Gettysburg PA Dentist Office Patient Information

Are you looking for a different type of dental experience? At Gettysburg Smiles, we want patients to feel comfortable and relaxed when they visit our dental office. We provide different treatment rooms for patients, including a spa room, fishing and hunting room, and the Kinkade room. We offer calm music and a complimentary paraffin hand wax treatment in the spa room. The fishing and hunting room includes a fireplace and outdoorsy decor. The Kinkade room showcases peaceful scenes by artist Thomas Kinkade.

Dr. Rita Tempel takes a personalized approach to dentistry, working with her patients to find the best solutions to their dental problems. Our dental care team strives to provide an exceptional patient experience, building a relationship that will serve as a foundation for individualized hygiene and care. Additionally, Dr. Tempel specializes in aesthetic dental solutions and uses advanced digital technology to treat her patients accurately. Discover more with patient information for Gettysburg Smiles in Gettysburg, PA.

Routine Dental Appointments

If you are new to our office, welcome! At your first visit to our dental practice, we want to get to know you better and understand your unique risks for oral health concerns. We will discuss your current dental health and medical history, as well as your personal goals for the health and appearance of your smile. During your initial visit, we will record your existing restorations and note any conditions in your digital chart. We encourage new patients to ask questions about their treatment options and dental concerns during this visit. Patient communication is important to our practice and makes it simpler to create customized treatment plans. 

We will also screen for problems like gum disease and oral cancer. Signs of gum disease we look for include bleeding, inflamed, and irritated gum tissue. Patients who are in the later stages of gum disease may also have signs of gum recession. Signs of oral cancer can include abnormal mouth sores and white and red patches in the mouth’s soft tissues. 

If you do not have your teeth professionally cleaned on your first visit, we may clean your teeth at a subsequent visit. Our dental hygienists use stainless steel tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums during dental cleanings. Then, we take digital x-rays to get an updated smile image and spot any emerging dental problems. Unlike traditional x-rays, digital x-rays emit less radiation and allow us to save and share x-rays.

Patient Resources 

Explore our website to learn more about our dental office:

New Patient Q&A

Are you a new patient and have questions for our office? Read answers to these commonly asked questions: 

Does Gettysburg Smiles accept new patients?

Yes, we accept new patients. Call (717) 853-1552 or request a dental visit on our website. We will reserve an hour and a half spot for your first dental appointment. 

Does your office accept insurance? 

We work with insurance providers to ensure you get the necessary care. Our office will file claims to your insurance company on your behalf. We also perform complimentary benefit checks with your dental insurance provider.

What should I bring to my first dental visit?

You must bring your insurance card, photo ID, and payment method at your first dental visit, including a check, debit, or credit card. Our dental office will also need the information to access your dental records.

How often should I visit the dentist?

We recommend that patients visit the dentist biannually or once every six months. At biannual appointments, we clean your smile and keep track of any new or developing dental problems. It is important to make these visits so you can maintain your smile and receive preventative care against more complex, serious oral health issues.

Contact Us Today

Do you need a new Gettysburg dentist? Call Dr. Tempel, your leading local dentist in Gettysburg, at (717) 853-1552 or request a dental appointment online. Dr. Tempel sees patients from Hanover, Gettysburg, and the surrounding area. Please contact Gettysburg Smiles if you have questions about your dental care or current symptoms.