Frequently Asked Questions

What services does the EPHC Dental Clinic offer?
We provide a variety of comprehensive services (see above).

How can I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule a dental appointment by calling 530-832-6600. Business hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.

What is the appointment cancelation policy?
When you schedule an appointment for the dental clinic, we reserve this time exclusively for you. If a previously scheduled appointment needs to be changed, we would appreciate if you would call 24-hours prior to the appointment, or minimally give a 24-hour notice so that we might reschedule another patient.

What types of insurance do we accept?
We accept all PPO insurances and major insurance carriers like Delta Dental, Aetna, Metlife and Plumas County Medi-Cal.

What if I have an emergency?
Contact us right away during a dental emergency. We will assess the situation and schedule our next available appointment. We will work hard to offer same day treatment whenever possible or refer you for care so that you don’t have to go any longer than necessary to get the relief you need.

Do you refer patients to specialists?
While our dentists are highly trained and well-equipped to address a variety of dental issues in office, we will refer patients to periodontists, oral surgeons, endodontists, and orthodontists for more complex and focused services are not available here.

Do I need to visit a dentist every six months?
The American Dental Association and Eastern Plumas Health Care’s Dental Clinic recommend that people visit the dentist twice a year to preserve oral health and prevent advanced dental health concerns like tooth decay and gum disease with regular care.

Do you treat children?
Yes, we do! At Eastern Plumas Health Care’s Dental Clinic, we can treat adults and children so that your entire family can come to just one office.

Do teeth need fluoride?
Yes, teeth need fluoride because fluoride helps make teeth strong and prevents decay. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association (ADA), and the CDC all agree that kids should use fluoride toothpaste for brushing, taking care not to swallow it. Adults also benefit from using fluoride to protect their teeth.

How often should I brush and floss?
Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

• Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
• Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
• Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended.  They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently.  Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Floss your teeth daily to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, but it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

• Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline.  Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

What do I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
If the tooth is a baby tooth, the best thing to do is find the tooth, keep it moist and get to a dentist. Your dentist can see whether the entire tooth, or just part of it, came out. Your dentist can also determine whether to implant it again.

If it is an adult tooth, follow the steps listed in the previous question.

What if I crack my tooth?
For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down. See your dentist as soon as possible.

If I bite my tongue or lip, how do I treat it?
If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. See your dentist or go to the emergency room if there is excessive bleeding, the bleeding won't stop, or you are in a lot of pain.

How do I treat a toothache?
For toothaches, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth. Do not put aspirin on your aching tooth or gums; it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact your dentist.

What if I think my jaw is broken?
If you think your jaw is broken apply cold compresses to control the swelling. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency department immediately.

How do I remove an object that’s stuck in my mouth or teeth?
For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with a sharp or pointed instrument. The item might be painful or cause an infection, so see your dentist if you cannot remove it.

 How can I avoid a dental emergency?
There are several simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to the teeth:

• Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities.
• Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
• Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

How to prepare for your baby’s first dental visit:
Start early! To get your child ready for the visit, talk to him or her about what’s going to happen and be positive. Have your child practice opening his or her mouth to get them ready for when the dentist counts and checks their teeth. Reading books or watching videos about first dental visits may help your child be less fearful and more confident.

Moms and dads can prepare, too. When making the appointment, it can’t hurt to ask for any necessary patient forms ahead of time. It may be quicker and easier for you to fill them out at home instead of at the office on the day of your visit.

Make a list of questions, as well. If your child is teething, sucking his or her thumb or using a pacifier too much, your dentist can offer some advice.

What to Expect During the Visit
The dentist will examine your child to make sure their jaw and teeth are developing in the way they should. During the visit, you will be seated in the dental chair with your child on your lap if your child isn’t able to — or doesn’t want to — sit in the chair alone. The dentist will check for mouth injuries, cavities, or other issues. Once that part of the exam is over, the dentist will clean your child’s teeth and give you tips for daily care.

If your child cries a little or wiggles during the exam, don’t worry. It’s normal, and your dental team understands this is a new experience for your child!

Tips for a Great Visit

• Don’t schedule an appointment during naptime. Instead, pick a time your child is usually well-rested and cooperative.
• Make sure your child has had a light meal and brushes their teeth before their appointment, so they won’t be hungry during their visit.
• Save snacks for after the visit so they aren’t on your child’s teeth during the exam.
• Think of the appointment as a happy and fun experience. If your child becomes upset during the visit, work with your dentist to calm your child. You’re on the same team!

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