DENTISTRY
Q. What does “painless dentistry” mean?
A: Painless Dentistry is a means of ensuring your total experience in our office is as stress-free and pain-free as possible. We will discuss treatment options that may require no local anesthetic and whenever possible, alleviate pain by the means most comfortable to you.
PHOBIA
Q: What can I do to overcome my dental phobia?
A: Yes, come in for a non-invasive, get-to-know-us visit with no exam or treatment. Have a friend/spouse accompany you to the visit. Oral sedation prior to your visit helps relax nerves. You can reward yourself after a visit for positive reinforcement.
TOOTH DISCOLORATION
Q. Can the dentist whiten my teeth?
A: There are several methods available for bleaching the teeth: in office, overnight, or daily. Brite Smile bleaching is done in our office. One session generally lasts one and a half to two hours, and you can read or relax during the treatment. For overnight bleaching, we make an impression of your teeth and create a mouth guard that fits your bite. Each day you fill the mouth guard with a small amount of bleaching gel and wear it overnight, or for a few hours during the day. The overnight bleaching process takes approximately two weeks.
GENERAL
Q. What if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth, or teeth that do not respond to normal bleaching methods?
A: Porcelain veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually and permanently attached to the fronts of your existing teeth. Bonding utilizes a composite material made of plastic to fill in areas of your teeth and correct chipping and shape problems. Both porcelain veneers and bonding are color-matched to the rest of your teeth.
Q: What should I expect during my first appointment appointment?
A: One of our staff members will compile your medical and dental history during your first visit. We will then examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, make X-rays of your teeth as needed, and complete a TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint) exam. We want our first impression to be a pleasant and not overwhelming.
After we review your dental profile, we will have our hygiene staff perform a teeth cleaning and discuss a diagnosis with you. If treatment such as a root canal (endodontics), braces (orthodontics) or oral surgery is needed, we will plan to treat you in our office or refer you to a specialist. We will discuss your options for treatment and fee payment and help you determine the best plan to fit your needs. During regular follow-up visits, we will examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, clean your teeth, and make plans for treatment as needed. We will discuss any pain or problems you may be experiencing, and answer any questions you may have.
Q: What can I do about my dark, unsightly fillings?
A: You can replace them with white composite fillings or porcelain inlays/onlays.
Q: Is there something I can do about bad breath?
A: In most cases, bad breathe is due to Periodontal “Gum Disease” and can be treated by “cleaning the teeth” or other Periodontal treatments.
Q: Do you provide dental emergency service for accidental tooth loss or injury?
A: Yes, we can generally see an emergency case immediately, typically within the next 24 business hours.
Q: Am I more susceptible to dental problems when I’m pregnant?
A: Yes, mainly gum problems, such as, Pregnancy Gingivitis due to hormonal fluctuations. In that case we recommend more frequent cleanings and increased home care.
Q: Is there anything I can do for my teeth grinding?
A: Yes, we make several different mouth guard types and also NITI muscular suppression splints help certain patients with migraines and grinding.
Q: When should I bring my baby in for his first checkup?
A: At first sign of teeth.
Q: How do I know if my gums are healthy?
A: Healthy gums do not bleed when you brush or floss. The best way to evaluate your overall gum health is to have a professional evaluation at our dental office.
Q: What causes sensitive teeth?
A: Can be caused by the following:
Gum Recession
Cavities
Fractures
Certain acidic foods
A tooth that is sensitive can sometimes indicate a nerve problem in the tooth. Some treatments for sensitive teeth are very minor, such as fluoride rinses and some are more complicated such as fillings, crowns, etc.
Q: How often should I see a dentist?
A: The American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year.
Q. Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
A. Yes. We accept many types of dental insurance and will process your claim for you upon receipt of your co-payment. We offer a zero/low interest rate payment plan with CareCredit and also accept most major credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa and Discover.
