This is the same technique seen on theTV Shows"Extreme Makeover" and "The Swan".
FAQs
Insurance and Payment Info
In general, for routine procedures, we expect payment in full at the time of service. We accept checks, cash, and most major credit cards. On more extensive procedures, we will personalize payment plans. Our office can also facilitate interest free loans with the financial organization called Care Credit. Close
Generally a dental benefit plan is a contract between your employer or plan sponsor, and a third party (insurance company). These contracts vary widely. There are many ways in which dental plans are designed and how reimbursement levels are determined. Although you need to know how your dental plan is designed and its limitations, we have extensive experience and can usually answer most questions. Sometimes our office cannot answer specific questions about your dental plan or predict what your coverage for a procedure will be. This is because plans offered by the same employer or written by the same third party payer, can vary according to the contracts involved. In many circumstances, our office can submit a pre-authorization for any procedure we propose. The insurance company will respond with a written estimate of your coverage. It usually takes 2-5 weeks to hear from the insurance company. Your dental plan is designed to SHARE in your dental care costs. It will probably not cover the total cost of your bill. Most (but not all) plans cover between 50-80 percent of dental services. Close
It depends on your type of insurance. Our office accepts and even processes most types of Indemnity Insurance Plans. We don’t participate in HMO or PPO type insurance plans. Most insurance plans offer you choices. They may cover the same whether you use a dentist on a list or go outside their network of dentists. Some offer you reduced benefits if you go to a dentist that is not in their network. Then there are those that only allow you to go to a dentist in their network to receive benefits. It is always best to contact your insurance company to find out for sure. Close
The most important reason dentists are reluctant to join these programs is the intrusion by insurance companies into the types and methods of treatment provided to patients. We feel we have the ability to diagnose patient dental needs as well as, if not better, than an insurance clerk. Patients are frequently not informed by their employer that the policy provided is for MAINTENANCE coverage only. The HMO (Health Maintenance Organizations) and Prepaid Plans often exclude major pre-existing conditions. These dental plans can lead patients to believe they will receive unlimited treatment. Patients soon realize it is impossible to provide comprehensive restorative dental care at one-quarter of the usual fee and still maintain quality care. In some instances, freedom of choice for the patient is lost. They may no longer have a choice in who their treating doctor will be. We believe in fair and reasonable fees based on providing a quality of care that we would never have to apologize for. Most patients recognize that you generally receive about what you pay for, and do not want to compromise their sense of well-being for the difference in the cost. We hope that you will continue as one of the patients who have appreciated our high quality of service at a fair price. We appreciate each and every one of our patients and are proud to be able to provide them with the individualized care they deserve. Close
Periodontal (Gum) Care
Plaque is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If left undisturbed, it hardens to form tartar. The bacteria in the plaque produce byproducts that can not only irritate the gums and make them bleed, but it can also lead to periodontal disease. A daily regimen of proper brushing, flossing and rinsing (plus, regular dental visits), will help you keep your teeth healthy. Close
Healthy tissue doesn't bleed. This is most likely a sign of early gingivitis. If you experience bleeding gums, please give us a call. We will either schedule a soft tissue exam by a doctor or may recommend a prophylactic cleaning and x-rays. Brushing and flossing techniques will be reviewed at this time. Gum bleeding must be taken seriously because if left untreated, it will lead to periodontal disease. Close
People accumulate plaque at different rates. Although, most insurance plans cover cleanings only twice per year, we will recommend a recare schedule that is appropriate just for you. It could range anywhere from 3-12 months. Close
At least once a day. There's an old adage among dentists: “Floss only the teeth you want to keep.” If you don't want to lose your teeth, floss every day. Otherwise, you'll be 75% more susceptible to periodontal disease that has been documented to have serious health consequences, e.g. a higher likelihood of heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia and infections. About 45% of American adults have some form of gingivitis, and most adults over 60 have already lost their teeth. Don't be one of them. Floss at least once a day. Close
Bad breath occurs when sulfur compounds are produced in the body and released into the air. The most common source of this sulfur is anaerobic (without oxygen) bacteria that live in the grooves or fibers at the back of the tongue. These bacteria produce the sulfur that gives off an unpleasant smell. This frequently occurs when the mouth is dry, creating an ideal environment for anaerobic bacteria to thrive. Sulfur compounds are also produced when certain types of food are consumed. The compounds make their way into the bloodstream and then to the lungs, where they are excreted into the air we exhale. Bad breath is caused by many factors. Normally, saliva helps wash away the natural buildup of bacteria in the mouth and on the tongue. Yet, when saliva sits on the back of the tongue and is digested by bacteria, it shows up as a white film on the tongue. This is a major source of bad breath. Bad breath is also caused by postnasal drip, a condition where the back of the tongue and throat accumulate high amounts of protein, which bacteria thrive on. Foods that are high in protein or acidity, such as fish, milk, cheese or coffee, also cause bad breath. Dieting or fasting, both of which involve a low intake of calories, causes bad breath by reducing the saliva in the mouth. Contrary to popular belief, stomach problems do not cause bad breath. More persistent problems with unpleasant breath can indicate diseases such as diabetes, liver dysfunction, pulmonary disease, and respiratory disease. Periodontal pockets, the spaces that form between the teeth and gums, are another source of bad breath. These pockets, which occur in the latter stage of periodontal disease, create spaces for bacteria to grow, and give off a chronic unpleasant odor. Dental work may be required in order to remove these pockets of bacteria. Periodontal disease is detected by the presence of bleeding gums, loose teeth, receding gums, or pain when chewing. Close
Proper oral hygiene eliminates many cases of bad breath. Daily brushing and flossing removes the plaque and bacteria that often cause bad breath. While brushing, take special care to thoroughly brush the back of the tongue where bacteria normally collect. Mints and mouthwashes can hide bad breath, but do not eliminate this condition. Avoid foods that have powerful odors and drink lots of water to insure that the mouth is cleansed and full of oxygen (an environment in which bacteria do not thrive). Close
What are Dental Implants? Implants are one of the most significant advancements in modern dentistry. Surgically placed below the gums, implants integrate or fuse to the jawbone and create a base for one of several restorations. Fixed crowns and bridges can be secured to implants. Full and Partial dentures can be dramatically stabilized by attaching them to implants. Most of our patients comment on a significantly increased confidence level with their restorations over implants. Do you place implants? Our office restores dental implants. We rely on specialists, periodontists and oral surgeons, to place the implants. Once the implants are ready to be restored, we place the final restorations, usually with crowns, bridge, partial and full dentures. Close - Implants
Oral Surgery
Also called third molars, wisdom teeth usually make their first appearance in young adults between the ages of 15 to 25. Because most mouths are too small for these four additional molars, an extraction procedure, sometimes immediately after they surface, is often necessary. Close
Once it has been determined that the wisdom teeth will not come in to the mouth correctly, we will recommend extraction. Depending upon growth patterns, orthodontic considerations, and other factors, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted between the ages of 15 and 25. Close
Miscellaneous
According to the American Dental Association, the difference between saving and losing a knocked out tooth, is the thirty minutes following the incident. To save the tooth, follow these steps:
The following recommendations will help to eliminate, or reduce, any oral health problems while your teeth are in braces: Brush your teeth carefully after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, as food becomes easily lodged in the braces. Floss daily between the teeth and the braces. Maintain the cleaning schedule recommended by your hygienist. Limit your sugar and starch intake, as debris left behind from these types of foods may turn into damaging acids, which, in addition to promoting plaque formation, may also be harmful to teeth and gums. Avoid hard and/or sticky snacks that may be difficult to remove from the orthodontic equipment in your mouth. This includes foods such as popcorn, hard or chew candy, caramel, and/or nuts. Close
Bruxism is the term that refers to an incessant grinding and clenching of the teeth, unintentionally, and at inappropriate times. Bruxers are often unaware that they have developed this habit, and often do not know that treatment is available until damage to the mouth and teeth have been done. Damage caused by bruxism often includes the following symptoms. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Although this habit is unintentional, oral health specialists often point to excessive stress and certain personality types as typical causes of bruxism. Bruxism often affects persons with nervous tension such as anger, pain, or frustration, and/or persons with aggressive, hurried, or overly-competitive tendencies. Close
Treatments can be as varied as the symptoms. Appliances that absorb and redirect forces, called Night Guards, are one common treatment. Bite adjustments, biofeedback and behavior modification are just a few other treatments. Close
