Frequently Asked Questions

What is minimal sedation?

Conscious sedation is a drug-induced state of reduced awareness. It is not sleep - patients have the ability to respond to us during the procedure, although many have a decreased memory of their dental visit. Every person is affected differently, but for many patients this is a great option to help reduce apprehension about dental work.

Can dentists help treat Sleep Apnea?

Yes! Custom-made oral appliances can reposition the tongue and lower jaw to sit forward during sleep to maintain an open airway. Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine know how to select, fabricate, fit and adjust these devices, which look like mouth guards, to help patients breathe freely during sleep.

Note: Dentists are not permitted to diagnose sleep apnea. Physicians or accredited sleep centers should diagnosis this disorder. Contact us for more information, or go to the website for the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

I want whiter teeth! What are my options?

Loftus Dental offers three options for brighter, whiter teeth Custom-made oral appliances.

Professional Strength Crest Strips
Nite White custom bleaching trays
Luma in-office whitening

Results depend on the option you choose, but you may see an improvement as quickly as the same day. Please contact us for an evaluation to determine if bleaching is appropriate for you.

Can gum disease really affect my overall health?

Absolutely. Dental health is vital to your overall well-being! Research shows individuals with gum disease have triple the risk for heart attacks, and twice the risk of stroke. It may also be difficult for people with gum disease to control diabetes, ulcers, and respiratory disease.

What can I do to replace missing teeth?

The options vary depending on the location and number of teeth missing:

If you are missing a single tooth, a dental implant may be the treatment of choice. This treatment takes place over the course of a few months and involves the placement of a titanium post (implant) into the jaw bone, covered with a crown. This option does not alter the teeth next to the implant.
Another way to replace a single missing tooth is with a fixed bridge. As the name implies, the bridge is attached to teeth (abutments) on either side of the space with the “pontic” in the center.
If too many teeth are missing, it may be necessary to consider a removable partial denture. There are several types that can be made to ensure comfort and improve appearance.

I want straighter teeth, but don’t want metal braces! Now what?

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth – please contact us to schedule a free consultation.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes. Both our Rapid City and Sturgis offices are welcoming new patients. Children, adults, and seniors are welcome!

I’ve never been seen in your office before and I only want to get my teeth cleaned. Is that possible?

No. By law, the doctor must prescribe treatment for you. Studies show approximately 75% of adults over age 35 and 50% of adults over age 18 have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. At your initial exam, our doctors carefully evaluate your periodontal health to ensure you receive the proper treatment.

Isn’t orthodontic treatment (braces) just for appearance?

Absolutely not! Orthodontic treatment can improve both your smile and your overall health. Poorly aligned teeth or jaws, in both children and adults, affect the ability to speak clearly and chew properly. We feel our patients deserve beautiful smiles, healthy jaw joints and the ability to breathe freely. Dr. Ron Loftus and Dr. TJ Loftus are both general dentists with many years of orthodontic treatment experience. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.

Why is it important to have an exam and x-rays routinely?

Can’t I skip the x-rays, maybe only doing them every 5-6 years?

X-rays are the only way to see decay between back teeth and verify the health of the bone supporting your teeth.

Routine exams are also critical, as x-rays may not be able to detect the earliest signs of tooth decay. It is important for the dentist to look at areas around existing fillings or crowns, as the metal in those types of restorations block the x-ray. Without a clinical examination, the dentist and hygienist cannot evaluate the health of the gum tissue to diagnose periodontal disease or oral cancer.