Q: I don’t know what some dental terms mean. Is there a dictionary for dental terms?
A: A glossary of common dental terms is available here. You can scroll through the entire document or, if you know what term you are inquiring about, you can click on the first letter in the word at the top of the page and you will be directed to that section of the glossary.
Q; Do you accept dental insurance?
A: We will gladly submit any type of dental insurance for you and help you understand your dental insurance benefits.
Q: What will dental insurance pay?
A: All dental insurance policies are different; therefore, it is not possible for our office staff to keep track of each individual policy’s benefits. However, we are more than willing to help you work through the process of understanding the payment guidelines for your specific policy. We can also submit treatment estimates to your dental insurance carrier for authorization.
Q: What payment options to you have?
A: Payment is expected as services are rendered unless other arrangements have been made beforehand. We accept cash, check, Visa, and Mastercard. We also offer two payment plans: 1) Credit card voucher – we will bill your credit card a specified dollar amount on a designated day(s) of the month; 2) Care Credit – care credit is an independent financing company which allows you to submit monthly payments for an approved treatment amount. If approved, interest free plans are available over 6 or 12 months. Extended payment plans are also available over 24, 36, 48, and 60 months with variable interest rates. For more information on payment plans through Care Credit, please visit their website at www.carecredit.com.
Q: What is gum disease, and how can I tell if I have it?
A: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States. Gum disease can take many forms, ranging from early gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) to advanced periodontitis (destruction of bone and structures surrounding the teeth). Gum tissues become inflamed due to bacteria found at and under the gum line. Left untreated, this bacteria will ultimately cause the gums to recede and result in sensitivity due to exposed root surfaces, loosening of the teeth due to loss of surrounding bone, and finally, loss of the teeth. Fortunately, gum diseases are treatable if detected early. A combination of thorough home care and regular professional treatment can stop the progression of this condition. Our staff is proactive in detection and treatment of gum disease at all stages, and will help develop a plan to ensure a healthy mouth.
Q: What sterilization precautions does your office use to protect its patients?
A: Whenever possible, we use disposible, single use instruments and products. All other instruments are sterilized under steam and heat and checked with biological monitors. All waterlines are protected with blackflow prevention valves, and are routinely flushed and disinfected according ot OSHA and American Dental Association guidelines.
Q: Are silver fillings harmful to patients’ health?
A: The topic of small amounts of mercury in silver dental fillings, or restorations, has been a controversial issue for several years. To this date, many respected studies have shown no evidence to support any health danger from silver restorations. Of course, decisions on any tooth restoration remain that of the patient. Many newer dental materials allow us to restore teeth without the use of silver restorations. We respect the wishes of the patient with regard to his/her treatment.
Q: When should my child have his/her first dental visit?
A: Generally, we encourage children to have their first visit at 1-2 years of age to detect any early problems with decay or development. An easy rule of thumb is to have the first visit once a child has a total of ten to twenty teeth. We introduce the child to the world of dentistry via a “happy visit” during which the child will get a ride in the chair, be shown the equipment, and get acquainted with the staff in a non-threatening environment. Children with a clean dental report card will join the No Cavity CLub and have their picture displayed in the reception room and on our website, pending parent approval.
Q: What policies are in place to protect my privacy and the privacy of my records?
A: Our practice is fully compliant with a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services set of regulations known as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). All electronic records are securely protected by required software and your authorization is required for us to disclose your health information to anyone for any purpose. A written copy of our privacy policy will be provided to you at your appointment, or with any special request.
