Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of disorders and diseases of a patient’s teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Dentistry performed properly is necessary for complete oral health and it has a significant impact on the health of a patient’s entire body.
A dentist is a specialist who has been trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health conditions and dental problems. Dr. Ingram has completed many years of medical schooling in order to practice dentistry. After schooling, a dentist can receive either a DDS or DMD degree. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Some doctors specialize in pediatric dentistry as well, which means they work with children from infancy up through teenage years. There are other specializations that a dentist may go to school for:
- Oral and maxillofacial (includes pathology, radiology, and surgery)
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
- Endodontics (specialization in root canals)
- Periodontics (specialization in gum disease)
- Prosthodontics (specialization in dental implants)
Here at William L. Ingram, DMD, we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental appointment into a busy schedule can feel like a hassle, but it’s worth it. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily will keep many oral health problems away; however, it’s not a complete guarantee. Scheduling regular cleanings atWilliam L. Ingram, DMD is highly recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.
At William L. Ingram, DMD, an appointment will include a full oral examination, oral cancer exam, professional X-rays to catch cavities, and a full cleaning by our amazing hygienists. Your cleaning will remove tartar, debris, and plaque from your mouth.
Dr.Ingram will coordinate with your hygienist and recommend a treatment plan for any problems that are found. We’ll also recommend any aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to improve your smile. Please call our office at (256) 883-7832 to schedule an appointment or for any additional questions.
Professionals throughout the dental industry as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) agree that a child’s first dental appointment should happen as early as six months of age. This is when the first baby teeth usually begin to show. Dr.Ingram will be able to assess the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations for things like navigating teething periods, reducing the risk of decay, and good cleaning techniques.
Dr. Ingram recommends at least every three months. If you’re using an electronic toothbrush, make sure to check the recommendation for the type of toothbrush because you may not have to change the head of the brush as often. Other factors like gum disease might require changing toothbrushes more often. Also, after brushing, it’s very important to wash and rinse your brush out with hot water, then store it upright somewhere it can dry between uses. This will kill germs and bacteria and keep your toothbrush clean.
- Abscessed teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth and/or loss of teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Receding gumline
Here at William L. Ingram, DMD, we will gladly help you by filing your dental insurance claim! We will work hard to help you maximize your dental plan benefits. Call our office at (256) 883-7832 for more information about insurance. Make sure you have your insurance information handy when you call. Also, plan to pay your co-pay or deductible portion at the time of service.
For your convenience here at William L. Ingram, DMD, we accept cash, check, cashier’s checks, Visa, Master Card, AmEx, and Discover. If none of these payment methods suits your needs, we also provide payment plans through our office or third-party financing through Care Credit. We also provide discounts for those able to pay in full at the time of service. If you have any more questions regarding payment methods, please give us a call at (256) 883-7832 and we’ll do our best to find the right solution for you.