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The
following are answers to some of the questions we are asked
most often. If you need more information about any of the
topics below or have questions about anything else, please
don’t hesitate to ask.
How does the doctor keep up-to-date on all of the current
techniques and materials?
Dr. Yeap subscribes to the latest industry journals to
keep up to date on research and development in the dental
industry. She also takes time on a regular basis for
continuing education, and ensures that her staff does
the same. At
Signature Dental, we make it our responsibility to be
familiar with the latest techniques and materials available.
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 check up 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.
Do you accept my insurance plan?
Our office accepts nearly all of the major insurance
plans. We are well-versed in the latest coverage
trends, and are
more than happy to discuss the particulars of your
plan with you prior to any treatments you may undergo.
To
save you time, we make sure we have all of your specific
insurance
information verified before you come in.
What do I do if I have an emergency when the office
is closed?
In case of a true dental emergency, please contact
our office voice mail and describe your condition
in detail.
We 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.
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.
If
the crown is in one piece you can try to fit it
back over
your tooth. If it doesn’t slip easily into place, don’t
force it. If you can get it to sit back onto (or into)
the tooth, you can apply Fixodent to the inside of the
crown, then gently put the crown back onto (or into) the
tooth, apply slight pressure until it feels secure, gently
close your teeth together and then clean off the excess
Fixodent with a wet finger. (You can make a thick mixture
of Vaseline and talcum powder if you don’t have Fixodent.)
Either of these materials will hold your temporary crown
in place for a short time if you can’t come
into the office right away. Try to chew on the
other side
of your mouth when you are eating since the temporary
can
dislodge again.
What different payment options do you provide?
We accept cash, personal checks, and most major
credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard. Your
insurance
plan co-pay is due at the time of your visit.
We can also
provide you with information about various
dental financing plans.
My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something
to be concerned about?
If you have bleeding gums following brushing,
the condition may or may not require attention.
Bleeding
gums can
be caused by any of the following: improper,
rough scrubbing
instead of gentle, circular brushing motions;
using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead
of a soft one;
plaque
and/or tartar
build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity
due to gum disease. If this problem persists
despite correct brushing and flossing techniques,
or occurs
every time
you brush,
contact our office to set up an evaluation.
I really do not like visiting the dentist,
is there anything you can do to help
me relax?
We understand many people feel nervous
about having their teeth worked on.
At Signature
Dental, we
do everything we can to create a relaxing
atmosphere. For entertainment
and distraction, we have special headphones,
cable TV
and DVD movies in every room. For more
complex procedures,
we offer laughing gas and local anesthesia
to keep you comfortable and relaxed.
Do I have to floss every day? Is
it really that important?
A little regular flossing goes a
long way and is critical to your
overall
oral health.
It
loosens food particles
in tight spaces your toothbrush
cannot reach; it
gets rid of plaque build-up toothbrushes
alone cannot remove;
and
it exercises your gum tissues.
It is an unavoidable fact that regular
brushing,
flossing, and
dental checkups are necessary to
avoid gum disease.
I want my
front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear
braces. What
would you
recommend?
Dr. Yeap has a number of 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 further
about the option
that
best suits
your individual situation.
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