Practice Information

Our regular office hours are:
Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The office is closed on Friday and weekends as well as major holidays. It is also closed at times when Dr. Mathews and the team are attending continuing education programs to keep abreast of the latest developments in dentistry. Our answering machine and this website are available twenty-four hours every day.

For Dr. Mathews to leave the treatment room to answer every telephone call would obviously be unfair to the patient being treated. The office staff has been trained to answer most of your questions. If they are unable to answer your questions, arrangements will be made to have your call returned.

Our dental office meets or exceeds all government-required standards for sterilization. This is yet another way we strive to assure your visit with us a positive and healthy one.

We enjoy seeing children in our office, and we strive to make their visits positive and enjoyable. We strongly advise that children have their first dental checkup at three years of age. If your child is due for his or her first visit to the dentist, please feel free to ask any of our staff members for suggestions to make the initial visit a positive experience.

Many parents wonder if it is best to accompany their children in the treatment rooms for their appointment. In our office we have found that children are less distracted and more cooperative when the parents remain in the reception area. We always ask the parents to join us for a short consultation at the completion of each visit.

Our office operates on an appointment basis. We are open to schedule an appointment during the following hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
The office is closed each day between 1 p.m.–2 p.m. for lunch.

Our answering machine is on 24/7 if you would like to leave a message, and our e-mail is available through this website 24/7 for your convenience.

Your scheduled appointment time has been reserved specifically for you. Please try to arrive a few minutes early for your appointments so we can assure all is in order for your treatment. We are aware that occasionally unforeseen events require missing an appointment; however, after missing your second appointment without notifying us in advance, you will be subject to an additional fee. We request that you contact our office at least two working days prior to your appointment if a change is necessary.

We reserve a limited time each day for emergency patients. If you have a problem requiring emergency treatment, please call as early in the day as possible.

In order to detect disease in the oral cavity, it is recommended that regular X-rays are taken. In our practice, there are a variety of dental X-rays used for different purposes.

Bitewing X-rays show decay between the teeth and are usually recommended once every twelve months; however, children within the decay-prone years may need bitewing X-rays taken once every six months.

Panoramic X-rays help detect bone diseases, wisdom teeth problems, and abnormalities of the teeth and jaw; they are recommended every three to five years.

Full mouth X-rays show each tooth in detail and help evaluate gum, bone, and nerve diseases; they are recommended in particular situations every three to five years.

Finally there is the single periapical X-ray that is taken, as needed, on a single tooth in which problems are suspected. In order to minimize radiation exposure, enhance visibility, and increase portability, we have digital X-ray technology available for most of these X-rays. Digital X-rays reduce radiation exposure between fifty to ninety percent as compared to conventional dental X-rays. If you need further information, please contact us.

Our office does offer Nitrous Oxide, or laughing gas, to patients who request it.

Nitrous Oxide is a clear, odorless gas which can facilitate in patient relaxation. It is most commonly used in conjunction with local anesthetic while doing procedures, but it can also be used alone for preventive appointments. The body systems are usually clear of nitrous oxide after five minutes of breathing pure oxygen; therefore, driving after receiving nitrous oxide is rarely a problem.

Nitrous Oxide is frequently used on children because it is generally safe and helps reduce unnecessary movement.

If you are interested in this additional relaxant, please call our office for more information.