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What will happen at my first visit?
At your first visit, we review all of your dental and medical history. We will also take any x-rays that you are due for. If you think that you have current x-rays with another Dr., it is a good idea to request that they are forwarded to our office. Dr. Williams will evaluate each tooth individually. In addition to that he and our hygienist, Leah, will evaluate your gums and the supporting bone. In most cases we can clean your teeth at the first visit. Please bring your dental insurance card if you have been issued one. You are welcome to print out your new patient paper work from our website (under the “Our Office” tab) to bring in with you.
What does my insurance pay for?
Dental insurance is different from medical insurance in a lot of ways. First of all it pays for a percentage of most procedures. Typically, your insurance will pay 100% of your cleaning, exam, and x-rays. For fillings, most plans pay 80%, and for crowns, most plans pay 50%. Another difference between medical and dental insurance is that dental plans have a coverage maximum per year of $1000-$2000. If you have questions regarding your insurance plan we will be more than happy to help you find of what kind of coverage you have.
Will I be reminded of my appointments?
Yes. For your cleanings, you will get a postcard in the mail approximately 3 weeks before. In addition to that you will get an email and text message a week before any appointment. In all of the above methods of conformation, we ask you to call our office and confirm your appointment. If we have yet to hear from you 2 days before your appointment we will call you directly to confirm and remind you of your appointment.
Should I have tooth colored fillings or silver fillings?
Dr. Williams has been placing tooth colored fillings for over 10 years and prefers them over silver fillings. Tooth colored (composite) fillings are bonded to the tooth by placing a series of bonding agents to the tooth before placing the composite. This eliminates the risk that silver fillings hold of allowing bacteria down in between the filling and the tooth which can cause additional decay. If you are faced with this decision, Dr. Williams will discuss what’s right for you.
How long do fillings last?
Tooth colored fillings last 10-20 years and silver fillings last roughly 10 years. When a silver filling breaks down the edges of it erode allowing bacteria to get between the tooth and the filling which can cause decay that is sometimes undetectable by x-rays because of the metal filling.
When do I need a crown?
A crown is needed when a tooth is not strong enough on its own. Sometimes when a tooth is cracked we put a crown on it to hold the sides together and prevent the crack from going into the nerve. Other times, when a tooth has a root canal we put a crown on it because, after a root canal, the tooth becomes very brittle and is more likely to break.
Is there a way to straighten my teeth without metal braces?
Yes. There is a system called Invisalign that can straighten your teeth with clear trays that you wear for approximately 2 weeks at a time. This process can take anywhere from 1-2 years to complete. To find out if you are a good candidate, give our office a call for a free consultation.
What are dental implants?
People often refer to a dental implant as a replacement tooth, but it is actually a metal post or appliance that replaces the patient's tooth root or roots. Once the artificial root or roots are in, replacement teeth are put in place and thus anchored firmly to the bone by the implant. The patient's new teeth look, feel and work just like natural teeth. There are several types of dental implants suited to various dental conditions.
Do all patients who want cosmetic makeovers get the same kind of teeth?
Absolutely not! Each person has a look they want for themselves and they have facial structure and skin tones that guide us in making individual selections that vary in size, shape, and color for each person.
Do I have to get my teeth capped to get rid of spaces between my front teeth?
In most cases capping to correct spaces isn't necessary. Today with beautiful, natural looking porcelain veneers (also called porcelain facings) we can easily make dramatic cosmetic changes to remove spaces, fix cracked teeth, do minor tooth straightening, and change the color of your teeth. In many instances, little or no tooth structure needs to be removed to create the smile of your dreams.
Is "tooth whitening" safe?
Bleaching procedures are safe and approved by the American Dental Association. Bleaching does not wear away any tooth structure or make a tooth more susceptible to staining.
Is gum surgery essential if I have periodontal (gum) disease?
We have found, many times, surgery is not necessary following a conservative course of periodontal treatment. This type of care typically includes a series of nonsurgical gum treatments. Even when surgery is required, it often is needed only in a few areas of the mouth and results can be greatly enhanced by nonsurgical preparation.
If periodontal disease is such a problem, why doesn't it hurt?
This is a very good question. Periodontal problems can become quite serious and extremely advanced without any pain whatsoever. That is why it is so important to be attentive to the warning signs - bleeding gums when brushing and flossing, swollen gums, receded gums, teeth changing position, pus or swelling around gums - to name a few.
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Plaza Dental Care |
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General Dentistry |
816-531-1648 |
