When you arrive for your visit, one of our friendly staff members will greet you with a smile! We have created a comfortable environment where you can feel confident in the level of dental treatment you receive. This appointment will help us get acquainted with each other and will also allow us to learn about your goals and desires for your oral health care, forging a foundation for a healthy and long-lasting relationship.

Depending on the nature and needs of your first appointment, it may generally last anywhere from 40-60 minutes. Initially, we will review your past medical and dental histories and address any immediate concerns you may have. Generally, an exam will be performed and appropriate x-rays will be taken to allow our clinical team to examine the status of your oral health. This will include an examination of your jaw, teeth, any cavities, or any present infections. In addition, a general oral cancer screening will be performed as well as an exam of your TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint), if indicated. If there are no immediate concerns, we in most cases, will also clean your teeth during this visit. After we review our findings, we will create your dental profile. This will include an outline of your current oral and dental health.  Based on your needs and desires, a customized treatment plan will be developed that provides for your optimal oral and dental health care. We will also discuss the risks, benefits, and alternative options to any proposed treatment recommendations. In most cases, we plan to treat and care for you in our offices, however sometimes a referral to an outside specialist will be necessary.

At the conclusion of your visit, our caring and knowledgeable staff will make sure to answer any questions you may have and properly schedule you for any follow-up care. You will leave our office armed with the proper information to better help you care for your teeth and gums.

Please assist us by providing the following information before or at the time of your visit:

• Any x-rays taken by a previous dentist, if applicable.
• A list of medications you are presently taking.
• If you have dental insurance, bring your insurance information. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.

Please find our New Patient Forms here. Please click to download, complete, sign, and bring them with you to your appointment.

IMPORTANT: All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to treatment (i.e., diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, etc.) or if you are currently taking any medication (i.e., heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy such as coumadin, etc.).

X-Rays

If your dentist or physician has taken x-rays, you may request that they forward them to our office. If there is not enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office. This will allow us to care for you in a more comprehensive and efficient manner. If additional x-rays are necessary, they can be taken at our facility.

THANK YOU

We want to thank you for visiting! Please explore the rest of the Cornerstone Dental website to learn more about our office and all the exceptional services we provide our patients! See how we can help you “Love Your Smile!”

Contact Us Today

The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form below. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment. If you are an existing patient, this contact form should not be utilized for communicating private health information.

Interested? Complete the form below and we will contact you today! Or feel free to call us at Cornerstone Dental LLP Phone Number 585-865-7030 or 585-334-8350.

In order to deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients, we require payment at the time services are rendered, unless other arrangements have been made in advance. We will work with you to maximize your insurance reimbursements and for your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover. We also offer in-house payment options as well as third-party payment options such as Care Credit and Lending Club.

Most insurance companies will respond within four to six weeks. Please call our office if your statement does not reflect your insurance payment within that time frame. Any remaining balance after your insurance has paid is your responsibility. Your prompt remittance is appreciated. Payment arrangements can be made, but this must be done prior to any actual procedures being performed. 

If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us at Cornerstone Dental LLP Phone Number 585-865-7030 or at 585-334-8350. Many times, a simple telephone call will clear any misunderstandings.

Please remember that you are ultimately responsible for all fees charged by our offices regardless of your insurance coverage. Cornerstone Dental maintains a “no balances carried” policy and full payment is due in a timely fashion.

At Cornerstone Dental, we make every effort to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this we work hand-in-hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures. However, because insurance policies vary, we can only estimate your coverage in good faith and cannot guarantee coverage due to the complexities of insurance contracts. As a service to our patients, we will bill insurance companies for services provided, however, it is ultimately your responsibility to see that the entire balance is paid-in-full regardless of any insurance reimbursements. Your estimated patient portion is expected to be paid at the time services are rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If you have any concerns or questions, please ask our courteous staff. They are well informed, up-to-date, and ready to help. They can be reached by phone at Cornerstone Dental LLP Phone Number 585-865-7030 or 585-334-8350.

Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your visit.

Please bring your insurance information with you so that we can efficiently expedite reimbursement.

PRECISION DENTISTRY

When you seek care at our offices, be assured that our doctors and staff are utilizing the latest in advanced technology to enhance the comfort, quality, and fit for your dental care.

Our doctors and hygienists use loupes (magnifying glasses) fitted with an LED light to enhance the precision of patient care. Optimized visibility allows our hygienists the ability to remove the smallest amount of tartar and our doctors to deliver restorations with an incredibly precise fit.

Additionally, our doctors use state-of-the-art air-driven “hand-pieces” (the dental term for “drills”). Dentistry is micro-surgery and for the most precise aspects of restorative procedures, this results in extraordinarily precise interfaces between your tooth and your new restoration (crown, veneer, or filling). With more precise tools, there is less vibration, less noise, and increased comfort. 

We keep abreast of all the latest that dentistry has to offer. Please visit the rest of our website to see all that Cornerstone Dental has to offer and learn how dentistry at Cornerstone Dental can change your life.

DIGITAL IMAGING / DIGITAL X-RAYS

Our doctors and staff utilize digital imaging technologies within our offices. With digital radiographs (x-rays), exposure time is about 50% less when compared to traditional radiographs, resulting in about 1/6th the radiation exposure. Additionally, digital radiographs offer more precision since the images are viewed on a high resolution computer monitor.

We choose carefully when and which radiographs are taken and there are many guidelines that we follow. Digital dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health and allow us to see everything we cannot see with just our eyes, such as the smallest cavities starting between teeth. Additionally, they can help us analyze bone levels and bone health. We can also examine the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnose pathology and lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assess damage when trauma occurs.

Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information quickly and easily, allows us to store many patient images, and enables us to quickly and easily transfer them to specialists, labs, and insurance companies.

LASER DENTISTRY

For patients who do not look forward to needles, drilling, or numbness, Laser Dentistry may be the right choice.

Laser dentistry is one of dentistry’s latest advances. The laser delivers energy in the form of light. Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a “target.” In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, decay, gum tissue, or whitening enhancers. Each one absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting others. Laser dentistry can be used for both tooth and soft tissue related procedures. For soft tissue (surgical) procedures it eliminates the need for suturing and healing is much faster. In some cases, laser surgical procedures may be more comfortable for patients.  

Lasers can also be used to diagnose cavities. They can find hidden decay in teeth in early stages, and in some cases the decay can be reversed through hygiene and fluoride treatment and may never need filling.

Areas of dental care that benefit from laser technology:

• Cavity diagnosis and removal
• Curing, or hardening, bonding materials
• Whitening teeth
• Periodontal, or gum related, care
• Pediatric procedures
• Apthous Ulcer treatment (canker sore)
• Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) without anesthesia or sutures
• Root canals and apicoectomies
• Crown lengthening, gingivectomy and other gum corrections

Dental lasers have been shown to be safe and effective for treating both children and adults.

INTRA-ORAL CAMERA

Many patients, especially younger patients, are very familiar with the latest technologies and are comfortable with the high-tech practice. Computers and TV screens are their primary method of information processing.

Our Offices utilize both Extra-Oral and Intra-Oral Camera technology that helps enhance your understanding of your diagnosis. An Intra-oral Camera is a very small camera – in some cases, just a few millimeters long. It can allow our practice to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums, in order for us to accurately make a diagnosis. With clear, defined, enlarged images, you see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations. This can mean faster diagnosis with less chair-time for you!

Intra-oral cameras also enable our practice to save your images to your file to provide a permanent record of findings and treatments. These images can be printed for you, other specialists, and labs or insurance companies.

CEREC

Our office uses the latest technology in CAD-CAM design and fabrication of various dental restorations. 

What is CEREC? CEREC is an acronym…

• Chairside: The technology is in the dental operatory and used while you are in the chair
• Economical: The procedure is economical for both dentist and patient
• Restorations: The procedure restores your tooth to its natural beauty, function, and strength
• Esthetic: The restorations are metal-free and tooth-colored
• Ceramic: High-strength ceramics are used that are close in composition to your natural tooth structure.

Please click here for more information on CEREC and “Same-Day-Dentistry.”

This area is intended to help provide some helpful information regarding your oral and dental health. 

Visit the following links for A-Z information on everything teeth and for answers to your oral and dental health questions: 

• Mouth Healthy
• Know Your Teeth

The link below provides fun, interactive, and helpful ideas on how to get your kids to brush and floss:

• 2min 2x

HOW AND WHY ORAL HYGIENE IS SO IMPORTANT

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to periodontal or gum disease than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. Additionally, good oral hygiene and oral health are paramount to maintaining overall health!

Periodontal disease and tooth decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. This plaque constantly forms on your teeth and if not removed, allows harmful bacteria to build up leading to long-term ailments such as cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.

A good oral and dental care routine and regular check ups will help to minimize this bacterial plaque and help to prevent inflammation, infection, decay, and ultimately, tooth loss, keeping your mouth and you healthier.  

HOW TO BRUSH

Dr. Palermo, Dr. Malatesta, Dr. Valerio, Dr. Molisani, Dr. Geminiani, Dr. Goodyear or Dr. White recommend using a soft electric tooth brush. Position the brush at a 45 degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort.

When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside surfaces of the teeth.

To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don’t forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue.

Next you will clean the biting surfaces of your teeth by using short, gentle strokes. Change the position of the brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. Try to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface. After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque you might have loosened while brushing.

HOW TO FLOSS

Cavities and periodontal disease usually appear between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.

Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about 18” long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand.

To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss to the gum line then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth. Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Continue to floss each side of all the upper teeth. Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. As the floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to get a fresh section.

To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands.

Do not forget the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower.

When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.

CHOOSING ORAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

There are so many products on the market it can become confusing and choosing between all the products can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for choosing dental care products that will work for most patients.

Automatic and “high-tech” electronic toothbrushes are safe and highly effective for the majority of patients. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator. We see excellent results with all electric toothbrushes. Some examples are Oral-B and Sonicare. 

Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle, this is used to massage the gums after brushing. There are also tiny brushes (interproximal toothbrushes) that clean between your teeth. If these are used improperly you could injure the gums, so discuss proper use with your doctor.

Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, if used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, can reduce tooth decay as much as 40%. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age. Tartar control toothpastes will reduce tartar above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gum line so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stage of gum disease.

Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the American Dental Association, contain agents that may help bring early gum disease under control. Use these in conjunction with brushing and flossing.

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental calculus to a minimum, but a professional cleaning will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. Your visit to our office is an important part of your program to prevent gum disease. Let us help you “Love your Smile!” for your lifetime.

YOUR CHILD’S FIRST VISIT

The first “regular” dental visit should be just after your child’s third birthday. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment, if any. It is mainly a meet and greet to allow your child to get accustomed to our office. We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the brief examination and you may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that we may begin to build a relationship with your child.

At this first visit, we will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY CHILD ABOUT THE FIRST DENTAL VISIT?

We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.

During your first visit the dentist will:

• Examine your mouth, teeth and gums.
• Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking.
• Check to see if you need fluoride.
• Teach you about cleaning your teeth and gums.
• Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.

WHAT ABOUT PREVENTATIVE CARE?

Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. When indicated, we use the latest in dental sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.

CAVITY PREVENTION

Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing. Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. The longer it takes your child to chew their food and the longer the residue stays on their teeth, the greater the chances of getting cavities.

Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities.

Consistency of a person’s saliva also makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn allows more of the acid-producing bacteria that can cause cavities.

The first baby teeth that come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. You will notice this when your baby is about 6-8 months old. Next to follow will be the 4 upper front teeth and the remainder of your baby’s teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about 2 1/2 years old.

At around 2 1/2 years old your child should have all 20 teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6 the first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth and some don’t. Don’t worry if some teeth are a few months early or late as all children are different.

Baby teeth are important as they not only hold space for permanent teeth but they are important to chewing, biting, speech and appearance. For this reason it is important to maintain a healthy diet and daily hygiene.