FAQs

A. Periodontal maintenance is gum therapy done after a quad scale is complete. This type of cleaning takes the place of a regular prophy and is generally done more frequently (every 3 or 4 months) to keep the gums healthy.

A. Bleeding gums can be one of the earliest signs of gum disease and is generally associated with the presence of bacteria found in dental plaque. These irritants lead to inflammation, redness and bleeding. Regular dental cleanings and improved homecare, including flossing, will usually clear the symptoms.

A. X-rays allow us to see areas of the mouth not visible with a clinical examination alone – specifically between the teeth and under gum tissue. This allows us to check for interproximal decay and the level of bone.

A. Routine cleanings are an essential part of the maintenance of optimal oral heath. Tartar buildup, plaque and other irritants are removed from the teeth and gum line. Poor oral health has been closely linked to many medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.

A. If you are not due for new x-rays, then your last x-rays can be used to diagnose your current dental status. There are many instances where we may want additional x-rays to follow a pre-existing concern or address a new problem. While your last dentist can relay information, he or she may not be apprised of your current situation.

A. If, in fact, you have been under routine dental care, then a regular dental cleaning can usually be done on the first visit. However, many new patients are most likely off a regular cleaning schedule and in many cases require a more comprehensive cleaning, which does require more time. We always place our highest priority on customizing treatment to fit our individual patients’ needs.

A. Nitrous oxide is an inhalant used to reduce anxiety and apprehension. It usually starts working within the first couple of minutes. Most patients like to use it for the entire procedure, while some may opt to use it for only the numbing or drilling. After dental work is completed, we have you breathe 100% oxygen for about 10 minutes to clear the nitrous oxide from your system. Once you are feeling back to normal, you will be dismissed and it is safe for you to resume your normal activities such as driving, work or school.

A. Root canals are necessary when the dental pulp becomes involved. Tooth decay, tooth breakage and trauma are the most common causes. A root canal (or endodontic therapy) involves the removal of the nerve and blood supply from the tooth and the placement of a permanent material within the pulp chamber. If damaged pulp is left untreated pain, infection and swelling will result.

A. If possible, it should be immediately put back in place and you should get to your dentist’s office as soon as possible. Failure to do so will lead to tooth drift and can sometimes result in the crown no longer fitting. If you are unable to see your dentist immediately, then fixodent® or another over-the-counter dental cement can be used to secure it in place until you can.

A. Depending on the type of anesthetic, anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours after the injection. However, the duration can differ among individuals due to age, body metabolism and the amount given.

A. Our office accepts and will gladly file any dental insurance you have. We are also preferred providers for most dental plans, which will benefit you and your family. You may wish to call your insurance provider to confirm that our office is listed as a preferred provider for your plan. This will ensure that your out-of-pocket costs are kept to a minimum and the dental benefits you pay for are adequately and efficiently used. Some patients have dual insurance plans, which we will be glad to help you with. Your insurance companies will require you to establish coordination of benefits. This involves a call to them each year to verify that you have two insurance policies before they will pay any claims. There are some policies that will never pay as a secondary provider if your primary dental insurance pays.

A. Normally we require the patient portion on the day your dental work is started. Each of our scheduling specialists will take the time to go over, in detail, what your suggested treatment plan will be and what this means to you financially. If you need additional payment options, they will go over those plans with you. We will also offer phased treatments to work with your budgetary needs. We recommend care credit® as a long-term no-interest payment option.