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.
Your First Visit
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’ll 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. Patient communication is important to our practice and makes it simpler to provide personalized care and custom treatment plans.
X-rays
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. This dental technology allows us to save and share x-rays.
Oral Cancer and Gum Disease Screening
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 in the later stages of gum disease may also have signs of gum recession. We’ll measure the depth of the gum pockets and assess the risk of gum disease in patients before it happens.
During an oral cancer screening, we look for signs that can include abnormal mouth sores and white and red patches in the mouth’s soft tissues.
Dental Cleaning
A prophylaxis, also known as a dental cleaning, is a routine procedure that helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. It’s usually done during your regular checkup at the dentist. We first scale the teeth and gums, polish the teeth, and provide fluoride treamtent to protect the tooth enamel.
Scaling
Our dental hygienists use special stainless steel tools to clean your teeth. These tools help them gently scrape off plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. If it’s not removed, it can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to clean and can lead to gum problems.
During a regular dental cleaning, we remove plaque and tartar from both your teeth and along the gumline. This helps keep your mouth healthy and can prevent problems like cavities and gum disease.
Polishing and Flossing
After we clean your teeth, we use a special electric toothbrush to brush and polish them. The polishing paste feels gritty, but it helps remove surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and clean.
After we polish your teeth, we floss between your teeth to remove anything that might still be stuck. This helps clean spots that brushing can’t always reach. We’ll rinse your mouth with water to wash away the paste and any leftover debris. This leaves your mouth feeling fresh and ready to go.
Fluoride Treatment
At the end of your visit, we can also provide a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen your teeth and protect them from decay. The treatment is quick and easy, and it gives your teeth extra protection until your next cleaning.
In some cases, we may recommend a deep dental cleaning. This is a more detailed type of cleaning for people who have signs of gum disease. A deep gum cleaning helps remove bacteria from below the gumline and smooths the roots of your teeth to help your gums heal.
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’ll 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?
At your first dental visit, you must bring your insurance card, photo ID, and payment method, including a check, debit, or credit card. Our dental office will also need this information to access your dental records.
How often should I visit the dentist?
We recommend that patients visit for a dental cleaning and exam every six months. At routine dental 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. You can also request a dental appointment online.
Dr. Tempel sees patients from Hanover, York Springs, New Oxford, and the surrounding areas. Please contact Gettysburg Smiles if you have questions about your dental care or current symptoms.