FAQs

Yahara Dental specializes in family dentistry. We provide comprehensive care, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and TMJ care to create happier smiles for patients of all ages.

American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. Yahara Dental staff also recommends a minimum of two visits per year.

If you believe you or a family member has a dental emergency, call our office as soon as possible for an appointment with emergency dentist Dr. Thor Anderson, DDS. If you call with an emergency during regular business hours, we will do everything we can to work you into our schedule for urgent dental care that same day. If you require emergency dental care after hours, during the weekend, on a holiday or when Yahara Dental is otherwise closed, please call our office to obtain Dr. Thor’s emergency contact number.

Yes! Your Stoughton dentist welcomes new patients! We’re proud and honored to say that our patients frequently refer their friends and family members to our dental clinic because they want their loved ones to experience the ease and comfort of outstanding dental care, too.

Your teeth may feel fine, but you should still see a dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. You could have dental problems like tooth decay, yet be unaware of them. Addressing problems early can prevent painful dental emergencies—and unwelcome surprises—down the road.

We recommend beginning family dental care when a child is around age 2. To ensure your child feels at ease in our dental office from the start, we suggest bringing him or her in for a “get-to-know-you” visit before scheduling a regular checkup appointment. Ideally, your child can accompany an older sibling and observe what happens during a regular appointment. Your child will also experience the sights, sounds and smells of the office and take a “ride” in the chair. If your child is willing, we will also make a fun event out of counting his or her teeth. Starting dental visits at an early age and maintaining a schedule of regular checkups helps your child establish a favorable opinion of dental care that can last throughout his or her life.

When you’re looking for a pediatric dentist near you, look to Yahara Dental. We provide thorough, quick, comfortable care for patients from age 2 to 102. We listen closely, then take every step to ease patient concerns and maximize patient comfort.

Your toothbrush will eventually wear out, especially if you brush your teeth twice a day for 2–3 minutes each time.

• If you use a manual toothbrush, replace it every three months
• If you use an electric toothbrush, follow manufacturer recommendations/instructions for changing brush heads
• If you have gum disease, change your toothbrush every 4–6 weeks to minimize bacteria spread and support your best gum health
• Keep bristles in their best condition and minimize germs by rinsing your toothbrush with hot water after each use
• If you’ve been sick, change your toothbrush as soon as you start feeling better

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is most often caused by plaque and bacteria buildup not treated/removed in its early stage. Periodontal disease may also be caused by tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease. If your dentist detects gingivitis, it may be treatable. However, gingivitis left untreated usually progresses to gum disease. Common signs of gum disease include:

• Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Loose teeth, or loss of teeth
• Extreme tooth sensitivity
• Receding gum line
• Abscessed teeth

Problems associated with advanced gum disease (tooth loss and bone loss) are significant and irreversible. To prevent gingivitis, gum disease/periodontal disease, unwelcome surprises and unscheduled visits, brush your teeth regularly and see Dr. Thor every six months.

Yes! If you wear braces, it’s extremely important for you to visit the dentist regularly. With braces, food can get caught in places your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up, which can lead to cavities, gingivitis and gum disease. Dr. Thor will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure your teeth stay clean and healthy while you wear braces.

A thin resin coating placed on newly erupted molars, sealants fill the deep grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces to prevent bacteria from causing cavities in these spots. Pediatric dentists and Dr. Thor commonly use sealants to protect young patients’ teeth.

Yes. Teeth are often sensitive—especially to cold—for a few days after a new filling, a crown or another restorative dentistry procedure. The sensitivity and discomfort should subside. If sensitivity lingers for more than a few weeks, please contact us and schedule a visit to have the tooth checked for other problems.

At Yahara Dental, we provide all general dentistry services and refer patients to dental specialists when specialty care is required. To ensure the absolute best results and the fastest, most comfortable procedures for you, we will recommend you see an endodontist, oral surgeon, orthodontist, pediatric dentist, periodontist, prosthodontist, or other specialist. We maintain close working relationships with these specialty doctors so we can provide you with seamless, consistent dental care.

To help you best afford the care you need to keep your smile healthy and happy, Yahara Dental accepts Delta Dental insurance, offers Care Credit financing and offers a Dental Health Savings Plan. Learn more about our insurance and payment options.

Yes. In an effort to provide you with the most convenient dental care possible, we accept online payments through the patient portal link on our website.