Frequently Asked Dental Questions |
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How does the doctor keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?Dr. Becker subscribes to the latest industry journals in order to keep tabs on the latest techniques, products and procedures. He also attends continuing education courses on a regular basis and makes sure his staff does, too. Can you show me what my smile can look like ahead of time with imaging software?Dr. Becker has the latest equipment, which makes it possible for him to show you what your smile could be. By asking the right questions, taking a few photos of your mouth, and keying information into the computer, we can generate a graphic image that accurately demonstrates how our procedures will affect your smile. How do I know when it’s time to come in for a check-up?An average adult generally benefits from a professional cleaning and checkup every six months. To prevent gum disease, it’s wise to check for plaque that may have hardened into tartar, which requires professional cleaning in order to avoid gingivitis. Twice daily brushing and flossing go a long way toward maintaining good dental health as well. At what age should my children first see a dentist?Children should have their first dental visit about six months after their first teeth come in, or at about one year. This initial visit gives your dentist a chance to spot and prevent possible problems and gives your child a positive first experience with the dentist. Do you accept referrals?We believe referrals are the greatest form of flattery and are happy to accept referrals from other dentists, as well as from family and friends of our current patients. Do you accept my insurance plan?We accept almost all of the major insurance plans and will be happy to file your claims for you. We will also discuss the particulars of your plan with you before you undergo any procedure. What different payment options do you provide?We accept cash, personal checks and major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Your insurance co-pay is due at the time of your visit, and we’ll file your insurance claims for you. We also offer financing through the Dental Fee Plan, Care Credit and Citihealth. Please feel free to talk with our knowledgeable office staff about any questions you have. What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?If you have a dental emergency, please call our office and leave a message regarding the nature of your condition. We’ll return your call as soon as possible, give you helpful information over the phone, and determine if you need to be seen immediately. 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 pieces, put them into a container, and call our office to schedule an appointment so that Dr. Becker can reapply it as soon as possible. However, please do not attempt to glue the crown back into position. My child had an accident and his/her tooth was completely knocked out. What do I do?If there is no imminent medical emergency, such as uncontrolled bleeding, unconsciousness or other bodily injury, contact us immediately (in the event of an imminent medical emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room). Simply describe the situation and we’ll help you determine the safest and most appropriate plan of action. How can I ask the doctor questions directly?Dr. Becker encourages open, direct communication with patients, so he is available to answer your questions either in person, on the phone or via e-mail. Depending on how many patients are scheduled for that day and the complexity of your question, he’ll try to respond within 24 hours. What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?Safety is an important concern. Our entire practice team is well-trained in the latest sterilization techniques designed to ensure patient safety. We also have state-of-the-art sterilization equipment and a clean, modern facility. What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?When you are our patient, we see you as a person, not just as another set of teeth to fix and clean. We’ll do our best to help you prevent future dental problems and teach you how to help us do that. We want to become partners with you in your dental care. We’ll take the time to understand your dental history and to evaluate the best options for your dental needs. My gums bleed after I brush. Should I be concerned about this?You don’t want bleeding gums, but the condition may or may not require attention. Bleeding gums can be caused by rough, improper brushing instead of gentle circular brushing; by the use of a hard-bristled toothbrush instead of a soft one; by plaque and/or tartar build-up; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If this problem persists despite proper brushing and flossing, contact our office for an evaluation appointment. I really do not like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?Many people have qualms about having their teeth worked on, but modern dentistry offers a number of options to help you relax. For complex procedures, we can give you a pill to help you relax, or use nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas). We have high-end soundproofed headphones and a large variety of music to listen to, or you can use the headphones to watch a movie or television. We’ll do our best to make your visit a comfortable experience. Crowns, veneers, onlays and inlays…where can I learn more about these procedures?Our website is designed to help you learn about the restorative and cosmetic services we offer. Simply click on the Patient Library link in the margin and then select your article from the listing provided. If you want even more information, visit the American Dental Association. I brush everyday, but my breath is just not fresh. Is there anything I can do?Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily brushing. Some of the things that can eliminate bad breath include twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and tongue cleaning; regular professional cleanings; and careful cleaning of any dentures or dental appliances. If your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, however, we can offer you several options. First, we can give you a plastic tongue scraper that removes bacterial build-up and significantly alleviates odor. We can also recommend a special toothpaste or mouthwash designed to break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, if we suspect an underlying cause such as an infection, we may recommend a visit with your physician to identify the cause. Do I have to floss everyday? Is it really that important?A little flossing goes a long way and is critical to your overall oral health. It loosens food particles in tight spaces and gets rid of plaque that brushing alone can’t remove. It also exercises your gum tissues. Just think of flossing as insurance for your smile’s future. I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What can you recommend?Dr. Becker can improve your front teeth in a number of ways without braces. Options available include porcelain veneers for a bright, uniform look or ‘invisible’ braces behind your front teeth. If you’d like to investigate the options that suit you, call us to schedule an appointment. What is Smile Design?The highlight of smile design is watching patients’ reactions when they see their beautiful new smiles. We often see an immediate increase in our patients’ confidence and a change in their interaction with others. In addition to that, smile design means that your smile not only looks good, but also feels great. |
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Dental
Cosmetic and general dentist serving Fort Smith, Arkansas. We also
offer
sedation dentistry, tooth colored fillings,
veneers, whitening,
implant dentistry and
treatment of Gum Disease. Serving the Fort
Smith, Arkansas and Oklahoma area.