FAQs
- How do I know when it is time to come in for a exam?
- My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
- Do you refer patients to specialists?
- What are "crowns in an hour?"
- My jaw pops and clicks. What's going on?
- Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials… Where can I learn more about these procedures?
- What is a cosmetic dentist?
- I want to know more about changing my smile. What do you suggest?
- How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?
- Is teeth whitening safe?
- Will you file my dental insurance claim?
- What payment methods do you accept and what are your financing options?
How do I know when it is time to come in for a exam?
We recommend that patients with good oral health schedule a exam and hygiene visit twice each year. If you need more frequent visits, we'll let you know. exams are important because even if you are not experiencing pain or problems with your teeth, we may find signs of potential problems. For instance, demineralization is a precursor to decay. Oral cancer often goes undetected until the later stages, and gum disease can be very stealthy. At your hygiene appointment, the hygienist will clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. They will take measures to ensure your gums stay healthy and strong.
My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from the patient brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep scaling procedure to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, and it has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to create significant damage to your health, so call for an assessment now. We will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!
Do you refer patients to specialists?
While we are trained and equipped to handle many dental issues in our office, when a specialist would better serve you, we'll refer you to the appropriate office. Some dental specialists include oral surgeons, periodontists (supporting structures), endodontists (internal tooth problems), orthodontists (for moving teeth), and pedodontists (for children). We refer our patients only to trusted professionals with whom we have a good rapport.
What are "crowns in an hour?"
With innovative CEREC technology, we can create custom crowns, inlays, and onlays in about an hour. This means that in just one visit, you can get a custom-made, all-white, reliable restoration. No temporary. No follow-up visit. It's that simple.
My jaw pops and clicks. What's going on?
When the jaw joints are out of alignment, you may experience clicking and popping when you open and close your mouth. Jaw joints are clinically referred to as temporomandibular joints, and when they do not function properly, the condition is known as TMJ dysfunction. Patients experience a myriad of problems, from chronic headaches, migraines, and earaches to face, head, shoulder, and neck pain. Oral function may also be inhibited, and patients with TMJ dysfunction tend to grind their teeth. Fortunately, the condition can be corrected, in most cases, with a simple oral appliance called a nightguard. As another option, the dentist can rebuild worn teeth to correct the occlusion (how upper and lower teeth fit together) and reposition the jaw joints. Sometimes stress-relieving exercises or habit changes are beneficial, as well.
Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials... Where can I learn more about these procedures?
Our patient resources is a great resource for learning about dental procedures. You can also review our services page for more information. If you have questions about these or other dental procedures, don't hesitate to call us. We would be happy to explain any aspect of your dental care or our service offerings.
What is a cosmetic dentist?
Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association, so any general dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. To choose a good cosmetic dentist, review the doctor's before-and-after photos of actual cases, ask about his or her postgraduate education in cosmetic dentistry, and make sure that you feel confident and comfortable in the office.
I want to know more about changing my smile. What do you suggest?
An appointment. Your smile and your goals are unique. We offer a wide range of cosmetic services, and after your consultation, you'll know which services will deliver the smile of your dreams.
How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?
Depending on the individual case, we may suggest porcelain veneers or Invisalign clear braces. Read more about these procedures in our services area.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Absolutely. We bet you didn't know that teeth whitening, in some form, has been around since the 1700s. Modern teeth whitening uses safe and effective hydrogen peroxide gel to lift away stains and discoloration. Choose from Zoom! Whitening in our office or convenient take-home teeth-whitening kits.
Will you file my dental insurance claim?
Yes. We gladly file out-of-network claims and accept assignment of benefits. Please expect to pay your copay at your visit. After we receive compensation from your insurance company, your bill will be adjusted accordingly, if necessary.
What payment methods do you accept and what are your financing options?
For your convenience, we accept cash, checks, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. We also work with CareCredit, so qualified applicants can enjoy interest-free or long-term payment plans.