Frequently Asked Questions
- What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
- My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
- Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?
- What is a one-visit crown?
- How can I improve my smile?
- Will I be charged if I need to cancel an appointment?
- Do I need to do anything prior to my first appointment?
- When do you like children to have a first dental visit?
- What makes you different than other practices?
- My spouse snores and keeps me up at night. Can you help?
- Why are checkups recommended every six months, even for people with great oral health?
- My child has a difficult time with potty training. What can I do?
- Do you accept my insurance?
- What payment methods do you accept, and what are your financing options?
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
We follow strict guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and OSHA. Our practices include sterilizing reusable instruments in an autoclave, then sealing them for the next use; disinfecting treatment rooms between patient visits; and using disposable products when possible. We always wear disposable gloves during exams and treatment, for your safety.
My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Healthy gums DO NOT bleed. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a more advance hygiene treatment to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults, and it has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated gum disease can escalate to create significant damage to your health, so call for an assessment now. Our professional team will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life! Read more about gum disease therapy here.
Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?
YES! Flossing is one of the most significant changes you can make to improve the state of your oral health. Floss loosens food particles, plaque, and tartar trapped between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. In addition to irritating gums, causing gum disease, and promoting cavities, these three culprits cause bad breath. Floss is not the only option available to clean between your teeth. Our hygiene team will gladly assist you in selecting the correct flossing tools and techniques for your unique oral care.
What is a one-visit crown?
With innovative CEREC technology, we can create custom crowns, inlays, and onlays in one visit. This means that in just one visit, you can get a custom-made, all-white, reliable restoration. No temporary. No follow-up visit. It's that simple. Read more about crowns here.
How can I improve my smile?
That sounds like an easy question to answer, but it isn't! Your smile is unique, and we won't compromise your individuality with smile enhancements. Smile design dentistry done right requires an initial consultation in which we will discuss your goals, preferences, and options for care. Generally speaking, we may suggest porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, all-white restorations, and/or replacement teeth. Orthodontics may also be involved. After your comprehensive evaluation and consultation, we'll present a smile makeover plan for your new smile. Read more about cosmetic dentistry here.
Will I be charged if I need to cancel an appointment?
Your time is an invaluable commodity, as is the time of all of our valued patients. If you let us know that you will miss an appointment, we will give another person your time slot. Please give us 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. We reserve the right to assess a fee to your file if you do not give us this courtesy.
Do I need to do anything prior to my first appointment?
We will mail the forms to you beforehand or you can find them online. If you have a chance to fill them out before your visit, it speeds up the check-in process.
When do you like children to have a first dental visit?
Most children respond well to a dental visit around age three, though the ADA recommends children have a first visit at one year of age. Bring your child with you to your appointment so that he or she can become acclimated to the dentist's office. If you notice any development problems with your child's mouth or teeth, call us to schedule a visit immediately. Otherwise, we'd like to begin teaching your children how to care for their teeth and gums when they reach three or four years of age. By age four or five, they can begin hygiene treatments and regular checkups.
What makes you different than other practices?
We understand that you are an individual with special wants and needs, and therefore we will do our best to individually tailor each solution to meet and exceed your expectations. We excel at restoring the teeth in a manner consistent with proper airway development and body posture stabilization. In our calm, relaxed office, we pamper our patients with personal service and dental excellence for a lifetime. Getting to know you and learning what matters most to you is our top priority so that we can develop a custom plan to treat your whole mouth and beautify your smile.
My spouse snores and keeps me up at night. Can you help?
Certainly. We offer snoreguards, small appliances that hold the mouth and throat open while you sleep to prevent snoring. These devices are easy to use, and we custom fit them to ensure your comfort. Orthodontic therapy may also correct the problem. If you or your spouse snores, we suggest visiting us for an evaluation.
Why are checkups recommended every six months, even for people with great oral health?
Early detection allows us to provide the most conservative treatment for any problems, which saves you time, expense, and possible discomfort. We use DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection to find cavities in the earliest stages, and often that means that you don't see or feel them. Oral cancer is deadly, but finding the disease early offers an 80-percent cure rate, so we look for signs at every exam. Gum disease is another sneaky problem that we try to catch as soon as possible. It has been linked to stroke, heart attack, premature labor, osteoporosis, and other health risks, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults.
My child has a difficult time with potty training. What can I do?
A child who has bed-wetting issues for an extended time may have underlying problems. Our doctors may be able to help your child overcome bedwetting through functional growth orthodontic therapy. Call to make and appointment, and we will explain more at your first visit.
Do you accept my insurance?
We are providers on several plans so call our Frankfort dental office with your insurance information. For out-of-network claims, we will file on your behalf and accept the assignment of benefits.
What payment methods do you accept, and what are your financing options?
For your convenience, we accept cash, check, and major credit cards. Third party financing is available for qualified applicants through CareCredit.