Our patients always have interesting and thoughtful questions on their minds, and we always take the time to answer them as thoroughly and clearly as we can so that they fully understand the services we provide here at Nelson Y. Howard, D.D.S. Naturally, there are many questions that patients tend to ask more often, so we’ve decided to list some of the answers here to give them a handy reference point. If the below questions don’t cover your own concerns, call us directly to let us know what’s on your mind!
Under normal circumstances, only two dental appointments are normally necessary every year. Naturally, that includes the checkups and cleanings that are so vital to preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Of course, there are circumstances where you might need to visit us more often based on existing issues.
There are plenty of options for enhancing your smile, and Dr. Howard can help you explore them during a cosmetic dentistry consultation. You might decide to undergo a professional whitening procedure to eliminate stains that have appeared on your teeth over time; in other cases, you might get porcelain veneers to make multiple corrections at once. Let us know exactly what kind of changes you’re envisioning so that we can make a plan that’s right for you.
Missing teeth aren’t just an aesthetic issue. You’ll need a full set of teeth if you want to chew and talk normally. Also, the jawbone will start to deteriorate if it doesn’t receive the stimulation of biting and chewing. Thus, losing any tooth can have a serious impact on your oral health. Get in touch with us immediately to discuss your replacement options, such as dental implants and bridges.
It doesn’t always take a complex procedure to close a small gap between your teeth. You may just need a bit of composite resin to fill in the empty space. Veneers can be used to make similar changes, though it should be noted that it takes at least two visits to have this type of restoration placed.
A dental emergency can take many forms, although most of them usually involve oral pain that won’t go away or significant damage to the teeth. Common emergencies include teeth that have been broken or knocked out of your mouth altogether, toothaches that don’t go away after flossing or rinsing, visible dark areas in your teeth which begin to hurt, prolonged pain to cold or hot foods or liquids, etc.
We accept many different insurance plans. You’ll maximize your benefits if you have a plan with one of the insurance companies that we are in-network with, including Aetna, Cigna, and Delta Dental Premier. Of course, we’re still willing to take other plans. Call us with your information ahead of time so that we can help you figure out how much you can expect to pay for your treatment and plan ahead accordingly.
