ACDC FAQ’s

Front Desk:

1. Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, we are currently accepting new patients. Whether you are looking to make the switch to a new dental care home or to establish care for the first time, don’t hesitate to contact us today! Give us a call and we can determine a time that works best for you to establish care.

2. I just experienced dental trauma, how soon can you get me in?
We understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and are empathetic to your situation, which is why we will do our very best to accommodate your needs, getting you an appointment as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of your condition. Give us a call and we will schedule you for an evaluation. As always, if the severity of trauma is life-threatening, please dial 911.

3. Do you offer payment plans?
If you have little or no insurance coverage for a necessary procedure, we do offer select payment plans to help accommodate your situation. Please contact us for more information.

4. Do you bill our insurance for us?
Yes, when applicable, we will bill your insurance for any completed procedures. However, we are not in-network will all insurances, so coverage limitations may apply. A more comprehensive list of insurances is available on our website Here. If you have any questions regarding coverage amounts or on our participation/non-participation with your insurance please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Crowns:

1. Will I be able to tell the difference between my crown and my other teeth?
Your new dental crown may feel slightly different than your natural teeth, but will often appear very similar your natural teeth due to our close shade-matching process and careful selection of materials. As with any other changes, it may take a few weeks for your tongue and mouth to become acclimated to your new crown.

2. Does it hurt to have a crown placed?
We do our very best to ensure that patients feel comfortable and accommodated throughout the process of the crown preparation procedure. Occasionally there is a brief healing period after the procedure is completed that may or may not be accompanied by marginal discomfort. However, in most cases the process is pain-free.

3. Are there alternatives to a dental crown?
When indicated, dental crowns are a great option to provide a full-coverage restoration on a tooth that is severely compromised due to fracture, decay, or other condition. Other alternatives to dental crowns are dental bridges, composite restorations, and inlays/onlays. These will be treatment planned at the treating dentist’s discretion, as they are not one-size-fits all treatments. Ultimately, your dentist will determine the appropriate course of action to ensure the highest quality and longevity of your new restoration.

Teeth Cleaning:

What does a regular teeth cleaning cost?
Just as with any medical procedure, the cost of a dental cleaning depends upon a few factors. One of the most significant factors that determines just how much you’ll pay for a dental cleaning is the type and coverage of your dental insurance. Generally, most dental insurance plans cover routine dental cleanings at 100%, leaving you with no out-of-pocket portion.
However, if any additional services are performed, for example, x-rays or additional exams, these items likely won’t be covered by your dental insurance, which in turn means you’ll end up paying for these items. It is also important to note that many of these additional services are essential to accurately treatment plan for, and diagnose your oral health. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” – Benjamin Franklin.

What does a hygienist or dentist do when they clean your teeth?
When having your teeth cleaned, your hygienist will remove tartar and plaque from the surface of your teeth, between your teeth, and near the gum line. Depending upon the amount of build-up that you have, they will either use a handheld scaler or an ultrasonic scaler to ensure the best results. This is important because left unchecked, plaque and tartar are not only the main cause of cavities, but can also cause tooth discoloration, sensitivity, gum recession, and eventually lead to periodontal disease which is accompanied by irreversible bone loss.

How long does a teeth cleaning near me take?
On average, a routine dental cleaning will take forty-five minutes to one hour. If you are new to a dental clinic, however, your first visit might take closer to one hour, with the potential of going slightly over. Because dentists like to be thorough, they may request additional x-rays or exams to ensure that they have entirely assessed your dental health and provide you with the care you need going forward.
In the end, a thorough provider is generally a good provider. Missed or unaddressed dental concerns can be costly and painful if not caught early.

Why choose our practice?
At ACDC, we strive to provide top-notch dental care in a comfortable and relaxing environment. The entirety of our staff is welcoming and caters to your dental needs to ensure that you receive the best quality treatment possible. Our knowledgeable staff have the ability to thoroughly explain any treatment procedure that you would like more information on, helping you to feel more at ease when you come to the dental chair. We also employ the use of various advanced technologies to streamline your treatment process and increase patient comfort – meaning you will spend less time in the chair and more time admiring your new smile. Whether you are looking to find a new dental care home or establish care for the first time, we welcome you to join us at ACDC! Give us a call to get started today!

What are your hours?
At Associates in Comprehensive Dentistry, we are open at the following times:

If you have a dental emergency, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Why is visiting the dentist so important?
Visiting the dentist not only helps to keep your teeth and mouth in a healthy state, but will also help to boost your overall health as well – the two are more closely intertwined than you may think. Some of the advantages that comprehensive dental care offer:

• Helps prevent tooth decay
• Can help remove staining caused by food, tobacco, and drinks such as coffee and wine – helping your teeth to appear more brilliant.
• Protects against periodontal disease which is often accompanied by bone loss and eventual tooth loss.
• Increases the appearance of your smile, allowing you to be more confident.

How can I take care of my teeth between dental checkups?
One of the most important factors in maintaining your oral health starts with your homecare, as such, we recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss at least once in order to slow the buildup of the tartar and plaque that causes cavities. Also ensure that your toothpaste contains fluoride, which helps to re-mineralize your teeth and prevent the formation of cavities. Also be sure to avoid sugary foods and drinks whenever possible, anything is fine in moderation, but too much of anything can be a bad thing. If eating candy or drinking something with a lot of sugar, try to clean your teeth afterwards. As always, schedule and attend your dental check-up appointments at least every six months so that your oral health may be effectively monitored.

How often should I see the dentist?
It is recommended that children, teens, and adults see the dentist for a check-up every six months, at which point they would also receive a prophylactic cleaning as a preventative measure to reduce the likelihood of cavity formation. Patients who are historically at a greater risk for gum disease or oral cancer may have to see their dentist more frequently so that their condition may be adequately monitored. Your dentist and hygienist team will collaborate to determine the appropriate recall schedule for you and your family.

What is a cavity?
Cavities are small holes that form in your teeth as a result of tooth decay. This decay begins when plaque buildup on your teeth combines with the sugars and starches from the foods you eat. This produces a chemical reaction that results in the production of acid – a substance that can eat away at the enamel and dentin of your tooth. Left untreated, cavities can expand to reach the nerve, at which point they can cause extreme pain and necessitate a root canal. This is one reason why it is important to stay on top of your oral health and maintain good oral home care. If you feel that you are experiencing any of the preceding, be sure to talk to your doctor about the different treatment options available to you.

What is a root canal?
A root canal involves the removal of the nerve within a tooth. This is done with hand-instrumentation and the use of rotary files. Once the nerve is removed, the canals within your tooth are cleaned and shaped, and filled with a biologically inert permanent filling material called Gutta Percha. Depending on the amount of decay present, the tooth will then either be restored with a filling or a crown. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, don’t hesitate to contact us to have your symptoms evaluated.

What is a filling?

A filling is a synthetic material, most often composite, that your dentist will use to replace the space left behind after all decay is removed. This material is then shaped and hardened, leaving you with a tooth that is identical in form and function to a natural tooth – without the decay. It is important that you take care of your new fillings by brushing and flossing regularly in order to maintain the longevity of the filling. When taken care of properly, your new fillings can last you upwards of 15 years.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, begins as plaque and eventual tartar buildup on the surface of the tooth along and underneath the gumline. Once enough hardened tartar has built up, it will cause irritation and swelling of the gums – indicative of gingivitis. If left unchecked, gingivitis will eventually develop into more severe forms, and eventually periodontitis, which is marked by severe gum recession and bone loss. This highlights the importance of maintaining a regular schedule to see your hygienist and doctor to monitor your oral health.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

• Red, swollen, or sore gums – or a combination of the three.
• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing.
• Teeth that appear longer or have exposed root surfaces – which may eventually become loose.
• Large spaces between the teeth.
• Gums that appear to be pulling away or receding from the teeth.
• Chronic bad breath.

Is periodontal disease treatable?
Periodontal disease is both preventable and treatable, but if you expect you may have diseased gums, you shouldn’t delay in contacting your dentist to receive an evaluation and treatment. There are various treatments available depending on the severity of your periodontal disease, and your dentist will determine what the appropriate course of action is. Some treatment options include:

• Non-surgical treatment
• Periodontal surgery (flap surgery, LANAP, etc.)
• Periodontal therapy
• Education on increasing the quality and/or frequency of homecare