Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
First and foremost, should you have a dental emergency or you have concerns about a dental situation that might become an emergency, let us know immediately when you first call. Otherwise your first appointment will be for a thorough exam and digital X-rays. You may have to wait if it is an emergency till we can find an opening for you that day.
Insurance or No Insurance, Is there a Difference?
We work with these financial issues every day. There is CareCredit for both of these situations. It can be interest free for a year.
First Appointment
First of all, thank you for selecting us as you dental office/team. Paper work will involve health questionnaires, previous dental history of you and your family, your dental concerns and Cosmetic needs, financially responsibilities, and required regulatory information. We can mail you these forms to save you time at the office.
Initial Exam
There is a thorough exam of the soft and hard tissues of the face and neck that are involved with chewing. It is also a Cancer Screening Exam. Depending on your X-ray history, additional digital radiographs will be taken. To save you time and unneeded appointments, a PSR Periodontal Exam will be done to determine what type of hygiene (cleaning) visit you will need. And, of course, a complete charting or existing teeth and restoration. We can schedule simple treatments or we will set you up for a free consultation for more complex issues.
Getting Your Teeth "Cleaned"
You can keep your teeth for the rest of your life. We know so much more now about how different people's gums are. And, we have very specific plans for your special needs. We have professional hygienists on staff to help get your teeth "cleaned". Your first hygiene visit will determine what type of hygiene schedule you will need to be successful.
What Is "Sleep Dentistry"?
This is the art of relaxation. How relaxed do you need to be for dental treatment? It may be as simple as a restful nights sleep and an early appointment. It may be Nitrous Oxide, Oral Sedation or a combination of the two. You sleep. We work. You don't remember. Those needing more profound anesthesia, we bring in a Dental Anesthesiologist and you become totally unaware of your surroundings.
It Hurts. What Can I Do till I Get to the Dentist?
A glass of body temperature water can sometimes take away the effects of pain cause by cold, heat, sweets or acids. In other situations, cold or heat may make it feel better. If it hurts to chew, stay away from it. Should the gums around the tooth begin to swell, see if you can work a tooth pic in between the gum and tooth to relive the pressures of infection. Over the counter pain medications can also help.
Why Won't My "Insurance" Pay for This?
Your employer chose a dental plan to fit his budget and not the standard of care for all procedures. Or this is a plan a few dentists signed up for just to "get you through the door".
Flossing and a 'Waterpik', Why?
You cannot reach the sticky films that form in between your teeth and roots with a toothbrush. These films cause decay and gum disease. Only the floss and Waterpik can reach these areas.
"My Gums Feel Fine"
90% of dental problems, you can't feel any infection or decay that is active. Waiting till you feel something is expensive, sometimes extremely uncomfortable, and can lead to tooth loss.
