Common Questions

Do you take my insurance?

We do accept and file all insurance as a courtesy to our patients. We have found that with most insurance companies you have the ability to choose your own dentist, however there are a few that do require you see a network provider. We will be happy to contact your insurance company and verify your benefits before your appointment.

We will initially ask you only for your estimated co-payment but please understand that this is ONLY AN ESTIMATE based upon the information available to us. Therefore, the patient/primary policy holder is responsible for any unpaid balances.

How can I have a healthy smile?

Everyone wishes to have a beautiful healthy smile. Here are some steps you can take right now for a healthy mouth that looks and feels fabulous. Begin with the basics; daily brushing and flossing are fundamental to keeping your teeth and gums clean. If you are a smoker, kick the habit. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes are not only turning your teeth yellow, but they are eating away at your gums. Tobacco chemicals can also cause mouth sores that could turn into cancer.

Regular trips to the dentist can catch problems such as decay, gum disease, trauma, or cancer at an early stage when they are treatable. Always keep in mind, early detection means the solution is more affordable.

How often should I visit the dentist?

Most children and adults should see their dentist for a regular cleaning and checkup every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental checkups more than twice a year. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and checkup.

What if I get nervous going to the dentist?

A lot of patients feel anxious or nervous when they need to have dental work done. Being relaxed and trusting the people who perform your dental work can go a long way to relieving your anxiety. However, in the event you need additional help to relax, we offer the use of nitrous oxide, and in more extreme cases of anxiety, the use of pharmaceuticals. Make sure to mention your concerns to the dentist and the staff, so we can tailor a solution that will best suit your needs. We want you to have as positive an experience as possible.

Is nitrous (or laughing gas) safe?

Nitrous oxide is very safe; because it is easy to take and not addictive. While inhaling nitrous oxide, you remain fully conscious and aware of your surroundings. After coming off of the gas, the effects of it are gone.

If you have respiratory problems or other breathing problems, such as asthma, you should talk with the dentist to see if you are a candidate for nitrous oxide.

What is sedation?

Sedation is used to provide a relaxed, easy and anxiety free experience through the use of sedatives (anti-anxiety medications, tranquilizers, nitrous oxide, etc.). The technique is easy and requires no needles. This process enables individuals with "dental phobia" to receive the dental care they need. Best of all, the medications create such a calm and comfortable experience that patients leave feeling good about their visit.

Are tooth whitening products safe?

The answer is yes, if you use them the way they are intended to be used. The ingredients in teeth whitening are known to be safe, if used in the right amount of time and appropriate quantities. However, using these same products without proper supervision from a professional dentist can cause unnecessary harm such as heightened sensitivity. Therefore, we always advise that teeth whitening products be used under proper supervision from professionals.

What are the side effects of tooth whitening?

The most common side effects are temporary sensitivity to extreme temperatures or mild irritation of the gums. Always follow the product directions and any instructions given to you by your dentist. To avoid harming your teeth and gums, do not use products for longer than advised on the package or by your dentist.

How often should I change my toothbrush?

Adults and children should change their toothbrush every three months. Worn bristles are less effective at cleaning. The exception of this rule would be electric toothbrushes. Some electric rechargeable toothbrushes have longer lasting brush heads that only need to be changed every six months. If you have gum disease, your toothbrush should be changed every four to six weeks due to the bristles harboring bacteria. Always rinse your toothbrush with hot water after every use and replace it after you have been sick.

Do you take my insurance?

We do accept and file all insurance as a courtesy to our patients. We have found that with most insurance companies you have the ability to choose your own dentist, however there are a few that do require you see a network provider. We will be happy to contact your insurance company and verify your benefits before your appointment.

We will initially ask you only for your estimated co-payment but please understand that this is ONLY AN ESTIMATE based upon the information available to us. Therefore, the patient/primary policy holder is responsible for any unpaid balances.

How can I have a healthy smile?

Everyone wishes to have a beautiful healthy smile. Here are some steps you can take right now for a healthy mouth that looks and feels fabulous. Begin with the basics; daily brushing and flossing are fundamental to keeping your teeth and gums clean. If you are a smoker, kick the habit. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes are not only turning your teeth yellow, but they are eating away at your gums. Tobacco chemicals can also cause mouth sores that could turn into cancer.

Regular trips to the dentist can catch problems such as decay, gum disease, trauma, or cancer at an early stage when they are treatable. Always keep in mind, early detection means the solution is more affordable.

How often should I visit the dentist?

Most children and adults should see their dentist for a regular cleaning and checkup every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental checkups more than twice a year. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and checkup.

What if I get nervous going to the dentist?

A lot of patients feel anxious or nervous when they need to have dental work done. Being relaxed and trusting the people who perform your dental work can go a long way to relieving your anxiety. However, in the event you need additional help to relax, we offer the use of nitrous oxide, and in more extreme cases of anxiety, the use of pharmaceuticals. Make sure to mention your concerns to the dentist and the staff, so we can tailor a solution that will best suit your needs. We want you to have as positive an experience as possible.

Is nitrous (or laughing gas) safe?

Nitrous oxide is very safe; because it is easy to take and not addictive. While inhaling nitrous oxide, you remain fully conscious and aware of your surroundings. After coming off of the gas, the effects of it are gone.

If you have respiratory problems or other breathing problems, such as asthma, you should talk with the dentist to see if you are a candidate for nitrous oxide.

What is sedation?

Sedation is used to provide a relaxed, easy and anxiety free experience through the use of sedatives (anti-anxiety medications, tranquilizers, nitrous oxide, etc.). The technique is easy and requires no needles. This process enables individuals with "dental phobia" to receive the dental care they need. Best of all, the medications create such a calm and comfortable experience that patients leave feeling good about their visit.

Are tooth whitening products safe?

The answer is yes, if you use them the way they are intended to be used. The ingredients in teeth whitening are known to be safe, if used in the right amount of time and appropriate quantities. However, using these same products without proper supervision from a professional dentist can cause unnecessary harm such as heightened sensitivity. Therefore, we always advise that teeth whitening products be used under proper supervision from professionals.

What are the side effects of tooth whitening?

The most common side effects are temporary sensitivity to extreme temperatures or mild irritation of the gums. Always follow the product directions and any instructions given to you by your dentist. To avoid harming your teeth and gums, do not use products for longer than advised on the package or by your dentist.

How often should I change my toothbrush?

Adults and children should change their toothbrush every three months. Worn bristles are less effective at cleaning. The exception of this rule would be electric toothbrushes. Some electric rechargeable toothbrushes have longer lasting brush heads that only need to be changed every six months. If you have gum disease, your toothbrush should be changed every four to six weeks due to the bristles harboring bacteria. Always rinse your toothbrush with hot water after every use and replace it after you have been sick.

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