Q&A

General and Cosmetic Dental Questions

“Silver” fillings have been around for many years. There has been some controversy over the years regarding the safety of mercury. However, the U.S. Public Health Service’s 1993 report stated that amalgam “silver” has no health consequences other than for a small percentage of people who might be allergic to the metals. There are some circumstances where silver is still the best treatment option. Some disadvantages to amalgam fillings are esthetics, the need to remove excessive tooth structure and the potential to cause teeth to fracture. “White” fillings, on the other hand, are aesthetically pleasing. They can be placed with conservative tooth reduction, readily bonded to your teeth, prevent fractures, and are very smooth. “White fillings”, although more expensive, have more advantages in comparison to “silver”.

We offer two types of at home teeth whitening. The take-home method may take a few weeks, but the results are comparable. We provide custom fit trays for both types of bleaching modalities.

Yes, we do most root canals and extractions. However, there are times where the services of a specialist are needed. We will refer to the appropriate specialist as needed.

An implant is the replacement of a lost tooth. It has three components. The first is the actual implant that is placed by a surgeon. After placement, the implant must integrate or “stick” to the bone. That process can take 6-9 months. The next step is to have an impression taken to fabricate the second and third components, the abutment and implant crown. The abutment will act as your tooth above your gum in which the crown will be cemented. Considering the length of time it takes to complete an implant, there are some circumstances where temporary teeth will be fabricated for the interim.

Yes. X-rays are the only way that we have to evaluate the condition of the roots, the bone around the teeth, and the areas in between the teeth where the teeth touch. We are very conservative in the number of x-rays that we take.

Children

Yes, we see patients of all ages. We recommend that a child’s first “get acquainted” visit be around 2 to 3 years of age.

Sealants are a resin material which can prevent cavities. The resin is bonded to the chewing surfaces of the permanent back teeth. It gets placed in deep pits and grooves of your teeth. Usually, it’s placed around the age of 6 when your child gets his/her first adult molars, around 9-10 years old when the pre-molars erupt and age 12 when the second molars erupt.

Fluoride is an element that occurs naturally. Fluoride can help prevent tooth decay when ingested systemically (in tablet or drop form) or applied to the teeth topically. Some of the primary benefits of fluoride are remineralization-a process that can reverse the beginnings of decay and strengthen the tooth’s surface. This ultimately makes the tooth more resistant to decay.

New Patients/First Visit

Yes, if possible. Your dental history is important in evaluating and planning for your dental future, even if you have not had any problems. Please have your x-rays and a copy of your records sent to our office by your previous dentist. Sometimes they will have you sign a release to give them permission to forward your health information. If you would like us to call and handle the transfer, we would be happy to do that for you.

If you have insurance, we will electronically file your claim. All patient portions are to be paid by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover or CareCredit on the day of visit unless other arrangements are made prior.

Insurance

We accept most traditional dental insurance and are contracted providers for BlueCross/BlueShield and DeltaDental. We do not take MassHealth. On your initial phone conversation or email, please provide us with your dental insurance information and we will be glad to assist in verifying your coverage limits.

Yes. We have the ability to research your coverage almost immediately. Our office managers would be glad to help you understand your policy.

We are contracted with BlueCross/Blue Shield and DeltaDental. This means that the fees are predetermined. Other dental insurance programs that we accept fall under the “usual and customary” fee schedule. Fees that a particular company will pay on a certain procedure are said to be “usual and customary”. These companies do not increase their fees to go along with the rate of inflation on a consistent basis. The difference in our fee and the “usual and customary” fee deducted from your insurance coverage is your responsibility.

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