The following are answers to some of the questions we are
asked most often by our patients. If you need more information
about any of the topics below or have questions about
anything else, please don't hesitate to ask.
How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
An
average healthy adult typically benefits from a professional
cleaning and checkup every six months. While a routine
of twice daily brushing and flossing helps to maintain
a healthy mouth, only a professional can check for plaque
and remove any that has hardened into tartar. Remember,
the bacteria that can cause gum disease reside and multiply
underneath the tartar on your teeth.
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At what age should my children first see a dentist?
Children
should have their first dental visit about 6 months after
their primary, or "baby" teeth have erupted. This lets
the dentist spot and prevent any potential oral health/dental
problems. These early visits also provide young children
with a positive, non-threatening experience at the dental
office.
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Do you accept my insurance plan?
Our
office accepts most of the major insurance plans. We
are well-versed in the latest coverage trends and are
more than happy to discuss the details of your plan prior
to any treatments you may undergo.
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What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
We
provide 24-hour emergency contact
information. In case
of a true dental emergency, please contact our office
voicemail and describe your condition in detail. Our
recording will provide the doctors' cell phone numbers
and they will return your call as soon as possible, give
you helpful information over the phone, and then determine
if you need to be seen immediately.
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I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes
off or breaks?
If
your temporary crown comes off or breaks, carefully wrap
up the piece(s), place it into a protective container,
and call our office to schedule an appointment. Under
NO circumstances should you attempt to re-glue the crown
or crown pieces back into position.
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How can I safely whiten my teeth?
There
are several methods available to help whiten
your teeth including at-home whitening products and in-office supervised treatments. We can evaluate
the potential for whitening your teeth by examining their current color and
the causes of any discoloration. Once you have selected a method, you will
probably spend about 2 to 4 weeks undergoing treatment.
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What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
Our
team is well-trained in state-of-the-art sanitation techniques
designed to ensure patient safety. In addition to wearing
gloves and facemasks to prevent passing any germs, we
have a specialized sanitation center and a water filtration
system that provides a fresh water source for each patient.
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What makes you different than any other dental practice I
can visit?
Because
we are a small practice, we are interested in establishing
quality, long-term relationships with all of our patients
and their families. We build and maintain these relationships
by providing each and every individual with quality time
and attention, with warmth and humor, with a passion
for artistry as well as excellence in all we do.
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I really don't like visiting the dentist. Is there anything
you can do to help me relax?
We
understand that many people are nervous about having
their teeth worked on. At Allen Dentistry, we do everything
we can to make you feel more at
home and more relaxed.
For your entertainment and distraction, we have headphones
and DVD movies available. We also offer laughing gas,
oral sedation, IV sedation, and local anesthesia to keep
you comfortable and relaxed during your procedure.
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Crowns, veneers, on-lays, inlays and partials, where can I
learn more about these procedures?
We've
designed our web site to help you learn all you need
to about the various restorative and cosmetic techniques
and materials we use. Feel free to visit the Patient
Library or our Patient Newsletter to read more about
various topics. You can also find additional information
by visiting
the American
Dental Association.
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I want my front teeth to look better but I don't want to wear
braces. What would you recommend?
There
are several ways to improve the look of your front teeth
without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked
or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition
of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a
bright, uniform look. We would be happy to talk with
you about options that would best suit your needs and
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