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What are your Office Hours?
Tue-Fri: 7:30 am -4:30 pm- Other hours by appt.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept and process most insurances.
Do you treat children?
Yes.
Do you offer nitrous?
Yes.
Do you do Cosmetics, bleaching and bonding?
Yes.
Will I have my teeth cleaned on the first appointment?
On your first appointment we will do a thorough evaluation of your medical history and your dental history. We will pay close attention to any concerns that you may have. The doctor will evaluate any x-rays that you bring or that we take and also do a careful and comprehensive exam of your teeth, TM Joints and soft tissues. This exam will include a complete and gentle examination and evaluation of your gums. We feel that this is very important because the major cause of tooth loss is gum disease. The doctor will make a diagnosis and determine what type of cleaning is indicated for each individual and how much time will be needed. The time required for adult cleanings varies from as little as 30 minutes to as much as 4 hours. Some patients may require local anesthetic or nitrous oxide to ensure comfort. We therefore have no way of anticipating what amount of time will be required for your cleaning so we will reschedule you for the appropriate time. Our dental hygienist will then have the necessary time to be thorough and still be gentle. On patients younger than 18 we will clean their teeth on the first appointment because the amount of time required is so much more predictable.
Why do I need x-rays?
Many times x-rays are the only way that we can see the condition of the roots, bone, and between the teeth. We only take the number of x-rays necessary to give you a complete evaluation of your dental health.
Why can't I just have a "regular cleaning?"
You may have the beginnings of, or a later stage, of periodontal (gum) disease. Just a routine scaling and polish may give you whiter teeth, but it will not treat what is happening below the gumline. Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults and affects three out of four persons over the age of 35. Because you cannot see the bone destruction going on beneath the gum tissue, you may not realize you have the disease until the damage has already been done. Our Doctors and Hygienists will work with you to determine the best treatment options available to you.
If my child needs treatment, why can't we just take the tooth out, since it will "fall out anyway"?
"Baby teeth" are nature's space maintainers. They are important for not only chewing food for the first years, but for holding the space for the permanent (adult) teeth.
Why do I need a root canal and a crown?
Teeth that have been treated by root canal (endodontic) therapy have had the infected nerve and blood supply removed and the root chambers sealed. The tooth is no longer "vital" and is susceptible to brittleness and breakage. A crown is placed to protect the remaining tooth structure.
If I have a denture, why do I still need to see my dentist for regular checkups?
You won't get another cavity, but your gum ridges can change over time and affect the fit and function of your dentures. Our dentists will be checking to ensure that not only do your dentures still function properly, but they will also screen for oral cancer and other medical conditions that are revealed in the mouth tissues.
Why won't my insurance pay for cosmetic dentistry?
Insurance companies typically provide some coverage for treatment of dental disease. Cosmetic dentistry is done for appearances, and is not normally covered, regardless of how important it is to you.
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