Your Cedar Hills Neighborhood Dentist

For over three decades, East Wind Dental Care has been the dental home for Cedar Hills families seeking comprehensive, compassionate dental services. Located just 2.5 miles from Cedar Hills, our modern practice combines advanced technology with personalized care to deliver exceptional results. The Cedar Hills community is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and engaged residents, values that our practice embodies in everything we do.

We understand that Cedar Hills residents value both quality and convenience when it comes to healthcare. That is why we have invested in technologies like CEREC same-day crowns that eliminate multiple visits, digital X-rays that reduce radiation exposure by 90%, and online scheduling that allows you to book appointments 24/7. Our comprehensive approach means you can receive virtually all your dental care in one location, from routine cleanings to dental implants, saving you time and ensuring coordinated treatment.

Our team of experienced dentists and hygienists brings together decades of expertise and ongoing advanced training. We believe in lifelong learning and regularly attend courses and conferences to stay current with the latest techniques and evidence-based treatments. This commitment ensures that Cedar Hills patients benefit from the most effective, efficient dental care available. We practice conservative dentistry, recommending only treatments that truly benefit your oral health and respecting your budget and preferences.

What makes our practice special is the relationships we build with patients. Many Cedar Hills families have been with us for years, and we have had the privilege of caring for multiple generations. We take time to understand your individual needs, concerns, and goals, creating personalized treatment plans that fit your life. From Cedar Hills Boulevard, we are just a quick 6-minute drive via Cornell Road, with ample free parking and a welcoming environment designed to make every visit comfortable and stress-free.

Comprehensive Dental Services

East Wind Dental Care offers a complete range of dental services to meet all your family’s oral health needs in one convenient location.

Preventive Care

Our preventive dental services form the foundation of long-term oral health. We provide comprehensive examinations, professional cleanings, digital X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and oral cancer screenings. Regular preventive care helps detect problems early when they are most easily treated and prevents costly issues from developing.

Cosmetic Enhancements

Transform your smile with our cosmetic dentistry options. We offer professional teeth whitening for dramatic results, custom porcelain veneers to correct multiple aesthetic concerns, and tooth-colored restorations that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Our cosmetic treatments are designed to enhance your confidence and create beautiful, natural-looking results.

Restorative Solutions

When dental problems occur, our restorative services can rebuild your smile’s health and function. We provide same-day CEREC crowns, durable bridges, permanent dental implants, and comfortable root canal therapy. Our restorative work is built to last while maintaining a natural appearance.

Family Dentistry

We provide comprehensive dental care for all ages. From children’s first dental visits to specialized senior care, our team has the experience and gentle approach to make every family member comfortable. We offer pediatric services, orthodontic evaluations, and customized care for every stage of life.

Emergency Care

Dental emergencies need immediate attention. Our emergency dental services are available for Cedar Hills residents experiencing pain, trauma, or urgent dental issues. We reserve same-day slots for emergencies and provide prompt, effective treatment to alleviate discomfort and save teeth whenever possible.

About East Wind Dental Care

Since 1994, East Wind Dental Care has been providing exceptional dental services to families throughout Washington County. Our practice is built on core values of clinical excellence, patient-centered care, honest communication, and community involvement. We combine state-of-the-art technology with a compassionate, personalized approach to create a dental experience that Cedar Hills families have trusted for generations.

Our investment in advanced dental technology sets us apart. Digital X-rays provide instant, detailed images while reducing radiation exposure. CEREC same-day crowns eliminate temporary restorations and multiple visits. Intraoral cameras allow you to see what we see, promoting understanding and informed decisions. Laser dentistry provides more comfortable procedures with faster healing. These technologies enhance both the quality of care and your overall experience.

We have created an office environment designed for comfort and relaxation. Our modern facility features a calming spa-like atmosphere, comfortable treatment rooms with amenities like warm blankets and entertainment options, and the latest sterilization equipment to ensure your safety. Our friendly team makes every visit pleasant, from the moment you walk through the door until you leave with a healthy, beautiful smile.

As active members of the Cedar Hills and Hillsboro communities, we support local schools, youth programs, and charitable organizations. We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us for over 30 years. When you choose East Wind Dental Care, you are choosing a practice that truly cares about the wellbeing of Cedar Hills families.

FAQ – Cedar Hills Dentist

Where is your dental office located from Cedar Hills?

East Wind Dental Care is conveniently located just 2.5 miles from Cedar Hills, making it an easy 6-8 minute drive for most residents. From Cedar Hills Boulevard, you can take Cornell Road west for approximately 1.5 miles, and our office will be on your left side with clearly visible signage. We offer ample free parking directly adjacent to our building, so you never have to worry about finding a spot or paying for parking.

The location is easily accessible from all areas of Cedar Hills, whether you live near Cedar Hills Crossing shopping center, the Cedar Hills Elementary School area, or in the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Many of our Cedar Hills patients appreciate that they can easily stop by before or after shopping at Cedar Hills Crossing, or schedule appointments during their lunch break if they work nearby. We offer flexible scheduling with appointments available early in the morning before 8 AM for those who want to visit before work or school, midday appointments for those with flexible schedules, and evening hours until 6 PM on select days for after-work convenience. Our online booking system allows you to schedule appointments 24/7 from the comfort of your home, and we send automatic reminders via text or email to help you remember your upcoming visits.

What should I expect at my first dental appointment?

Your first visit to East Wind Dental Care is designed to be thorough, comfortable, and informative. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to allow time for any final paperwork, though you can also complete our new patient forms online before your visit to save time. When you arrive, our welcoming front desk team will greet you, verify your insurance information if applicable, and make you feel at home in our comfortable reception area.

You will then be escorted to one of our modern treatment rooms where you will meet your dental hygienist. The hygienist will begin by reviewing your medical and dental history, asking about any current concerns or symptoms, medications you take, allergies you have, and your oral hygiene routine at home. This information helps us provide safe, personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Next, we will take a comprehensive set of digital X-rays unless you have recent radiographs from another dentist that we can obtain. These X-rays are essential for seeing structures below the gum line and between teeth that are not visible during a visual examination, and our digital system uses up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays.

If you are due for a cleaning, your hygienist will perform a thorough prophylaxis, using ultrasonic instruments and hand scalers to gently remove plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces and below the gum line. They will then polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave them feeling smooth and clean. Throughout the cleaning, your hygienist will provide education about proper brushing and flossing techniques, discuss any areas that need extra attention, and may recommend specific products suited to your oral health needs. After your cleaning, one of our experienced dentists will perform a comprehensive oral examination. The dentist will carefully check each tooth for signs of decay, cracks, wear, or other issues, evaluate your gums and supporting bone for signs of periodontal disease, examine soft tissues including your tongue, cheeks, throat, and lymph nodes for any abnormalities, assess your bite and temporomandibular joints for dysfunction, and perform a thorough oral cancer screening. The dentist will review your X-rays with you on our large monitor, pointing out any areas of concern and explaining findings in easy-to-understand terms. If treatment is needed, the dentist will discuss all available options, answer your questions thoroughly, and work with you to develop a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and budget. You will never feel pressured to proceed with treatment immediately unless there is an urgent issue requiring prompt attention. Most first visits last 60-90 minutes, and you will leave with a clear understanding of your oral health status and any recommended next steps.

Do you accept dental insurance?

Yes, East Wind Dental Care accepts and works with virtually all major dental insurance plans. We are in-network with many carriers including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, United Healthcare, Principal, and Humana, among others. Even if we are not in-network with your specific plan, we are happy to file claims as an out-of-network provider, and in many cases, your out-of-pocket costs will be similar. Our experienced insurance coordinators are experts at navigating the complexities of dental insurance and work diligently to maximize your benefits while minimizing your costs.

Before your appointment, we will contact your insurance company to verify your coverage, determine your remaining annual maximum benefit, identify any applicable deductibles that need to be met, and understand the coverage percentages for different types of services. Most dental plans cover preventive services like exams, cleanings, and X-rays at 100%, basic procedures like fillings at 70-80%, and major services like crowns, bridges, and implants at 50%, though every plan is different. After verifying your coverage, we provide you with a detailed written estimate that clearly shows the total cost of recommended treatment, how much your insurance will cover, and your expected out-of-pocket responsibility. This allows you to make informed decisions about your care with complete financial transparency.

We file all insurance claims electronically on your behalf and handle all communication with your insurance company to ensure claims are processed correctly and you receive maximum benefits. We ask that you pay your estimated portion at the time of service, and if your insurance pays more than estimated, we promptly refund the difference. For services not fully covered by insurance, we offer multiple payment options including all major credit cards, flexible financing through CareCredit with promotional no-interest periods for qualified applicants, and our in-house membership plan for patients without insurance that provides significant discounts on all services. Our goal is to make quality dental care accessible and affordable for all Cedar Hills families, regardless of their insurance status.

How does same-day crown technology work?

Our CEREC same-day crown technology represents one of the most significant advances in restorative dentistry, allowing us to design, create, and place a permanent, custom crown in a single visit that typically takes about two to two and a half hours. This eliminates the need for the traditional two-visit process that requires temporary crowns and waiting weeks for a dental laboratory to fabricate your permanent restoration. The CEREC process combines advanced digital imaging, computer-aided design software, and precision milling technology to create high-quality crowns right in our office while you wait.

The procedure begins with preparing your tooth, which involves removing decay and shaping the tooth to properly support the crown, just as with traditional crown procedures. However, instead of using messy, uncomfortable impression putty to capture the shape of your prepared tooth, we use a small handheld digital scanner that captures thousands of precise three-dimensional images in just a few minutes. This digital impression process is much more comfortable for patients and actually more accurate than traditional impressions, which can be distorted by movement or saliva. The digital images are immediately displayed on our computer screen, where you can see a detailed 3D model of your prepared tooth and surrounding dentition.

Using sophisticated CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, our dentist then designs your custom crown, taking into account your bite relationship with opposing teeth, the natural anatomy and contours appropriate for that tooth position, your gum line and neighboring teeth, and aesthetic considerations including color, translucency, and characterization to match your natural teeth. The design process typically takes 10-15 minutes, and you can watch on our screen and even provide input on the final design. Once the design is complete and you have approved it, the data is wirelessly transmitted to our in-office CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) milling unit, a precision robotic device that carves your crown from a solid block of high-quality dental ceramic. These ceramic blocks are available in a wide range of shades to perfectly match your natural tooth color, and they are incredibly strong and durable. The milling process takes about 10-15 minutes, during which you can relax in our comfortable treatment room.

Once your crown has been milled, your dentist will try it in your mouth to verify fit, make any minor adjustments needed to ensure ideal contours and bite, characterize the surface if needed to match adjacent teeth, and then permanently bond it to your prepared tooth using advanced adhesive technology. The final result is a crown that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth. CEREC crowns are extremely durable and can last 10-15 years or longer with proper care, and because they are made from a single block of ceramic rather than being layered, they are actually stronger and less likely to chip than some traditional crowns. Cedar Hills patients love CEREC technology because it saves time, eliminates the discomfort and inconvenience of temporary crowns, provides beautiful results, and allows them to leave our office with their dental problem completely resolved in just one visit.

What cosmetic dentistry options do you offer?

East Wind Dental Care offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic dentistry services designed to enhance the beauty of your smile while maintaining or improving oral health. Our cosmetic treatments range from simple, conservative enhancements to complete smile makeovers, and we customize every treatment plan to your unique facial features, preferences, and goals. We believe that cosmetic dentistry should create natural-looking results that enhance your appearance without looking overdone or artificial.

Professional teeth whitening is one of our most popular cosmetic services. We offer both in-office whitening that can brighten your smile up to eight shades in a single 90-minute appointment, and take-home whitening kits with custom-fitted trays that provide gradual results over two to three weeks. In-office whitening is perfect for Cedar Hills patients who have an important event coming up like a wedding, reunion, or job interview and want immediate dramatic results. The process uses a powerful but safe professional-strength bleaching gel that is carefully applied to your teeth after we protect your gums and soft tissues. We then activate the gel with a special light that accelerates the whitening process. Take-home whitening offers more flexibility and control, allowing you to whiten on your own schedule and adjust treatment duration to achieve your desired shade. Both options deliver beautiful results, and we can help you choose the best approach based on your timeline, budget, and preferences.

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of dental ceramic that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to transform their appearance. Veneers can address multiple cosmetic concerns simultaneously, including permanently stained or discolored teeth that do not respond to whitening, chipped or cracked teeth, gaps between teeth, slightly misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth, and worn or short teeth. The veneer process typically requires two visits: at the first appointment, we prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel and take impressions that are sent to a dental laboratory where skilled ceramists hand-craft your custom veneers; at the second visit about two weeks later, we permanently bond the veneers to your teeth. The results are dramatic and natural-looking, and with proper care, veneers can last 10-15 years or longer.

We also offer tooth-colored composite bonding for minor cosmetic enhancements. Bonding uses a tooth-colored resin material that is artistically sculpted and bonded to teeth to repair small chips, close minor gaps, cover stains, or improve tooth shape. Bonding is more conservative and affordable than veneers and can often be completed in a single visit. Additionally, all our fillings and crowns use tooth-colored materials that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring that even restorative work enhances your smile’s appearance. For patients seeking more comprehensive improvements, we offer complete smile makeovers that combine multiple cosmetic and restorative procedures to achieve stunning transformations. During your cosmetic consultation, we will listen to your concerns and goals, evaluate your teeth and facial features, discuss all appropriate treatment options with their benefits and limitations, show you before-and-after photos of similar cases we have completed, and develop a personalized treatment plan with a clear timeline and cost estimate. We want you to feel completely informed and confident in your decision to enhance your smile.

Are dental implants a good option for missing teeth?

Dental implants are widely considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth and offer numerous advantages over traditional options like bridges or dentures. An implant consists of a titanium post that is surgically placed in your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth, an abutment that connects the implant to the restoration, and a crown, bridge, or denture that attaches to the abutment to replace the visible portion of the tooth. The titanium post integrates with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration over several months, creating a stable foundation that functions like a natural tooth root.

One of the most significant benefits of dental implants is that they prevent the bone loss that naturally occurs when teeth are missing. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone that previously supported it no longer receives the stimulation it needs from chewing forces, and it begins to deteriorate. Over time, this bone loss can change your facial structure, making you appear older, and can compromise the stability of neighboring teeth. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural tooth roots, maintaining bone density and preventing the structural changes associated with tooth loss. This makes implants the only tooth replacement option that actually preserves your oral and facial structure.

Implants also offer superior function and comfort compared to alternatives. Unlike removable dentures that can slip or click while eating or speaking, implants are permanently fixed in place and feel completely stable. You can eat all your favorite foods without worry, speak with confidence, and never deal with the embarrassment of a denture coming loose at an inopportune moment. Implants also preserve your natural teeth because, unlike traditional bridges that require grinding down adjacent healthy teeth to serve as anchors, implants are standalone restorations that do not affect neighboring teeth. Additionally, implants are extremely durable and long-lasting. While bridges typically need replacement every 10-15 years and dentures require periodic adjustments or replacement, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown attached to the implant may eventually need replacement due to normal wear, but the implant post itself can remain functional indefinitely.

From an aesthetic standpoint, implants look and feel completely natural. The custom crowns we attach to implants are carefully crafted to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size, and because they emerge from the gum line just like natural teeth rather than sitting on top of the gums like dentures, they create a seamless, beautiful appearance. While dental implants do require a higher initial investment than bridges or dentures, their longevity, health benefits, and superior function often make them more cost-effective over the long term. Many dental insurance plans now provide some coverage for implants, recognizing them as a necessary treatment rather than an elective procedure, and we offer financing options through CareCredit that allow you to break down the cost into manageable monthly payments. During your implant consultation, we will evaluate your bone density using 3D imaging, discuss your medical history to ensure you are a good candidate for implant surgery, explain the complete treatment process and timeline, and provide a detailed cost estimate. We will also discuss alternatives like bridges or dentures so you can make an informed decision based on your specific situation, goals, and budget.

How do you handle pediatric dental care?

East Wind Dental Care provides comprehensive, gentle pediatric dental care that helps children develop healthy teeth and positive attitudes about dentistry. We believe that early dental experiences shape a child’s relationship with oral health for life, so we take special care to make every visit comfortable, educational, and even fun. We welcome children beginning at age one or when their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first, in accordance with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

These early visits serve multiple important purposes: they allow us to examine your child’s oral development and identify any concerns early, provide education to parents about proper oral hygiene techniques for babies and toddlers, discuss nutrition and habits like thumb-sucking or pacifier use that can affect dental development, apply fluoride varnish if appropriate to strengthen developing enamel, and help your child become comfortable with our office environment and dental team. We use a gentle, patient approach with young children, allowing them to sit in a parent’s lap during examination if that makes them more comfortable, showing them our instruments and explaining what we are doing in age-appropriate terms, and providing lots of positive reinforcement and praise.

As children grow, our pediatric services expand to include professional dental cleanings using child-friendly flavored polishing paste and gentle techniques, comprehensive examinations to monitor the development of primary and permanent teeth, digital X-rays when appropriate to check for cavities between teeth and monitor developing permanent teeth, fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and prevent decay, dental sealants that protect the deep grooves of permanent molars where cavities most commonly develop, and oral hygiene education that teaches children proper brushing and flossing techniques through demonstration and practice. Our team is specially trained in behavior management techniques that help anxious or uncooperative children feel safe and calm. We use positive language, tell-show-do approaches where we explain and demonstrate procedures before performing them, and distraction techniques like allowing children to watch cartoons or listen to music during treatment.

When children need restorative treatment, we use tooth-colored composite fillings that are both durable and aesthetic, avoiding the silver amalgam fillings that can be noticeable and concerning to image-conscious children and teens. For children who lose baby teeth prematurely due to decay or injury, we provide space maintainers, custom appliances that hold the space open for permanent teeth and prevent neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap and causing crowding. We also treat dental emergencies common in active children, such as knocked-out or fractured teeth from sports injuries or playground accidents, providing prompt care that can often save injured teeth. For teenagers, we address age-specific needs including wisdom teeth evaluation and referrals for extraction when necessary, custom athletic mouthguards that protect teeth during sports, orthodontic assessments and referrals to trusted specialists for braces or clear aligners, and cosmetic consultations for teens who are self-conscious about their smile. Many Cedar Hills families appreciate the convenience of our family practice where children of all ages can receive expert care in one location, often scheduling siblings’ appointments back-to-back to save time. Our goal is to help every child develop excellent oral health habits, maintain cavity-free smiles, and view dental visits as positive experiences rather than something to fear.

What emergency dental services do you provide?

East Wind Dental Care provides comprehensive emergency dental services for Cedar Hills residents experiencing urgent oral health issues that require immediate attention. We understand that dental emergencies can happen at any time, often when least expected, and they can be painful, frightening, and disruptive to your daily life. That is why we make every effort to see emergency patients quickly, often the same day you call, and we reserve specific appointment slots in our schedule specifically for urgent cases.

Common dental emergencies we treat include severe toothaches that may indicate infection, abscess, or deep decay requiring immediate intervention; knocked-out (avulsed) permanent teeth, which require treatment within 30-60 minutes for the best chance of successful reimplantation; fractured, cracked, or broken teeth from trauma or biting on hard objects; lost fillings or crowns that leave teeth vulnerable to further damage and sensitivity; broken or ill-fitting dentures that make eating or speaking difficult; objects stuck between teeth that cannot be removed with floss; soft tissue injuries to the gums, tongue, lips, or cheeks from accidents or bites; and abscessed teeth with swelling, pus, fever, or spreading infection that can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

If you experience a dental emergency, the first step is to call our office immediately, even if it is outside regular business hours, as our voicemail system provides instructions for reaching our on-call dentist in true emergencies. When you call, describe your symptoms in detail so our staff can assess the severity and urgency of your situation and provide guidance on immediate steps to take while you are on your way to our office. For a knocked-out tooth, time is absolutely critical, so gently rinse the tooth with water without scrubbing it or touching the root, try to place it back in the socket if possible and hold it there with gauze, or if that is not possible, keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk, saliva, or emergency tooth preservation solution, and get to our office within 30 minutes if at all possible. For a severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area, use dental floss to gently remove any food particles that might be causing irritation, take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen as directed, and avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum tissue as this can cause burns. For a broken tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area, save any pieces of the broken tooth that you can find, apply gauze to any bleeding areas, use a cold compress on the outside of your face to reduce swelling, and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.

When you arrive at our office for emergency treatment, we will see you as quickly as possible and prioritize your comfort. Our first goal is always to alleviate your pain and stabilize the situation. We will perform a focused examination to determine the cause of your emergency, take X-rays if needed to assess damage or infection that is not visible clinically, discuss treatment options and develop a plan to resolve the immediate problem, and provide treatment which may include draining an abscess, performing an emergency root canal, placing a temporary or permanent restoration, reimplanting a knocked-out tooth, or extracting a tooth that cannot be saved. We offer sedation options for anxious patients or those undergoing more extensive emergency procedures. After addressing the immediate emergency, we will schedule follow-up appointments if needed to complete treatment and will provide detailed aftercare instructions including pain management, diet modifications, oral hygiene around the treated area, and signs of complications to watch for. Our goal is not just to relieve your pain but to save your tooth whenever possible and prevent complications. We accept most dental insurance plans and will file emergency claims on your behalf, and we offer payment plans for patients without insurance or for costs not covered by insurance, because we believe that financial concerns should never prevent someone from receiving urgent dental care.

Do you offer financing for dental treatment?

Yes, at East Wind Dental Care, we offer multiple financing and payment options to ensure that quality dental care is accessible and affordable for all Cedar Hills families, regardless of their financial situation. We believe that cost should never be a barrier to receiving necessary dental treatment, and we work with every patient to find a payment solution that fits their budget.

For patients with dental insurance, we accept virtually all major carriers and participate in most PPO networks. Our experienced insurance coordinators will verify your coverage before your appointment, file all claims electronically on your behalf, and work to maximize your benefits while minimizing your out-of-pocket costs. We require payment of your estimated portion at the time of service, and if your insurance pays more than anticipated, we promptly refund the difference. We also provide detailed pre-treatment estimates for major procedures so you know exactly what to expect financially before treatment begins.

For treatment costs not covered by insurance, or for patients without dental insurance, we offer several flexible payment options. We accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. We also offer financing through CareCredit, a healthcare credit card that is accepted at over 250,000 providers nationwide including our office. CareCredit provides promotional financing plans with no interest if the balance is paid in full within 6, 12, 18, or 24 months, depending on the amount financed and for qualified applicants. This allows you to break down the cost of treatment into manageable monthly payments that fit your budget without incurring interest charges as long as you pay within the promotional period. The application process is quick and easy, with approval often granted instantly either online, by phone, or in our office, and once approved, you can use your CareCredit account for family members’ dental treatment as well.

Additionally, we offer our own in-house dental membership plan specifically designed for patients without dental insurance. For a reasonable annual fee, members receive significant discounts on preventive services like exams, cleanings, and X-rays, as well as reduced fees on basic and major procedures including fillings, crowns, root canals, and even cosmetic treatments like whitening. This plan typically saves families several hundred dollars per year and provides predictable dental costs without the complexity, limitations, or frustrations often associated with traditional insurance. There are no claim forms to file, no annual maximums that limit coverage, no waiting periods for major services, and no restrictions on which dentist you can see. The plan pays for itself quickly, usually within just two preventive visits, and the savings on restorative or cosmetic procedures can be substantial.

For patients facing extensive treatment needs, we can also create phased treatment plans that prioritize the most urgent procedures first, allowing you to spread costs over time while still addressing critical issues that affect your health or function. This approach ensures you get the care you need without overwhelming your budget all at once. Before beginning any treatment, we provide a detailed written estimate that clearly outlines all costs, explains what your insurance will cover if applicable, shows your payment responsibility, and reviews all available payment options. Our financial coordinators are always available to answer questions, help you understand your insurance benefits, assist with CareCredit applications, or discuss our membership plan. We never want cost to prevent you from achieving optimal oral health, and we are committed to working with you to make quality dental care achievable regardless of your financial circumstances.

How often should I visit the dentist?

For most patients, we recommend dental checkups and professional cleanings every six months as part of a comprehensive preventive care program. This twice-yearly schedule has been the standard of care for decades because it allows dental professionals to monitor your oral health closely, detect problems in their earliest and most treatable stages, and remove plaque and tartar buildup before it causes tooth decay or gum disease. Regular preventive care is the most effective and cost-efficient approach to maintaining lifelong oral health, as catching and treating problems early almost always requires less extensive and less expensive treatment than waiting until symptoms develop.

During each six-month visit, you will receive a professional cleaning performed by one of our skilled dental hygienists. Using specialized instruments including ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments, the hygienist will carefully remove plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth, and tartar (also called calculus), which is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. The hygienist will clean all tooth surfaces including areas below the gum line where bacteria can cause periodontal disease, and will polish your teeth to remove surface stains and create a smooth surface that resists plaque accumulation. Your hygienist will also provide personalized education about proper oral hygiene techniques, discuss any areas that need extra attention, and recommend products suited to your specific needs such as electric toothbrushes, specialized floss or interdental cleaners, or therapeutic rinses.

After your cleaning, one of our dentists will perform a comprehensive examination that includes checking each tooth for signs of decay, cracks, wear, or other damage; evaluating your gums and underlying bone support for signs of periodontal disease; examining soft tissues including your tongue, cheeks, throat, and lymph nodes for abnormalities; assessing your bite relationship and temporomandibular joints for dysfunction or disorders; and performing a thorough oral cancer screening, which is especially important given that oral cancer rates have been increasing and early detection dramatically improves survival rates. We also take periodic X-rays, typically once per year for adults with healthy mouths, to visualize structures not visible during clinical examination, such as decay between teeth, bone levels around teeth, developing problems with tooth roots, and the presence and position of wisdom teeth.

However, the ideal frequency of dental visits is not the same for everyone and should be customized based on individual risk factors and oral health status. Some patients may benefit from more frequent visits every three to four months. This includes patients with a history of periodontal (gum) disease, which requires more frequent cleanings and monitoring to prevent progression and tooth loss; patients with diabetes, which increases the risk of gum disease and slows healing; patients with weakened immune systems from conditions like HIV/AIDS or cancer treatment, which makes them more susceptible to oral infections; tobacco users, who have significantly higher rates of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer; patients with a history of frequent cavities, even with good hygiene; pregnant women, due to hormonal changes that can affect gum health; and patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces, which makes thorough cleaning more challenging. Conversely, some patients with excellent oral hygiene, no history of dental disease, and very low risk factors might maintain optimal oral health with less frequent visits, though we still recommend at least annual comprehensive examinations for everyone.

Children have different needs, and we typically recommend their first dental visit by age one, then visits every six months thereafter to monitor dental development, apply preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants, and establish good oral health habits early. Ultimately, our team will work with you to determine the optimal visit frequency based on your unique situation, medical history, oral hygiene habits, and dental health status. We always focus on preventive care that keeps your smile healthy for life while being respectful of your time and budget. Regular dental visits are truly an investment in your overall health, as research has shown strong links between oral health and systemic conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections, making dental care an essential component of your overall wellness routine.

Serving Cedar Hills & Surrounding Areas

Convenient for residents of:

• Cedar Hills
• Cedar Hills Crossing area
• Cedar Mill
• Bethany
• West Slope
• Raleigh Hills
• Garden Home
• Beaverton

Directions from Cedar Hills:
From Cedar Hills Boulevard, take Cornell Road west for approximately 1.5 miles. East Wind Dental Care is on the left. Free parking available.

Cedar Hills Patient Reviews

“East Wind Dental Care has been our family dentist for over 20 years. The care is consistently excellent, and the staff treats us like family. My kids actually look forward to their dental checkups, which I never thought would be possible!”

– Michelle R., Cedar Hills

“I needed several crowns and was dreading multiple appointments. The CEREC same-day crown technology was a game-changer. All my crowns were done in single visits, they look perfect, and I saved so much time. Highly recommend!”

– James K., Cedar Hills

“The team at East Wind Dental really understands dental anxiety. They made me feel comfortable and safe during my treatment, and the results exceeded my expectations. I only wish I had not waited so long to address my dental issues.”

– Susan P., Cedar Hills

Start Your Journey to Better Dental Health

Experience the difference that personalized, comprehensive dental care can make. Whether you need a routine checkup, have a dental emergency, or want to transform your smile with cosmetic dentistry, our experienced team is here to help. Join the Cedar Hills families who have trusted East Wind Dental Care for over 30 years.

East Wind Dental Care
Your trusted Cedar Hills dentist since 1994
Phone: (503) 648-1617
Quality dental care for the whole family