Your Dental FAQs Answered!

How do you become a dentist?

A dentist is a specialist who works to diagnose, treat, and prevent problems with the health of your teeth, gums and mouth. To become a dentist, you must complete at least eight years of schooling and receive either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). After you earn a dental degree, you also have the opportunity to specialize in specific fields of dentistry. Other specializations include:

• Endodontics (root canals)
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery (including pathology, radiology, and surgery)
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
• Pediatric dentistry
• Periodontics (gum disease)
• Prosthodontics (implants)

How long has Dr. Gossler practiced dentistry?

Dr. Gossler has been a dentist for more than 34 rewarding years (and counting!), and has served the families of Puyallup for most of that time. He received a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Washington, and regularly participates in continuing education courses and holds memberships in several dental organizations. Using his numerous opportunities to learn, Dr. Gossler is committed to learning as much as he can about the advancements in the dental field to help his patients. As a dentist, Dr. Gossler loves being able to change the lives of his patients, one tooth at a time.

Do you accept dental insurance?

Yes, we do! We accept almost all insurance plans, with the exception of HMO plans. We are PPO providers for Delta Dental, Regence, Premera and Cigna, and are always willing to look at a new plan! At our office, we go many extra miles to maximize available insurance and help our patients understand their benefits. For more information, visit our financial information page!

What should I expect during my first visit to your practice?

At our Puyallup dental office, our patients are like our extended family! When you first come to our practice, you have an opportunity to meet both Dr. Gossler and our staff prior to any services to help build a trusting relationship. We also want to know what dental concerns you have, and will answer any questions you have about treatments! At our office, you will be treated with care and compassion like a member of our family.

What makes Dr. Gossler's office different than other dental practices?

At Dr. Gossler's office, our number one priority is building strong relationships with our patients. We can't put into words how tight knit and wonderful our team is, and that makes our jobs so much more enjoyable. We're unlike other dental offices in that we never rush our patients or make them feel like they have to get in and out as soon as possible. We take as much time as you need to listen to your concerns, answer your questions and provide the attention to detail that you deserve when you visit the dentist.

We strive to listen to our patients concerns, fears and desires and center our care around them. That’s why we have loyal patients who have been with us since the beginning as well as new patients who are just starting down that journey with us.

My teeth feel fine. Do I still need to see a dentist?

Your teeth may feel fine, but it’s still important to keep up your bi-yearly visits at Dr. Gossler's office because problems can happen without you knowing. Visiting our Puyallup dental office regularly not only will help keep your teeth and mouth healthy but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Visiting the dentist every six months (at least!) is important because it:

• Helps prevent tooth decay
• Protects against periodontal disease, also called gum disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss
• Prevents bad breath - brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly will help reduce the amount of bad-breath causing bacteria in your mouth
• Gives you a more attractive smile and increases your self-confidence
• Strengthens your teeth so that you can enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for the rest of your life!

At what age should I start taking my child to see the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist before his or her first birthday. During this time, your child’s baby teeth will be coming in, and your dentist can examine the health of your child’s first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months.

How often should I see the dentist?

Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or periodontal disease (gum disease) may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. Dr. Gossler will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.

What should I look for when choosing the right dentist for me?

Choosing a dentist for your family is a big decision! During your first visit, you should be able to determine if the dentist is right for you. During your appointment, ask yourself these questions:

• Is the appointment schedule convenient?
• Does the office appear to be clean and orderly?
• Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?
• Does the dental staff explain everything clearly?
• Did you receive enough information about treatment costs and next steps before you schedule your next appointment?
• Is your dentist a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), like Dr. Gossler is?

If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?

Yes! In fact, it’s even more important for patients receiving orthodontic treatment to visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

How can I take care of my teeth in between dental checkups?

• Remember to brush your teeth at leas twice times a day, and floss daily!
• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask us if you need a fluoride rinse to prevent cavities.
• Avoid foods with a lot of sugar and avoid tobacco.
• Don’t be afraid to brush your tongue. By brushing your tongue, you will remove food particles, reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria and help keep your breath fresh!
• Be sure to schedule your dental check ups every six months!

How often should I brush my teeth?

According to Dr. Gossler (and the American Dental Association!), you should brush your teeth at least two times a day. Brushing keeps your teeth, gums and mouth clean and healthy by removing bacteria that causes plaque. We also recommend using a soft bristle toothbrush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You should spend at least a minute on the top teeth and a minute on the bottom teeth, and remember to brush your tongue - it will help keep your breath smelling fresh!

When should I change my toothbrush?

Your toothbrush will eventually wear out, especially if you are brushing your teeth two times a day for two to three minutes each time. Dr. Gossler recommends that adults and children should change their toothbrush every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to read the directions, as you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently. Patients with gum disease are encouraged to change their toothbrush every four to six weeks in order to keep any bacteria from spreading. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If you’ve been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible.

How do I schedule my next checkup?

Call Dr. Gossler's practice today! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know, and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.