Quick answers to

Dental Care FAQs

Every person's dental health is unique. Our dentist will evaluate the condition of your teeth and determine immediate needs first, then discuss treatment options.

We're always happy to answer your questions. In the area below you can read answers to some of the more frequent questions patients ask about dental care.

Will I feel any pain during treatment?

You will never have to endure any pain during your dental visits. We will explain all procedures to you in detail and list your options for pain management. We do not rush you into anything.

For most cases, a topical anesthetic (numbing gel) is first applied before local anesthetic is gradually injected into the prepared area. Once the local anesthetic is given, your mouth will become numb as the anesthetic blocks nerves which normally transmit pain signals.

Our dentist then gently tests the area before proceeding to ensure tissues are completely numb. In the unlikely event you should feel any discomfort, simply let the dentist know and he'll administer more local anesthetic.

More complex and involved procedures might require intravenous sedation (IV). This is a method of pain control that combines several medications to lower consciousness. For intravenous sedation, we would have a trained anesthesiologist present to monitor you during the entire procedure.

Can you help reduce my anxiety?

For patients fearful of dental procedures, or even the actual visit, our dentist can help overcome anxieties by simple communication. We've found that by taking time to listen to our patients' concerns, the dentist can explain what will be happening during each phase of the treatment to remove the unknowns that generally cause fears.

Another successful method we use is laughing gas (nitrous oxide). Laughing gas is inhaled through a mask prior to treatment and helps to calm the patient. To provide patients with a more pleasant experience, we may also use light sedatives together with topical anesthetics and in some cases even headphones and music to distract from the procedure to make our patients more comfortable.

What are the options to tooth extraction?

When decay (cavity) has dissolved away much a tooth's protective enamel and becomes infected or damages the inner pulp, our dentist may recommend a root canal to save the tooth. Essentially a root canal involves removing nerve tissue inside a tooth, filling these canals with material and then covering it with a crown. In the event a tooth must be pulled, we offer treatment options to replace the missing tooth with a bridge, dental implants, or denture appliances.

How often should I see the dentist?

Usually two times during the year is enough for most people. You should discuss your oral health with the dentist and our hygienist and together decide the best schedule for you personally. At minimum, annual checkups are always recommended to properly assess your teeth's condition and your gums to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Making regular visits to the dentist will help you to have long-lasting, optimal dental health and an attractive smile.

What are the signs of gum disease?

It's a good idea to recognize the signs of (periodontal) gum disease. Let the dentist know if you experience any of these symptoms:

• gums bleeding after flossing or brushing teeth
• swollen, red, or tender gums
• teeth appearing to get longer
• gum line becoming uneven
• roots of tooth exposed
• sensitivity to cold/hot temperatures
• dentures no longer fitting correctly
• teeth becoming noticeably loose
• spaces starting to show between your teeth
• bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste
• dry mouth and/or a burning sensation in your mouth

Can you make my teeth look whiter?

We offer a variety of procedures and products for teeth whitening. Bleaching is a simple solution to whiten stained, dull, or dark-colored teeth. We take an impression of the patient's teeth, then create a clear, thin, soft tray from the impression model. The tray is used to hold a bleaching gel and placed over your teeth.

The tray can be worn for a few hours a day, or during the night while sleeping. Results can be expected and seen very quickly. Best results are obtained after wearing the tray for about 2 weeks.

Another option we offer for tooth discoloration is 'Zoom Whitening.' Here a bleaching solution is applied to your teeth, then activated with a special light. This is an in-office, supervised whitening method that provides you with immediate results.

What are the benefits of a dental implant?

In addition to being unsightly, losing a tooth can lead to other problems with surrounding teeth. Dental implants are one of the best methods to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants are simply titanium fixtures which act as anchors for a natural looking tooth or to keep dentures secured in place for eating.

So long as the patient has sufficient bone for the anchor, implants are an excellent and permanent alternative to either fixed or a removable bridge or denture. The advantages of dental implants are:

• highly stable
• natural appearance and function
• feel better than traditional replacements
• same biting force as bridges
• they last a lifetime

When do you recommend veneers?

We offer three types of dental veneers:

• Lumineers^®
• composite veneers
• porcelain veneers

We will suggest tooth veneers when a patient has shape or severe color problems with their teeth. Veneers are very helpful for smile makeovers and full-mouth restorations; they're especially suited to correct any imperfections such as crooked or misshapen teeth, chipped teeth, uneven surfaces on teeth, or oddly sized teeth.

How much will the procedure cost?

All patient cases are different. We can give you prices to guide in your decision process, though a total quote will require full consultation. Costs will vary depending upon the materials used, type of procedure and how many in-office treatments are required. You can be assured that you will receive an exact cost figure prior to your treatment.

What does my insurance cover?

Dental insurance typically does not cover the costs for elective dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers or other cosmetic dental treatments used to enhance your appearance.

While some medical plans do include dental coverage as an extra feature, dental insurance is most often a policy separate from regular medical insurance.

Usually dental insurance will cover some of the cost for x-rays, cleanings, check-ups and orthodontics. If you have regular check-ups, most likely you can claim the full cost of your visits.

Our office will file your insurance claim quickly and dependent upon your plan, we will be happy to discuss and help determine the approximate amount of coverage available to you.

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