Q: Will you remind me of my upcoming appointments?
A: Yes. Our preferred method is via text since we find most patients rely on their cell phones to stay organized. If you prefer, we can call you.
Q: How much notice should I give if I need to cancel an appointment?
A: We reserve your appointment time just for you, (including the time of the dentist and appropriate support staff) so we would appreciate the courtesy of at least two business days advance notice if you have to cancel. Cancel by calling the office during our business hours. That allows us to offer the time to another patient, and ensures that we can use our time productively (in order to respect our patients' time, we never double book appointment slots, so if you cancel at the last minute, that appointment time becomes a big hole in our schedule). We realize occasionally circumstances make the desired advance notice impossible; if that is the case, please discuss your situation with Bobbi at the front desk. We do reserve the right to charge missed appointment fees for repeat no shows and late cancels.
Q: Why don't you take all dental benefit plans?
A: Some dental PPOs are so large that they can pay dentists in their networks below market rates of reimbursement for dental procedures, pushing dental offices into a production mode where quantity of procedures performed, not the quality of care provided, becomes the driver. We have chosen not to be "in-network" when we feel the reimbursement rates offered would not allow us to provide you the time, quality of care and quality of materials that meet our high standards. With most insurance companies, you have a choice between plans that require you to use only network dentists, or plans that allow you to go out of network and visit the dentist of your choice, with an adjusted co-pay. So usually, the choice is yours.
Q: Which type of toothbrush should I use?
A: The brand of the toothbrush is not as critical as the type of bristle and the size of the head. A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums, and a small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums. It's unnecessary to "scrub" the teeth as long as you are brushing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings. Electric toothbrushes may help to ensure your brushing is thorough; ask your dentist or hygienist if you'd like recommendation of a specific brand.
Q: Is one toothpaste better than others?
A: Generally, no. However, it's advisable to use a toothpaste containing fluoride to decrease the incidence of dental decay. We recommend our patients use what tastes good to them as long as it contains fluoride.
Q: How often should I floss?
A: Flossing of the teeth once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy.
Q: What's the difference between a "crown" and a "cap"?
A: These are restorations to repair a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth after removing old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and all decay. The restoration material is made of gold, porcelain, composites, or even stainless steel. Dentists refer to all of these restorations as "crowns". However, patients often refer to the tooth-colored ones as "caps" and the gold or stainless steel ones as "crowns".
Q: What's the difference between a "bridge" and a "partial denture"?
A: Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures.
Q: What about "silver" fillings versus "white" fillings?
A: Although the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there is no health reason not to use amalgam (silver fillings), more patients today are requesting "white" or tooth-colored composite fillings. We also prefer tooth-colored fillings because they "bond" to the tooth structure and therefore help strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. White fillings are also usually less sensitive to temperature, and they also look better. However, "white" fillings cannot be used in every situation, and if a tooth is very badly broken-down, a crown will usually be necessary and provide better overall satisfaction for the patient.
Q: Do I need to have a root canal just because I have to have a crown?
A: No. While most teeth which have had root canal treatments do need crowns to strengthen the teeth and to return the teeth to normal form and function, not every tooth needing a crown also needs to have a root canal.