Q1. Do I have to have x-rays?
A1. Dental x-rays are a very important part of a dentist's comprehensive exam. Many times cavities that grow between teeth or under fillings cannot be detected without the help of x-rays like Bitewings. X-rays are not only used by a dentist to help diagnose tooth decay, but they are also critical in examining the bone and tissues which surround your teeth such as with a Panorex. X-rays are a very important part of maintaining good dental health and are necessary for a proper diagnose.
Q2. What is a Panorex?
A2. The Panorex allows us to see a "panoramic" single picture view of your entire oral cavity. The Panorex is also useful in detecting non-malignant tumors and cysts, Diagnosing TMJ problems, Surveying the sinus for potential problems and looking at the WISDOM TEETH. The Panorex is especially helpful in viewing development position and eruption of primary teeth so we can see all your child's baby teeth and permanent teeth at one time. They also aid in detecting periodontal disease, determining the presence and extent of infection, and, in some cases, diagnosing oral cancer. Both adults and children should receive a Panorex every 3-5 years to survey for potential problems as well as for valuable information.
Q3. What are sealants and does my child need them?
A3. Sealants are placed on the chewing surfaces of teeth to help prevent tooth decay. Teeth with deep grooves and fissures on their chewing surface are usually good candidates for sealants such as the 6 year and 12 year molars. Since they are used for prevention they are usually covered 100% by your insurance for permanent molars. The sealant is a plastic-like resin material that starts out in liquid form. After the tooth is cleaned, the sealant material is applied into the grooves. It is then hardened with special ultraviolet light. Sealing the grooves prevents penetration of bacteria thereby preventing tooth decay. Anesthetic is not needed to place sealants, and they can usually be applied in just a few minutes. With proper care they may last many years. Of course, regular brushing and flossing is essential to preventing tooth decay, but sealants may provide a good head start. Back to the top.
Q4. Why do I need a crown?
A4. You may need a crown for several reasons: fractured or broken teeth, large restorations or fillings, teeth that become brittle after root canal treatment, unsightly stains and/or trauma.
Q5. Do I have to have a crown on my root canal treated tooth?
A5. Most teeth that have undergone root canal therapy will require a crown. There are several reasons for this. First, the root canal procedure involves making a large opening in the top of the tooth to access the internal portions of the roots. This, along with the fact that a significant portion of the tooth is usually compromised to begin with, weakens the tooth making it more likely to fracture. A crown covers the tooth and prevents this from occurring. On rare occasions, usually in front teeth, there may be instances where the opening in the tooth is small enough that the crown is not required. One should note, however, that most root canal treated teeth darken over time so it may be desired to crown the tooth for cosmetic purposes. The placement of a crown over a root canal treated tooth also serves to seal off the root canal system and prevent the penetration of bacteria into the tooth thereby preventing contamination. For whatever reason, the placement of a crown over a root canal treated tooth increases the longevity of a tooth, allowing it to function without the risk of fracture.
Q6. Why do I need a bridge?
A6. Your appearance and proper functioning of your mouth are all important reasons for wearing a bridge. It replaces missing teeth, and supports your facial muscles, lips, and cheeks. It prevents your teeth from shifting and causing bite, jaw and gum problems.
Q7. What is an implant and how is it different from a bridge?
A7. Both an implant and a bridge are used to replace missing teeth. An implant is a titanium fixture that is placed into the space where a natural tooth has been lost. It fits down into the bone and extends to about the level of the gumline. The fixture integrates solidly into the bone and, after about 5 months of healing, a crown can be placed on top of it. Implants can replace single or multiple teeth and are an ideal long-term treatment option. Because the implant is metal, tooth decay cannot form around the edges. An implant crown can be easily cleaned by the patient and functions like a natural tooth. Because the fixture is all metal, no anesthetic is required for the fabrications of the crown which takes only a few minutes as compared to a traditional crown which can take much longer. A bridge also replaces missing teeth, but requires that two natural teeth be present on either side of the space. This differs from an implant which is independent and does not require the presence of other teeth.
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Q8. What are porcelain veneers?
A8. One of the best ways to improve the look of your smile is with porcelain veneers. Tooth-colored porcelain material is shaped to fit over and bond to your existing teeth. Chipped teeth, gaps, and other unsightly features can be effectively hidden from view. Because they actually form a permanent bond with your teeth, porcelain veneers are long lasting as well as attractive.
Q9. What are the benefits of a removable partial or complete denture?
A9. A partial or complete denture helps you properly eat and speak - two things most people take for granted until their natural teeth are prematurely lost. They also prevent your face from sagging or sinking in by giving support to your lips, cheeks, and facial muscles. This helps a person feel younger and more confident.
Q10. What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?
A10. The best treatment for a tooth that has been knocked out is to replace the tooth in the socket as soon as possible. The best situation is for the patient to immediately replant the tooth himself/herself and then contact a dentist so the tooth can be examined and splinted into place. If the tooth is covered in debris, it must NOT be scrubbed clean before replanting but GENTLY rinsed under running water. A tetanus vaccination as well as antibiotics may be recommended by the dentist upon patient examination. If the tooth cannot be properly positioned into the socket by the patient, then the tooth must be kept moist by storing it ideally in a cup of milk, saline (i.e. contact lens solution) or at least in water. Contact a dentist as soon as possible — the greatest chance to save the tooth is if it can be replanted within 2 hours of its displacement. Replanted teeth almost always require root canal therapy. Other possible complications including infection, root resorption and ankylosis (fusion to bone) can sometimes occur. The younger the patient, the greater the chance that replacing a tooth will be successful. However, only permanent teeth (not baby teeth) should be replanted.
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Q11. Why do I need scaling and root planning? How is that different from a simple cleaning?
A11. Scaling and root planning(SC/RP) is a more advanced type of dental cleaning than a simple cleaning or prophy which consists of the superficial removal of tartar (ABOVE THE GUMLINE) in a patient with healthy gums. SC/RP is the initial therapy in the treatment of gum disease (periodontitis). Although there is no cure for periodontitis, it can be managed with thorough tooth brushing and flossing by the patient as well as maintaining regular dental visits. This therapy is needed when deposits of tartar have accumulated on the roots of the teeth (BELOW THE GUMLINE). These deposits of tartar are filled with bacteria that are very damaging to the bone and gum tissues that support the teeth. If the deposits are not removed, the destruction of the supporting bone will lead to loosening and ultimately complete loss of the diseased tooth. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic to maximize patient comfort. This treatment can be very effective in patients who follow their recommended oral hygiene regimen prescribed by their dentist.
Q12. Is it important to have your wisdom teeth or third molars removed?
A12. If the third molars or wisdom teeth are not going to erupt or come into the mouth, it is best that they be removed. It is best to have them removed between the ages of 16-23. This prevents the development of later problems and possibly a more difficult surgery due to increased bone density and root development.
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Q13. Should I have a ulcer or growth checked?
A13. Any growth or ulcer, which does not heal itself within 10 days, should be checked. It could be pre-cancerous or malignant. Rapid and early diagnosis and treatment offers an excellent prognosis.
Q14. Are dental amalgams safe?
A14. Yes. Dental amalgams have been used worldwide in tooth restorations for more then one hundred years. Studies have failed to find any link between amalgam restoration and any medical disorder. Amalgam continues to be a safe restorative material for dental patients.
Q15. Is there a filling material that matches tooth color?
A15. Yes. Composite resins are tooth colored, plastic materials (made of glass and resin) that are used both as filings and to repair defects in teeth (bondings).
Q16. Why are baby teeth important?
A16. Children need strong; healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and to have a good looking smile. Baby teeth also keep a space in the jaw for the adult teeth, If a baby tooth is lost too early, the tooth beside it may drift into the empty space. Then when it's time for the adult teeth to come in, there may not be enough room. This may make the teeth crooked or crowded.
Q17. When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
A17. Start dental visits around the child's first birthday to 18-months. This allows the dentist to screen for potential problems. If you think your child has a dental problem, take the child to the dentist as soon as possible. Early visits allow the child to get used to going to the dentist and provide parents with valuable information.
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Q18. When should I start to brush my baby's teeth?
A18. You should start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. After each feeding wipe the gums with a clean gauze pad or washcloth, and clean and massage in areas that remain toothless. Begin flossing when all baby teeth have erupted, usually by age 2 or 2 1/2.
Q19. My insurance says they pay 80% on fillings. Why did they only pay 75% on mine?
A19. Dental insurance is one of the most beneficial and most misunderstood areas in dental treatment today. This explanation will attempt to clear up many common misconceptions about dental insurance. Dental insurance is a contract between EMPLOYER and the PATIENT. It has NO CONNECTION at all to the dentist who is providing the dental treatment. The extent of coverage varies greatly from company to company, and sometimes even within a company. It has absolutely NOTHING to do with the level of service provided by the dentist and the fee charged for these services. An often misunderstood term used by many insurance companies is "UCR" or usual and customary. This "usual and customary" number is the maximum amount that a particular insurance company will pay for a specific procedure. It has nothing to do with the fee charged, but with the level of coverage negotiated by your employer. For this reason, estimates of a patient's portion for any given procedure may not be exact because often there are variations in the amount that the insurance company is willing to pay based on your particular policy.
For example: if a dentist charges $100 for a filling and the coverage is listed at 80%, the patient may assume that their insurance company will pay $80 toward the filling. However, if your policy only ALLOWS $90 for a filling and your policy ALLOWS 80% coverage of this amount, then the insurance company will ACTUALLY pay $72 toward the service, not $80. So instead of the patient paying $20 out of pocket, they will actually be paying $28 (the remainder of the dentist's $100 fee). This is a common point of confusion, because the percentages given by the insurance company are not of the DENTISTS FEE but are percentages of the ALLOWANCE of the insurance policy.
Our policy on dental insurance is as follows: Our office makes every effort possible to assist you with your particular insurance coverage. Although it is not required, we will prepare and submit your insurance forms free of charge as a courtesy. We will also provide an estimate that will show expected insurance reimbursement and patient share for each procedure. Our office can only ESTIMATE what the insurance company will cover because most insurance companies will not disclose their exact ALLOWANCES. The patient's estimated share will be due at the time of treatment. Should our estimate of the patient's share be too high, a credit will be issued to the account or refunded to the patient if requested. Likewise, if the estimate was low, the remainder of the balance will be due at the time that the insurance payment is received. Should no payment be made within 60 days of a submitted claim, the fee will become the sole responsibility of the patient who may choose to take it up with their insurance company at that time. We will attempt to assist you in any way we can in all insurance matters. Please ask us for help. Back to the top.
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