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 Would you like to know more about the dental services that we offer in our office? Below, we have included answers to some of the questions that we hear most often. Of course, we’re always happy to answer any other questions you have during your visits to our office.
General Information
How do the doctors keep up to date on all the current materials and techniques?
All of the doctors keep current in their fields by attending seminars and continuing education programs. As recognized experts in their field, they will actually be presenting some continuing education programs to other dentists.
Do you accept referrals?
Yes, we welcome referrals from other dentists and from our patients. Many
of our patients come to us because they've been referred by a
relative, friend or neighbor.
What different payment options do you provide?
We work very hard to help you fit the dental care you want into your budget.
Your payment options include cash, check, or credit card. We also offer
some extended payment plans, including Dental
Fee Plan, CareCredit and
Unicorn. If you have
dental insurance, we will be glad to file any paperwork required
for predetermination or for reimbursement.
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A Beautiful New Smile
Can you show me ahead of time what my smile can look like?
Yes, we can! When you come in for an appointment, we can integrate your
photo into the computer. Then, right in front of your eyes, we'll
use computer software to transform your image to give you the smile you'd
like.
What is smile design?
Once you’ve made the commitment to a new smile, we start the smile design process. It involves taking complete dental records on you, including diagnostic wax models of your mouth. We work from these models and from more detailed computer images to show you how we can achieve your new beautiful new smile.
Crowns, veneers, onlays and inlays—where can I get more information about these procedures?
We have included a library of short articles on this website where you can get more information about these and other topics. We’ll also be glad to answer any questions you may have.
I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes off or breaks?
Call our office immediately and we’ll advise you on how to proceed. We will probably ask you to come in to the office so we can replace or restore the temporary.
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Periodontal Disease
Why do I have gum disease?
It’s not necessarily because you didn’t brush and floss enough. There’s a strong hereditary component in gum disease; although it’s a very common disease, some people get it and some people don’t. There are some risk factors for gum disease that you can control, however. If you smoke, stop. If you have diabetes, keep it under control.
Will periodontal treatment hurt?
The majority of people have minimal discomfort during and after procedures. Our patients usually tell us that it wasn’t nearly as bad as they thought it was going to be.
In addition, the benefits of periodontal treatment far outweigh whatever discomfort you might experience.
How long will the treatment take?
Periodontal therapy is ongoing care. We can provide appropriate therapy throughout your life, depending on your needs.
Why did I never know before that I had periodontal disease?
There’s no pain associated with periodontal disease in the majority of cases. You may notice bleeding gums, a bad taste in your mouth or a foul odor coming from your mouth, but because you don’t have pain, your periodontal disease can go undiagnosed or under-treated unless you get appropriate help.
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Dental Implants
Why should I replace missing teeth?
When you’re missing teeth, it’s harder for you to eat and speak properly. You put an increased burden on your remaining teeth, which begin shifting to fill the space. This causes problems with your bite, making it hard for you to chew properly. When teeth are missing, you may get jaw or muscle pain.
Missing teeth can affect your appearance both in the short term and the long term. Not only will you have unsightly gaps in your smile, you’ll begin to lose the bone in your jaw, which can make you look older.
Replacing missing teeth is the best way to maintain your long-term oral health. Fortunately, today’s dental implant surgery provides an effective way to replace lost teeth.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a tiny post or screw that is surgically inserted into your jawbone to hold a replacement tooth or teeth. The implants are made of titanium; once they are in place, the bone of your jaw bonds with the metal to provide a secure and stable anchor for your replacement teeth. A dental implant functions like the root of your natural tooth, allowing your replacement teeth to look and feel more natural.
Dental implants also help prevent bone loss in your gum, which helps you keep a more youthful appearance.
What if I'm missing all my upper and lower teeth?
Dental implants can be used to anchor both upper and lower dentures. There are several different implant options available. We would be glad to review them with you.
What can I use for teeth while I'm waiting for my dental
implant to heal?
We will do everything possible to make sure that you do not have to go
without a tooth or teeth. We can suggest several options, including temporary
removable teeth (a bridge) or a transitional implant. If you're missing
all your teeth, your current dentures may be modified or we can create
temporary dentures for you.
The best choice for you will depend on your particular situation. We will be glad to discuss the various options with you.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
Most of our patients have reported that they do not experience significant pain after they’ve had dental implant surgery. We will provide you with appropriate medications to help you manage any pain that you do have after you’ve had a dental implant procedure.
How long will dental implants last?
With proper care and periodic dental exams, your implants can last a very long time. Long-term success rates are very high.
What does dental implant treatment cost?
Before you begin your dental implant treatment, we’ll make every effort to give you an accurate estimate of your costs. There will be an initial charge for your diagnostic workup, as well as charges for the cost of the implant surgery, any bone or soft tissue grafting procedures needed, the support posts and any replacement teeth (permanent or temporary) that will go on top of them. If you need additional work before your implant surgery begins, and you have to see different doctors within our practice, you will be charged for the visits to each doctor separately.
We will do everything possible to help make dental implant procedures affordable for you, including determining any benefits you may have under third-party insurance plans.
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