patients remain comfortable. We do not offer nitrous oxide sedation in our office. In certain situations, a mild anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed before your visit, and a driver is required. Clear communication, breaks when needed, and an unhurried pace all help patients feel safe and in control.

Our practice is intentionally structured to allow unhurried, personalized care. Dr. Baldree takes time to carefully evaluate, plan, and discuss treatment so that decisions are well-informed and results are designed to last.

We are an insurance-independent practice. As a courtesy, we file dental insurance claims and accept payment directly from insurance companies, with patients responsible for any remaining balance. Dr. Baldree does not participate in PPO networks or Medicare due to the reduced reimbursement structures, which often do not support the level of time and precision required for advanced prosthodontic care. Our team is happy to help you understand and maximize your benefits whenever possible.