If I need a crown do I need a root canal?
This is a very common question. A root canal is a procedure that is done in order to remove bacteria from inside the tooth. The roots of the tooth remain, but the canal that goes through them is cleaned and sealed. Crowns are a type of restoration that helps to strengthen weakened teeth and a completely separate procedure from root canals. Sometimes both are necessary, however, it we are simply dealing with a weakened tooth, a crown can be completed without doing a root canal first.
Can I do all treatment together?
In more complex cases, we are often able to complete many procedures in a single visit. There are exceptions, but if your preference is to have the fewest number of appointments, please let our treatment co-ordinator know and she will get an answer for you right away.
How much will it cost?
Once we have completed an examination, and created the treatment plan that works best for the patient, our treatment co-ordinator will discuss the fees, and appointments necessary for those procedures. While there can be occasional unexpected events, we strive to have our patients informed prior to starting treatment.
Is it covered by my insurance?
For those patients that are fortunate enough to have dental benefits (it really isn’t insurance), there is an extremely wide range of what is covered from plan to plan. We can assist in getting the information you require to make the most informed dental decision possible.
Is it going to hurt?
This is one of the main reasons why people don’t come to the dentist – fear of pain. The good news is that anesthetic (freezing) has improved considerably allowing us to treat our patients comfortably. We also put a cream on the gums before freezing to minimize that initial sensation. If there is a time during a procedure where things are uncomfortable, it’s as simple as letting us know and we will stop working. For teeth that are difficult to freeze, we have additional technology that allows us to get even the most difficult teeth numb.
Flossing – do or don’t?
Flossing is the most widely known method of cleaning in between teeth. Our hygienists can easily spot those who are not getting in between teeth as gums are more inflamed. In addition, cavities can also form between teeth when plaque is allowed to sit undisturbed on your teeth. There are effective alternatives to flossing such as water piks and other devices that clean in between. So the answer is that whether it is flossing, or something else, you should absolutely be cleaning between your teeth.
Do you offer financing?
We recognize that receiving dental treatment can be expensive and that insurance plans rarely cover all of your needs. As a result, we have teamed up with a financial partner who can offer our patients options that help in the process of deciding which treatment is best for them. DentalCard has assisted many of our patients, allowing them to choose a treatment plan that they might otherwise have turned down.
We provide the opportunity for a thorough discussion regarding your financial options with our treatment coordinator prior to initiating treatment. We recognize that this is one of many concerns you may have and therefore consider it part of the planning along with patient comfort and scheduling appointments to fit your busy schedule.
If you’d like to start the process now, please feel free to access a credit application online in the privacy of your own home. We are happy to assist with any questions or you can contact Dentalcard directly.