Frequently Asked Questions
It’s been a long time since I’ve visited the dentist. Are you accepting new patients and what do I need to do?
You’re not alone! Whether it’s been 6 months or 6 years, it’s never too late to get back into the routine.
We are currently accepting new patients; call or email our Patient Services who can arrange for you to have a thorough and educational exam appointment. We’re here to help and provide you with a positive experience!
At what age should children be seen by the dentist?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), children should see a dentist once their very first teeth appear, or no later than their first birthdays. This will help you and the dentist monitor their oral health, growth and allow your child to get used to going to the dentist.
If children are seeing a pediatric dentist, they should transition to a family dental practice in their teens.
What does Preferred Provider mean in Dentistry?
A Dental PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) provides dental care to its members through a network of dentists who sign a contract to offer discounted fees to its plan members. You can use dentists out of the PPO's network and the insurance will still reimburse the discounted fee for the services rendered – this doesn’t necessarily mean you will pay an additional amount yourself if the office fees are scheduled similar to the network’s fees. Regardless if you are in network, all offices need to comply with your insurance's restrictions.
What do you mean by “connecting oral health with overall health”?
Your mouth is the window to your overall health. Problems in your mouth can be a sign of a variety of health conditions, including vitamin deficiencies, osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Learn about any symptoms that should be discussed with your general practitioner.
What should I expect in a new patient exam?
When you check in at the front desk, you will be greeted by our Patient Services who will confirm all your information.
You will then be seen by the dental hygienist who will review your health and begin the diagnostic record taking. We will take intraoral photos and X-rays.
Your chart will be updated to reflect the existing condition inside your mouth -condition of teeth, restorations and whether there are any areas of decay to bring to the dentist’s attention. They will assess your gums to evaluate the periodontal condition.
If your periodontal health is normal, the hygienist will complete a prophylaxis cleaning–which is a thorough removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth and beneath your gumline.
Lastly, you will meet the doctor to finish your complete examination and discuss any concerns, chief complaints, and treatment needs. If treatment is needed, a plan is created and reviewed in depth. Financial considerations will be discussed, and future appointments will be scheduled.
How much radiation do I get from a dental x-ray and how does it compare to other medical procedures?
The radiation you would receive from a traditional film dental x-ray is very low. Today, with non-film digital x-rays available, the radiation is reduced by an additional 90%.
What are my options for whitening my teeth?
We have two options. If you decide to whiten at home, we can make custom whitening trays for you. You will be given whitening gel to place in your trays to wear for about 1-2 hours a day until desired whitening shade is achieved.
If you decide to whiten in our office, you will have whitening gel light cured for about 1 1/2 hours on your teeth and leave the same day with results!
What can I do to fix or replace a missing tooth?
You may wonder why replacing a tooth is necessary at all. What’s important to understand is that a missing tooth can initiate a whole series of undesirable, even harmful, consequences. For example, your chewing habits will likely be adversely affected, and, your other teeth may shift to fill in the gap caused by the missing tooth, leading to bite problems.
Your options for replacing a missing tooth will depend on where the tooth gap is located. The most common recommendations for replacing a missing tooth include a bridge, a partial denture, or a dental implant. Each of these options has specific pros and cons, which can be discussed with your dentist.
What sedation options do you provide in your office?
We offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation options in our office. Nitrous oxide is commonly known as “laughing gas.” You inhale nitrous oxide through a mask or nosepiece, and calming effects begin within three to five minutes. Oral sedation involves taking a pill before the dental appointment. The effects of oral sedation vary depending on the dose. Generally, you’ll experience significant drowsiness and may even fall asleep during the procedure.