FAQs

 

Can I reach the dentist if I have a dental emergency after hours?

Will you take me as a patient even though I do not have dental insurance?

Will you take my dental insurance?

When do you take X-rays of the teeth?

What is involved in a New Patient Exam?

What can I do to make my teeth look better?

Why do some patients take antibiotics before dental treatment?

What causes sensitive teeth?

How do you care for sensitive teeth?

 Can I reach the dentist if I have a dental emergency after hours?
Yes. Our office is maintains an after-hours answering service.  If you have a dental emergency after hours, please call us at (847) 446-7200 for directions.

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 Will you take me as a patient even though I do not have dental insurance?
Yes. We welcome all new patients. We have a variety of affordable payment options available to our patients including a 0% interest plan with CareCredit for those who qualify. Learn more about CareCredit.     Back to the top top

 Will you take my dental insurance?
Yes. We accept most insurance plans. Call us to find out if we are a participating provider on your insurance plan. Even if we are not a participating provider on your plan, most PPO Plans offer out-of-network benefits. We do not accept DMO insurance or public aid. We will work with you and your insurance company to process your claims and help you get the maximum insurance benefit allowable. Unfortunately, your dental insurance company will only pay a portion of your dental treatment. We will estimate your portion and ask you to pay that amount at the time of service.Back to the top top

 When do you take X-rays of the teeth?

We use radiographs (x-rays) when we must make a diagnosis. When a patient is new to the practice, x-rays will help us diagnose the current health and dental needs of that person. Those x-rays become the” baseline” radiographic record for the patient. Additional x-rays will be taken in the future so that we can reevaluate the patient’s condition. We

commonly take radiographs at 3-5year intervals. If you have any concerns about the radiographs, then please discuss them with your dentist.     Back to the top top

 What is involved in a New Patient Exam? 

You deserve a thorough explanation of your oral health and an appropriate treatment plan that will address your dental needs. Not only we examine your teeth, but we also examine your soft tissues, bone level, periodontal health, bite and the muscles that effect your jaw movements and tempromandibular joint (Jaw joint). We perform thorough cancer screening of your mouth. With the help of radiographs we detect decay, bone loss, impacted teeth and any lesions that might indicate a root canal treatment or an  abnormality. The only effective way to evaluate your bite is with stone models of your teeth that have to be mounted onto an articulator. After gathering all the data, we take time to talk with you and listen to your concerns.      Back to the top top

 What can I do to make my teeth look better?

Thanks to advanced technology and superb dental materials we can mimic a natural tooth structure almost to exact. There are many treatments available to improve the appearance of your teeth. Bleaching treatments are very popular since they work well on unrestored teeth. Porcelain veneers and crowns are a beautiful way to improve your smile. We also use composite materials that are tooth colored and can improve your appearance just in one visit.     Back to the top top

 Why do some patients take antibiotics before dental treatment?

If you have had a heart valve replacement or shunts or conduits surgically placed, previously had bacterial endocarditis, have a congenital heart disease, or have a heart valve missfunction, the American Heart Association says you are in a medium to high risk group for bacterial endocarditis which is the collection and growth of bacteria in the heart muscle. This can lead to inflammation of the heart and is a life-threatening condition. In most cases 2 grams of Amoxicillin taken one hour before the dental appointment will provide proper protection to the patient. If a patient is allergic to amoxicillin, clindamycin-600mg, Cephalexin-2grams, or Azithromycin-500mg is recommended.     Back to the top top

 What causes sensitive teeth?

When the enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth, wears down or your gums recede, the sensitive inner layers of your teeth are no longer protected. The innermost layer, the pulp contains nerves and cells that feel uncomfortable sensations when irritants come in contact with the tooth surface. Enamel thinning can be caused by many things, like: Aging, brushing incorrectly and too vigorously near the gum line, grinding your teeth(also known as bruxism), plaque build-up and tooth decay, gum recession or periodontal disease, periodontal surgery, erosion of the enamel by acidic foods, chemicals, or digestive acids, trauma or problems with your bite.      Back to the top top

 How do you care for sensitive teeth?

There are a variety of ways to care for you sensitive teeth.  I recommend the following:

• Use desensitizing toothpaste
• Avoid using whitening or tartar control toothpastes.
• Brush properly Use a soft toothbrush and brush in a gentle, circular motion. 
• Floss daily.
• Come in for a check up. We can coat the sensitive teeth with fluoride gel or a special desensitizing agent. If tooth decay or worn and/or cracked filling is a problem, then it needs to be treated.
• Eat a good diet. By eating plenty of protein, whole grain, vegetables and fruits and by limiting intake of foods high in sugar, you can reduce the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.
• A root canal therapy with a crown may be indicated for severe cases.
• Use a bite appliance (night guard) that can eliminate the effect of tooth grinding or clenching.     

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