Faqs

The fees for hygiene care are dependent upon the amount of time and effort required. A thorough knowledge of the patient's teeth and gum tissue condition is required before an estimate can be given.

Bleeding is always the first sign of infection and can often indicate the presence of periodontal disease.

Daily flossing is critical to preventing infection in gum tissue between the teeth as well as avoiding decay and bad breath.

We always allow sufficient time for the anesthetic to take effect and test that complete numbness has occurred before treatment begins.

The fee charged for a filling is determined by what portion of the tooth requires repair and how long the procedure will take. There are four sides to a tooth and the top surface. The number of sides that are involved with the repair determine "what portion" is charged.

Yes. Recent medical/dental studies have confirmed that gum disease can place you at risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. It may also affect the healthy state of pregnant women.

Dental Insurance is not meant to be a pay-all; it's only meant to be an aid. Many plans claim that you will be covered "up to 80%-100%". In spite of what you are told, we have found most plans cover only 15%-50% of dental treatment. The amount of your coverage is determined by how much your employer paid for the benefits. The less paid for the insurance, the less you'll receive. It has been the experience of many dentists that some insurance companies tell their customers that the dental office’s fees are “above the usual and customary" rather than saying "our benefits are low". Many routine dental services are not covered by dental insurance at all. If you have any questions regarding your insurance, you should contact your human resources department regarding the details of the plan. We are happy to help you submit your claims and we will try to obtain the maximum benefits for you that your plan provides.

Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.

Great teeth and gum care start at home. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums on a continual basis. By keeping to a daily routine you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.

Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The gums can become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. In order to prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended. During your visit, our Hygiene team will teach you the proper flossing techniques and oral hygiene protocol to prevent periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease begins with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The immediate condition is known as gingivitis. The gums become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. If not properly treated, the condition worsens. Noticeable symptoms include:

• Bad Breath
• Gum Recession
• Gum Sensitivity to Acidic Foods
• Abscesses
• Tooth Pain
• Tooth Loss

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Through a series of periodontal cleanings, root planing and scaling, laser therapy, and antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal surgery is only necessary for severe cases.

Silver fillings are known as amalgam and have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, it was the best restoration for fillings. The metal expands and contracts with the heat and cold placed in the mouth. This allowed for little bacteria to enter a tooth once filled; keeping the tooth healthy and strong. White fillings, also known as composites are often made of plastic or glass polymers. These cosmetic fillings allow us to fill a cavity with a substance that will look and feel just like your existing tooth structure. This restoration is created with a resin material and fits tightly into a tooth to prevent decay. Rather than a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match the tooth color.

There are several ways to enhance your smile. Procedures may include:

• Tooth Whitening
• Bonding
• Porcelain Veneers
• Porcelain Crowns

We have the capability to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. For an exact consultation, please contact our office so that we may provide you with a customized treatment plan.

Tooth whitening is a cost effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, fluoride has been added to the whitening product which reduces the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity. Tooth whitening must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning. The whitening process can last for a number of years if maintained properly. Beverages such as coffee, tea, cola and wine will reduce the lasting effect. Remember, if it could stain a white shirt, it will stain your smile!

Bonding is a cost effective procedure used to fill gaps in front teeth and to change a tooth’s color. The immediate results are amazing. Within a few hours, you will have a great smile! Bonding like Tooth Whitening may change color over time due to coffee, tea, cola and wine.

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that go directly on your natural teeth. This procedure can take two visits. Veneers change the size, shape and color of a patient’s teeth. This procedure is used to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or a crooked smile.

Crowns are a permanent cosmetic procedure that covers the entire tooth. It will change the size, shape and color of the teeth in as few as two visits.

A dental implant is made of titanium and functions as a tooth root. Dental implants are inserted under the gum and directly into the upper or lower jawbone. There is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure. After a period of a few months, the dental implant and the bone fuse together. This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant.

• Appear and function like natural tooth.
• Are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
• They decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss.
• Replace the need for dentures
• Dental implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing. Whereas, a traditional bridge would involve the two or more adjacent teeth to be compromised.

Most people are candidates for dental implants. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.

The average dental implant procedure takes 3 to 4 visits. The first visit is to x-ray the area and take an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the Implant. The next visit is to place the Implant. A local anesthesia is applied to the area. (Any additional sedation is no longer necessary unless deemed by the dentist). The dentist will then make a minor incision to place the implant. The implant is placed into the jaw bone. The area will then be covered with sutures. The procedure is usually completed with minor pain. You then return in approximately 3 months to begin creating the dental crown to place over the implant.

Dental implants will vary in cost. Your cost and procedure will be better specified during the exam and consultation.

With routine dental hygiene scheduled and proper home care, dental implants can last approximately 30 years to a lifetime.

Please contact us to discuss financing options.