Frequently Asked Questions

What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
Will I be charged if I need to cancel an appointment?
What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
What different payment options do you offer?
My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something I should be concerned about?

Do you accept my insurance plan?
I really do not like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
I brush everyday, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything else I can do?
Do I have to floss everyday? Is it really that important?
I want my front teeth to look better, but do not want to wear braces. What do you recommend?

What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?

Our dental practice is different because we have an unprecedented wealth of education and experience under one roof. In addition to experienced general dentists, our practice includes specialists in implants, gum disease, and root canal therapy. In short, we offer “one stop shopping” for all of your family’s dental needs.

Secondly, when you become a patient of our practice, we think of you as a person, not as another set of teeth to clean. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain optimal dental health that will last a lifetime.

Do you accept my insurance plan?

We accept most major insurance plans, including PPOs. Our staff will file your insurance claims for you and will discuss the particulars of your plan with you prior to any treatment. If you have questions about your insurance, please do not hesitate to talk with our friendly, knowledgeable office staff.

Will I be charged if I need to cancel an appointment?

In order to stay on schedule and maintain a well-run office, we request that appointments be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance. This allows us to work other patients in for emergencies and ensures that you will not be billed for our time and preparation.

What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?

We are always available to take emergency calls. If you have a dental emergency, please call our office and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible, give you helpful information over the phone, and determine if you need to be seen immediately.

What different payment options do you offer?

We accept cash, major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard and Discover, and most major insurance plans, including PPOs. We also offer financing through CareCredit, and allow patients to make reasonable monthly payments for some procedures. If you have questions about financial arrangements, our friendly, knowledgeable office staff will be happy to discuss options with you.

My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something I should be concerned about?

Gums that bleed after brushing are not desirable, but may or may not require attention depending on the source of the problem. A number of things can cause gums to bleed, such as rough scrubbing when you brush instead of gentle, circular motions, using a hard-bristled toothbrush instead of a soft one, plaque or tartar build-up beneath the gum line, or gum sensitivity due to periodontal disease. If your gums bleed despite correct brushing or if they bleed every time you brush, please call our office for an appointment to evaluate the problem.

I really do not like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?

Our staff is highly skilled at helping people relax. If you need a little extra help, however, we also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and are qualified to administer both oral and IV sedation.

I brush everyday, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything else I can do?

Many people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily brushing. To eliminate the problem, try twice daily brushing, daily flossing and tongue cleaning. Regular professional cleanings and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable appliances also may help. If your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, however, we can offer several solutions.

For instance, a plastic tool called a tongue scraper cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue and can significantly reduce odor. There also are special rinses and toothpastes designed to break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. It’s also possible that you may have a systemic or internal problem such as an infection, so we may recommend a visit to your family physician to identify the cause.

Do I have to floss everyday? Is it really that important?

Regular flossing is critical for your overall dental health. Flossing helps prevent gum disease by loosening food particles in tight spaces your toothbrush cannot reach. It also removes plaque build-up and exercises your gum tissues. All of this is necessary to avoid gum disease, so think of daily flossing as the finishing touch after brushing.

I want my front teeth to look better, but do not want to wear braces. What do you recommend?

Advances in dentistry mean that there are a number of options to improve the look of your front teeth without using braces. For instance, porcelain veneers can give slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth a bright, uniform look. In some cases ‘invisible’ braces behind your teeth may improve your smile. We would be happy to talk with you about the option that best suits your individual situation.