-
FAQ
What is a dental sealant?
A sealant is a preventive treatment usually recommended for the molars of children. These are "painted" on the teeth without the need for anesthesia to help prevent cavities from forming on the chewing surfaces.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket results from a disruption in the healing process and failure of a proper clot to remain on the alveolar bone. Anything that creates negative pressure in the mouth (smoking, spitting, and use of straws) puts a patient at greater risk of having a dry socket. Pain from a dry socket can be severe and last several days. If you think you have a dry socket please contact our office. Sometimes a sedative dressing can be placed to soothe the extraction site.
Why do I need an x-ray?
X-rays are needed to make a formal diagnosis of the tooth, to determine restorability, and to visualize the structure of the root. An x-ray is required before almost all procedures.
At what age do you start seeing children?
We will see children of any age. Many children are unable to fully cooperate until age 3. When children are not able to cooperate for a regular child prophylaxis a toothbrush prophylaxis may be done and a simple introduction to office staff and equipment. This can make children more comfortable for subsequent dental appointments. We never restrain children. If they are unable to cooperate for treatment they will be referred to a pediatric specialist.
Can I receive dental treatment if I am pregnant?
Yes. Emergency treatment can be provided at any time during a pregnancy with clearance from your OB/GYN. It is recommended that you have a cleaning and a dental exam during your second trimester. The second trimester is the ideal time for any elective, non-emergency treatment.
-
Insurance & Payment Information
We will file any other insurance as a courtesy with patients being responsible for whatever balance their insurance does not pay.
We accept Medicaid and Health Choice insurance as well.
We are unable to arrange "payment plans" for patients, but we do accept Care Credit. For an instant decision on eligibility go to the care credit website.
-
Patient Forms
Below you will find all the forms you will need if you are a new patient. You can download, print, and fill out the forms prior to arriving to our office.
Download Patient Medical Form »
Download Patient Information Form »
Download Notice of Private Policy »
Download Hipaa Form »
Download Cancellation Policy Form »
You will need the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent software to view the PDF documents. If not already installed, you can download it free here.
-
Post-Op Instructions
Post-Op Composite Filling Information
- After all sensation returns you may eat a normal diet.
- Temporary cold-sensitivity is normal following placement of composite (tooth-colored) restorations.
- Tissue surrounding tooth may be slightly inflamed and sore for a few days.
- Temporary soreness may also exist at injection site.
- Call our office immediately if your bite feels abnormal after anesthesia has worn off as an adjustment may be needed.
Post-Op Extraction Instructions
- Keep firm pressure on gauze for 30 minutes. You may replace with clean gauze if needed.
- Some swelling is normal. Keep your head elevated. Ice packs (or bags of frozen peas) may be used up to three days after an extraction.
- Continue to brush your teeth twice daily. Be gentle in area of extraction.
- No smoking. If you are a smoker refrain from smoking as long as possible. We recommend three days. Smoking puts you at a greater risk of dry socket.
- No spitting. When brushing teeth do not forcefully spit. Lean over sink and let saliva dribble out.
- No straws. Use of straws also increases the risk of a dry socket.
- No driving while taking prescription pain medicine
- Note that antibiotics may make birth control pills ineffective.
A normal diet can be resumed after all sensation returns. Use caution not to bite tongue, lips or cheeks while still numb. Children should be monitored closely while still numb. A soft diet is recommended. Use warm salt water to rinse and keep socket free of debris.
Please call our office with any questions.
Post-Op Scaling and Root Planing Instructions
- If no allergies or medical contraindications exist we recommend taking 600mg ibuprofen after your treatment. This should be taken while still numb.
- Temporary soreness of gingiva (gums) and injection site is normal.
- Avoid crunchy or sharp food for 24 hours.
- Continue brushing teeth twice daily.
- Some patients experience increased sensitivity following scaling and root planning. Please contact our office for recommendations if this occurs.
-
Denture/Partial Homecare Instructions
Getting dentures is a big adjustment. Some initial discomfort, difficulty chewing, speaking, and eating is normal.
Sore Spots:
It is normal to need a few adjustments with new dentures or partials. If a sore spot arises continue normal denture wear, but contact our office. An appointment will be made for you as soon as possible—often the same day. Being able to see the sore spot aids us in our adjustment.
Salivation:
Excess salivation is normal during the first few days of denture wear. Your body sees the denture as a foreign body and produces saliva in response. This will resolve in a few days.
Eating:
Start with a soft diet. Once harder foods are introduced try to chew evenly on the left and right sides of your mouth. Use vertical chewing motions as opposed to side-to-side motions.
Cleaning and Storage:
Brush dentures with a soft toothbrush or denture brush twice daily. Do not use toothpaste as this can be abrasive to dentures. You may use regular soap or just water. When brushing dentures do so over a sink full of water or place a towel in the bottom of the sink. If a denture is dropped it is likely to break. Even if you have no teeth it is still important to brush your gums twice daily with a soft toothbrush. Dentures should be removed at night and stored in water to keep them from warping. Those who do not remove their denture at night may have accelerated bone loss and a higher risk of fungal infection.
