FAQs

In the past, dental work did hurt.  There was no Novocain and the dentist practically scared you into staying still.  Today we offer a variety of ways to control pain.  The most common is Novocain, even though this drug has not been used in years due to allergice reactions, we still refer to it as such.  These drugs block the pain pathway in your nerves and gives you the numb feeling.  We can also prescribe anti-anxiety medications, such as valium, to help the very nervous patient relax for the procedures.  More involved IV medications are handled at a specialist for their procedures.

Dental decay is an infectious process.  It is caused by microscopic bacteria.  They produce acid that eats away at the enamel and underlying dentin.  Once they get far enough into the tooth, the only way to remove then is to prepare the area and place a restoration (filling). If the infection gets too far into the tooth, the nerve and infection can cause severe pain and a root canal or extraction will have to be performed.  The bacteria feed on sugar, hence why mother's try to keep the candy and carbohydrates away from kids.

When people refer to dental insurance, they are usually referring to the dental portion that comes with their medical plan.  Unfortunately, this in not an insurance plan like the medical portion.  Dental is usually set up as a discount plan.  This means that you are given a discount on the most common procedures performed in the office.  There is a copay involved, which is the big difference.  The copay varies depending on the plan and the procedure performed.  Some have a zero copay while others can be a couple hundred or more.  A DHMO (dental HMO) plan follows a fee schedule that tells the office what to charge the patient for each procedure performed.  A DPO (dental PPO) involves the patient paying a set percentage of the procedure cost, with the company picking up the difference.  Be wary, though, a DPO plan will only pay so much money per year, and when the benefits are up, you are left having to pay for the entire bill.

You should first expect to be greeted by a kind and warm smile.  Secondly, we will have you fill out some initial paperwork.  This is general medical information and some initial consent forms.  We will ask you for any dental plan information you may have along with a photo ID.  Depending on your plan, there may be additional paperwork to sign and/or a copay for the visit.  On your first visit to our office, we do a comprehensive exam, which includes a full set of radiographs (x-rays), oral cancer screening, periodontal check, and caries (cavity) check.  We will then formulate a treatment plan with you to address the issues and meet your desired goals.