Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if I have gum disease?
- How often should I have a checkup?
- What is a cap or crown?
- What are dental sealants?
- Can I be asleep or sedated for my appointments?
- What age does a child get braces?
- Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?
- What age should my child be for their 1st visit?
- How can I straighten my teeth without braces?
- Do you accept dental insurance?
- What payment methods do you accept and what are your financing options?
- Can I get my teeth whitened?
- What if I have an emergency?
- I don’t like my smile. How can I improve it?
- My smile is missing teeth. What do you suggest?
- I have old, dark fillings. What can I do to brighten my smile?
- I want a “Hollywood Smile”, what are my options?
- How do I know if I grind my teeth?
- I have sensitive teeth. What can I do?
Answers
Q: How do I know if I have gum disease?
A: Periodontal (gum) disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Since it is painless, it often goes unnoticed until it has caused damage to the supporting bone structure. Regular dental examinations and cleanings can detect this disease in earlier stages and help to prevent the damage.
Q: How often should I have a checkup?
A: Most children and adults should see their dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. People who have higher dental risk factors may need to see their dentist more than twice a year.
Q: What is a cap or crown?
A: A cap is another name for a crown. It is a custom-made cover for a tooth. It can be made of ceramic, metal, or porcelain covered metal. It is placed on the tooth after the dentist has prepared the tooth, and is the most durable way to restore a tooth.
Q: What are dental sealants?
A: Sealants are a thin plastic coating applied to the biting surfaces of permanent posterior teeth. They are a great way to protect the teeth from cavities.
Q: Can I be asleep or sedated for my appointments?
A: No, we prefer to help people work through their fears. We do have nitrous oxide available for use upon request.
Q: What age does a child get braces?
A: There is really no simple answer to this since it is child specific and depends on their growth pattern. We evaluate at each cleaning and checkup to see if there is a need for an orthodontic consultation.
Q: Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?
A: Healthy gums do not bleed when you brush your teeth. Bleeding is a sign that you have either gingivitis or periodontal (gum) disease.
Q: What age should my child be for their 1st visit?
A: We generally recommend a child to have their first visit at age 3 unless a visible concern is noticed prior to that time.
Q: How can I straighten my teeth without braces?
A: That depends, if you just need front teeth straightened, an Inman Aligner may work for you. It is a custom made appliance that uses springs and gentle pressure on the teeth that need to be moved. After the teeth are in position, it is worn at night like a retainer to keep them in place.
Q: Do you accept dental insurance?
A: We accept all insurances and as a courtesy we file your claim for you, upon the receipt of your
co-payment.
We are not a Medicaid or Hoosier HealthWise provider.
Q: What payment methods do you accept and what are your financing options?
A: We accept cash, checks, debit and credit card payments (Master Card, Visa, & Discover). Flexible payment plans available through Care Credit.
Q: Can I get my teeth whitened?
A: Yes, we offer both in-office and professional take home tooth whitening. The in-office procedure consists of isolating the teeth to be whitened and applying a high concentration whitening solution in 15-20 minute increments. It gives a quick boost to the color of the teeth, but generally requires being sent home with custom trays and professional solution to finish the process, and get the best results.
The professional take home whitening consists of having custom trays made. The trays and professional strength solution will then be sent home with you. This method takes a little longer but has excellent results. The length of time it takes to whiten teeth depends on how easily your teeth whiten. Some teeth just whiten more easily than others. Other factors that affect the length of time are how often you wear the trays and dietary habits.
Q: What if I have an emergency?
A: An emergency phone number is available to contact our office after hours should you have a dental emergency.
Q: I don’t like my smile. How can I improve it?
A: We have many options to improve your smile. We would be happy to do a complete evaluation and treatment plan to discuss the options that would work best for you.
Q: My smile is missing teeth. What do you suggest?
A: We use several methods to replace missing teeth including bridges, implants, partial and complete dentures. The best way of replacing missing teeth depends on many factors. To find what will work best for your smile, a complete evaluation will allow us to design a plan especially for you.
Q: I have old, dark fillings. What can I do to brighten my smile?
A: We use resin, porcelain, and ceramic filling materials. All of these are “tooth colored” and can be used to replace existing “dark” fillings. The type of material chosen depends on the size and location of your current fillings, and all will provide a much brighter smile.
Q: I want a “Hollywood Smile”, what are my options?
A: We offer many options to produce a “Hollywood Smile” including tooth whitening, porcelain veneers and crowns. We can use the latest technology in cosmetic dentistry to provide you with a whiter, brighter, younger looking smile.
Q: How do I know if I grind my teeth?
A: Some common symptoms of a grinding or clenching habit are: tight or sore jaw muscles in the morning, tooth sensitivity especially to cold, chipping of teeth, teeth that are wearing flat, and headaches. Teeth can be worn prematurely by this type of habit. Fortunately there are custom night guards that can be made to protect your teeth from this destructive habit and relieve your symptoms.
Q: I have sensitive teeth. What can I do?
A: There have been many advances in the products available to treat sensitive teeth. We currently have three professional products in our office MI Paste, Vanish XT, and resin materials. MI Paste is dispensed for take home use. Vanish XT is applied in our office lasts for 6 months. The resins (fillings) are placed for long-term protection.
