Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have provided many of our most frequently asked questions. We hope these will help keep you informed and equipped to receive the best care possible.
Below we have provided many of our most frequently asked questions. We hope these will help keep you informed and equipped to receive the best care possible.
No. While most teeth which have had root canal treatments do need crowns to strengthen the teeth and to return the teeth to normal form and function, not every tooth needing a crown also needs to have a root canal.
Although the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there is no health reason not to use amalgam (silver fillings), more patients today are requesting “white” or tooth-colored composite fillings. We also prefer tooth-colored fillings because they “bond” to the tooth structure and therefore help strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. White fillings are also usually less sensitive to temperature, and they also look better. However, “white” fillings cannot be used in every situation, and if a tooth is very badly broken, a crown will usually be necessary and provide better overall satisfaction for the patient.
Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures.
These are restorations to repair a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth after removing old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and all decay. The restoration material is made of gold, porcelain, composites, or even stainless steel. Dentists refer to all of these restorations as “crowns”. However, patients often refer to the tooth-colored ones as “caps” and the gold or stainless steel ones as “crowns”.
Flossing of the teeth once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy.
Generally, no. However, it’s advisable to use a fluoride containing toothpaste to decrease the incidence of dental decay. We recommend our patients use what tastes good to them as long as it contains fluoride.
The brand of the toothbrush is not as critical as the type of bristle and the size of the head. A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums, and a small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums. It’s unnecessary to “scrub” the teeth as long as you are brushing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings.
Yes, we are!
You can pay for your office visits and any treatments by cash, check, credit or debit card at the time of treatment. We also accept most major dental insurance plans. To discuss your payment options or insurance coverage, please call (210) 209-8958. For your convenience, we accept patient financing through CareCredit. Please inquire for more information.
Myth: Dental insurance is similar to medical insurance.
Fact: Dental benefits can help pay for limited services such as preventive care and some single tooth or single quadrant dentistry within a calendar year, but dental benefits are so limited that they pay for a very small percentage of the fees for multiple tooth dentistry and complex treatment plans. Some dental procedures are not covered at all by dental benefits.
Myth: I should ask the doctor to limit treatment to those items covered by my dental benefits.
Fact: We have an ethical obligation to diagnose and share our findings with you. We base treatment recommendations on the needs of the patient, not the limitations of the benefits. We respect your right to make decisions regarding your oral health, but we want you to be totally informed.
Myth: I have 100% coverage.
Fact: There is no such thing as full coverage. However, we will do everything possible to help you maximize your benefits. We will also work with you and offer you several options to help you stretch out payments over time.
We are contracted with many dental PPO plans, including Delta Dental. Call us about your particular plan and we will be happy to provide you with a courtesy benefits check, so call today for details.