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Frequently Asked Questions

We want to provide you with answers to some of our most common patient questions. Contact us if you don’t find the answers you’re looking for. We want you to feel comfortable in knowing about your dental health.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is the best way to replace a missing or lost tooth. A dental implant is made of 3 sections. A titanium root and an abutment that screws into the titanium root and a crown that is placed over the abutment. It is a long lasting and fixed solution for a missing tooth. It is permanent and no one will know the tooth is missing.

What causes bad breath?

There can be several causes of bad breath. Teeth and gums that are infected with bacteria give off a bad odor. Simply brushing may not be enough to remove the infected tissue in the mouth. Often times a professional cleaning is necessary to remove the bacteria which is the source of the infection.
Another source of bad breath can be the stomach. Eating foods that have a lingering smell can leave the stomach with chemicals that can be noticed for a long time after eating.

Do you take my Insurance?

We are providers for most dental insurance companies. If you have a question about your insurance give us a call. Our dental insurance expert will research your plan and let you know your benefits.

What type of toothbrush should I use?

Plaque is not hard to remove if any tooth brush is used properly. Be sure to brush every surface of your teeth from the gums to the top of your tooth. Soft toothbrushes work as well as hard toothbrushes and they are less likely to damage gums with too much force. Electric toothbrushes are a great way to quickly reach every tooth surface with gently mechanical action to remove plaque.

How often should I see a dentist?

The recommended time to visit the office is 2 times a year. Some people with excellent home care and healthy teeth can go less often but small problems can become large problems if you wait too long to be seen.

Why do I need X-rays?

Decay in a tooth is often not visible in the mouth. Some decay is found between the teeth and can only be seen with an x-ray. Modern day digital radiographs are extremely low in radiation and are safe to use when needed.

Do I need to floss?

Bacteria and food collect between the teeth in areas that cannot be reached with a toothbrush. Flossing is the only way to remove bacteria and food from between your teeth. Waxed floss or unwaxed floss work equally well.

How long do I need to wait for an appointment?

We do our best to be available for emergencies the same day you call. Depending on your schedule it may take a few more days to see you for a preventive visit.

When do I need a specialist referral?

We are skilled in a number of dental procedures but sometimes a more challenging treatment is best handled by a doctor that has extra training in a certain area of dentistry. We will determine the skill level required and refer you to our trusted specialist. We use them frequently and trust the level of care that they provide.

Why People Love Cottonwood Family Dental

  • Dr. Downing is great! My husband had to get an emergency root canal and was able to get an appointment the same day. He had a great experience and I am now switching to Dr. Downing as well.

    Kenna

  • Yes, I have been going to Cottonwood Dental for years. I’ve always had an excellent experience. Dr. Downing got me through a surprise tooth extraction very smoothly. I was in tears because I was not expecting that, but everyone comforted me through it. I love going to a dental office with friendly people surrounding me. I have confidence that my dental needs will always be excellently cared for by Dr Downing and his staff.

    Pamela

    • What a great team. As a new patient, I needed care as soon as possible and they were great to get me in quickly. In fact, within a day of my initial call. They made me feel at ease, were friendly and humorous. The office was clean, comfortable and equipped with what seemed to be the most advanced tools… which makes procedures quicker and as comfortable as can be. I would recommend them for sure!

    Misty

  • What a great office! In and out for a crown prep in less than one hour. All of the staff was friendly and just wonderful to work with.

    Amber

    • Friendly and knowledgeable staff put me at ease (I have really bad anxiety when it comes to the dentist) . The facility is absolutely beautiful and comes with an array of comfort options. Netflix, Pandora radio, and weighted blankets. And even the checkout was a pleasant experience, as they explained the expenses and what the insurance would cover, putting me at ease so I could financially plan for the year.

    Hillary

  • Cottonwood Family Dental was very helpful to schedule me in quickly with a broken filling. They are open Saturday’s which is great for my busy schedule.

    Brinna

    • I had an appointment with them yesterday and they were absolutely by far the best dental office I have ever been to. The staff was amazing, everyone was super sweet!!! And telling everyone I know about them. Thanks for an amazing experience.

    Morgan

  • I had my first appointment today for a cleaning and checkup. The staff is extremely nice and accommodating. They really listen and address your concerns and offer a variety of options when it comes to treatments. They also have a lot of comfort items available such as neck pillows, blankets, and TVs to watch while you’re getting work done. I’m very impressed and happy with Cottonwood Family Dental. Definitely Recommend!

    Kaitlin

    • I had my third apt with Cottonwood Family Dental today. I’m extremely impressed with their attention to detail when I receive my teeth cleanings. They’re efficient, gentle, and I always leave feeling so good about my teeth. Every staff member I’ve interacted with has been so friendly and wonderful. I’m happy and so are my teeth.

    Alexi

  • I always look forward to going to the dentist now that I go to Cottonwood Family Dental. They make it very comfortable and have a pleasant environment. They are very friendly and care for their patients. I had some crowns done and they are absolutely beautiful. They take pride in the work they do and it shows.

    Jane

Cottonwood Family Dental
6095 Fashion Blvd.
Suite 200
Murray, UT 84107