FAQ

We are contracted with most insurance companies and are happy to bill them for you. If you have insurance with a company that we are not a preferred provider we will gladly bill them as an out-of-network provider. Please be prepared to pay your co-pay or deductible at each visit. If you have any questions about your insurance, please feel free to call us. We will do whatever we can to help you understand your benefits.

We accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. If you are in need of outside financing we accept CareCredit and can help you apply right in our office before your procedure.

Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp (soft tissue inside your teeth containing blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue) becomes inflamed or diseased. During root canal treatment, the doctor removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed. If the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result, and your tooth may have to be removed.

A crown may be necessary to help restore a tooth to its normal shape and size and improve its appearance. A crown can help strengthen a tooth with a large filling, that has had a root canal, or when there isn’t enough tooth remaining to hold the filling. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. It’s also used to cover a dental implant.

Flossing is an essential part of any oral health care routine. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to achieve optimal oral health. By flossing daily, you help remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Flossing also helps prevent gum disease and cavities.
The most important thing about flossing is to do it. Pick a time of day when you can devote an extra couple of minutes to your oral hygiene. People who are too tired at the end of the day may benefit from flossing first thing in the morning or flossing after lunch.
And don’t forget, children need to floss too! You should be flossing your child’s teeth as soon as he or she has two teeth that touch. Because flossing demands more manual dexterity than very young children have, children are not usually able to floss well by themselves until they are age 10 or 11.
Keep in mind that flossing should not be painful. You may feel discomfort when you first start flossing, but don’t give up. With daily brushing and flossing, that discomfort should ease within a week or two.

A Sealant is a hardened plastic material applied to the vulnerable grooves and pits on the chewing surface of the back teeth (premolars and molars). The sealant acts as a barrier to food debris, plaque and bacteria protecting these cavity prone areas of the teeth. Avoidance of sticky or hard foods, which can “pull” at or “break” the sealants will help them last longer.

Primary teeth, sometimes called “baby teeth,” are important to your child’s health and development and should be cared for just as you would for permanent teeth. Primary teeth serve critical functions as a child learns to eat and speak. They are important for the normal growth and development of the face. In addition, they maintain space on the dental arch and guide the eruption of the permanent teeth. While some primary teeth are typically replaced around age 6, the back teeth (molars) remain in until age 12 or beyond. Without proper care, these teeth can decay and possibly cause toothaches, gum disease, and serious health problems. For these reasons, primary teeth are significant and require good daily hygiene and regular professional attention, just like permanent teeth.

As children become older, they tend to become more independent and often increase their snacking and drinking of sugary liquids. We recommend that parents stay diligent at controlling their child’s nutrition, snacking habits, and oral hygiene. It is no coincidence that we see a lot of tooth decay in children who drink a lot of fruit juice. Therefore, we highly recommend that juices be limited to twice a day consumption and the child be given plain water freely throughout the day.
We strongly recommend that a parent continue to help a child to brush and floss his/her teeth until he/she is at least 8 years of age. A good rule of thumb is that if he/she cannot tie his/her shoes, he/she can’t do an adequate job of brushing and flossing his/her teeth. Continue to schedule and keep regular continuing care appointments for your child every 6 months.
We also see a great frequency of dental caries in teenagers due to the availability of soft drinks and sports drinks in school. Sports drinks are good to use following athletics to replenish fluids, but regular and indiscriminate use bathes the teeth in sugar and acid and leads to decay. We recommend a switch to flavored waters or plain water to give the teeth a break from the sugar-producing acid.

No matter what type of toothbrush you choose, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner daily. It’s also important to keep your toothbrush clean. Rinse your toothbrush with tap water after brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. Store the brush in an upright position if possible and allow it to air dry until using it again. Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers. A moist environment, such as a closed container, is more conducive to the growth of microorganisms than the open air. Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Bristles that become frayed and worn with use and will be less effective at cleaning

In some cases, bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease. If your gums bleed easily or bleed when you brush, make sure you let the doctor or hygienist know. Gingivitis is reversible and preventable. If you’ve just started a new flossing routine, for instance, your gums may bleed at first as they get used to cleaning between the teeth. This usually goes away on its own in about a week. Some pregnant women develop a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis,” an inflammation of the gums that can cause swelling and tenderness. Gums also may bleed a little when brushing or flossing. Your gums could also be bleeding if you brush too hard. Use an extra-soft or soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth. Always remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and schedule regular dental visits.