For our cosmetic and general dentistry patients, the following questions are frequently asked. If you have a question that isn’t listed here, feel free to contact us
- Is this going to hurt? The quality of local and topical anesthetic really makes a difference these days. For high anxiety patients, there are numerous sedative approaches, some of which are non-invasive like the PED and virtual reality DVD glasses. Also very powerful, is putting patients in total control. Finally, Dentists can take asking, and listening lessons these days and that helps too.
- How much is this going to cost? No one likes suprises when it comes to cost. Cost should be explained and a financial agreement reached before treatment begins. And, interest free financing is availible for up to 18 months these days.
- What about my insurance? Insurance benefits are there to help pay the bills. Most plans allow for a $1000 maximum/year (just like in 1978.) Dental practices will happily process insurance but premium payers are always their own best advocate.
- What about porcelain caps that look black near the gum line? Most front teeth can be restored much less invasively these days, often with veneers less than 1 millimeter thick, using only tooth colored materials.
- Do you still use silver fillings? We haven’t used silver fillings in 20 years. Today’s tooth colored resin fillings are really compatible with natural tooth structure and greatly reduce the chance of tooth fracture. Above all they look really natural too.
- What about sterilization? Dental steam autoclaves are very effective sterilizers and these days almost everthing we use is autoclavable. Today’s water systems are self contained and use sterile water.
- How do you keep up with all of the new technology? Today is really the Golden Age of continuing education. Some of us complete as much as 200 hours of continuing education per year. These days, regarding keeping up; if there’s a will, there’s all kinds of ways.
- Is your staff nice? The old dental joke is “staff” is an infection. Dental “teams” basically reflect the philosophy of the dentist. Team meetings are really more about human communication side. If dental teams aren’t friendly and/or don’t listen, let them know or make a change; goes double for the dentist. Meet our Temple City Dental Team.
- Do hygienists clean my teeth or does the doctor? Hygienists are specialists; oral hygiene and monitoring and care of early-moderate peridontal disease is their specialty. The answer should be “YES”
- Where did you go to school? I went to USC School of Dentistry and yes, the reality is at least the equal of the great reputation ( Okay, so I told you some of these were less than universal.)
