Frequently Asked Questions
The Answers You Need
- Will you care for my entire family?
- Does your office use lasers?
- What is a digital X-ray, and how is it different from traditional X-rays?
- How does the doctor keep up to date on current techniques, technology, and materials in dentistry?
- What is a cosmetic dentist?
- Is teeth whitening safe?
- What are crowns in an hour?
- I avoid dental visits because of anxiety…is this normal? Can you help?
- My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
- What are your payment and financing options and will my insurance cover my dental work?
Q) Will you care for my entire family?
A) Absolutely. We enjoy creating gorgeous, healthy smiles for patients of any age. If we find that your child – or you, for that matter – would benefit from seeing a specialist, we'll refer to a trusted colleague. Some children deal with dental appointments better at a pedodontist's office, that's what a children's dentist is called. We also refer patients who have extensive dental needs, like advanced periodontitis or problematic root canals, to specialist for optimal care. As a general dentist office, our preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services include treatments suitable for patients of all ages.
Q) Does your office use lasers?
A) We use many kinds of lasers for precise, comfortable dentistry… DIAGNOdent is our cavity-detection laser. It will scan your teeth to find decay and areas prone to decay, and you won't be subjected to an inspection of your teeth with a traditional dental hook.
Our soft-tissue laser allows us to treat gum disease, perform crown lengthening, reduce gum tissue for esthetics, and do biopsies. You will need no stitches after laser surgery, and bleeding is minimal. Most patients recover more quickly after laser surgery than they do following traditional surgery.
Our hard tissue laser removes decay. We can also do bone grafts and cosmetic tooth recontouring with this laser.
Q) What is a digital X-ray, and how is it different from traditional X-rays?
A) When compared to traditional radiography, digital X-rays emit 90-percent less radiation. Detailed images are immediately available for view on a chairside monitor in the operatory. We can transfer digital X-rays and photographs quickly via the Internet to insurance companies and specialists, as well. Digital X-rays require no hazardous developing chemicals, so they're earth friendly!
Q) How does the doctor keep up to date on current techniques, technology, and materials in dentistry?
A) Our dentist and team take more than the state's requirement for continuing education each year. We also read trade journals, attend professional association meetings, and do everything we can to keep in tune with the latest developments in general and cosmetic dentistry, as well as dental technology. We are passionate about our careers, so we enjoy soaking up new information on our profession, then sharing it with you!
Q) What is a cosmetic dentist?
A) 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.
Q) Is teeth whitening safe?
A) Absolutely. We bet you didn't know that teeth whitening, in some form, has been around since the 1700s. Modern whitening uses safe and effective bleaching gel to melt away stains and discoloration. Choose professional, in-office whitening or convenient take-home teeth-whitening kits.
Q) What are crowns in an hour?
A) 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 messy impressions. No temporary. No follow-up visit. It's that simple.
Q) I avoid dental visits because of anxiety…is this normal? Can you help?
A) Many people fear dental visits because of negative past experiences or control issues. We understand dental anxiety and offer a solution to help you overcome your stress. With anxiety reducing medications, we can help you gain full peace of mind and body so that you can receive the dental work you need – and deserve. Some patients prefer a lighter sedation, so we offer nitrous oxide, as well.
Q) My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
A) 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 hygiene treatment 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!
Q) What are your payment and financing options and will my insurance cover my dental work?
A) We accept cash, checks, and credit cards. Our office is in-network for many insurance providers, though we also file out-of-network claims. Visit our insurance information page or call our Oakdale dental office for more details. We are proud to offer CareCredit to our patients for affordable financing.
CareCredit offers:
- NO down payment
- NO interest for up to 18 months for qualified applicants
- NO prepayment penalties
- Low interest loans
- Long-term loans
- Revolving credit for other medical, dental, vision procedures
- Easy online payment option
- Easy online application process
CareCredit has helped more than six million patients afford the procedures they want or need. Visit them online to calculate your monthly payment and apply for financing that will improve your health, your smile, your life!
Visit CareCredit online at www.CareCredit.com or call (866) 893-7864.