Why is dental health so important?
If you've never felt dental pain, know that you're very lucky. When you have a healthy mouth, you can eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile confidently. You don't want to take that for granted. When people have dental pain, sometimes you can't work or function normally. All you can think about is, "How can I get rid of this pain?" It may be throbbing or waking you up in the middle of the night, or you may have an infection in your mouth. It's miserable. That's why it's important to have healthy habits that help you maintain a healthy mouth and reduce the chances of dealing with that kind of pain.
What are the most common dental problems?
Some of the most common dental problems include tooth pain, cavities, cracked teeth, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and missing teeth that make it difficult to eat or chew comfortably. Oral cancer can also occur, although it's less common. You may also have gaps between your teeth where food gets stuck, which can be very uncomfortable and frustrating.
What services does a family dentist provide?
As a family dentist, we provide a wide array of dental services, such as cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, and tooth extractions. In our office, we also provide Invisalign, dental implants, and more complicated prosthetic procedures such as All-on-4, All-on-6, or All-on-X. We provide snap-on dentures and sleep apnea devices to help patients with sleep apnea. We also see kids and provide some mild sedation procedures.
How long does a new patient dental exam take?
If you're a new patient coming to our office, we usually reserve at least an hour to take care of you. We'll start with X-rays and a digital scan to record the current condition of your teeth. Sometimes we take panoramic X-rays or CT scans. Then we proceed with the doctor's examination. The doctor will explain the conditions they see in your mouth, along with the proposed treatment.
Then the treatment coordinator will go over the fees, insurance coverage, and financial options. If you have any questions or concerns, make sure you bring them to the dentist's attention. If everything is understood and you agree to move forward with the next step, we'll make your next appointment to get started. The entire new patient exam usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half at most.
Does the first dental visit include a routine cleaning?
Let's start with what a routine dental cleaning is. We recommend our patients come in for a checkup and cleaning every three to six months, depending on their needs. During the visit, we'll assess the condition of your gums. If we see another problem, we'll present it to you and explain it first.
If you just need a simple, light cleaning because you brush and floss very well, there's no bone loss, and there isn't much tartar buildup, the dentist may recommend a routine cleaning, sometimes called a light or preventive cleaning. If you have more tartar buildup, gum disease, or another gum problem that requires a deep cleaning, we'll explain that and arrange the appropriate time to have it taken care of.
How often should you visit the dentist?
At the least, we recommend visiting the dentist every six months. If you have other potential dental problems that require more attention, your dentist may recommend coming in every three to four months. Discuss your situation with the dentist and understand your oral health needs so the dentist can take care of you and you can take better care of yourself at home, specifically based on the problems the dentist has explained to you.
Does dental insurance cover exams and cleanings?
Before you come in, our insurance staff will look up your coverage and explain it to you so you have a better idea of the costs and charges. In general, many dental insurance plans cover two exams and two routine cleanings per year. If you have dental insurance, make sure you understand and take advantage of the benefits available under your plan.
Other procedures, such as fillings, usually fall into different categories, such as basic or major services. A typical insurance plan might cover preventive care at 100%, basic services such as fillings at around 80%, and major services such as crowns at around 50%. Coverage varies by insurance plan, so our insurance staff will explain your specific coverage before treatment begins.
If you’re looking for dental care you can trust, call us at (702) 847-8662 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help you have the smile you've always wanted!