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Because we want to provide you with
the best information possible, following are the answers
to some of the questions we receive from patients most often. If
you have
other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We want you
to be well informed and knowledgeable about your dental health.
Dr. Sales subscribes to the latest industry journals to keep
tabs on research and development in the dental industry. She also
takes time on a regular basis to attend continuing education classes
and ensures her staff does the same. As a team and as individuals,
our office makes it our responsibility to be familiar with the latest
techniques and materials available.
If your temporary crown comes off or breaks, carefully wrap up the
piece(s), place it in a protective container, and call our office to
schedule an appointment for Dr. Sales to re-apply it as soon as possible.
Please do not attempt to re-glue the crown or crown pieces back into
position.
If there is no imminent medical emergency such as uncontrolled
bleeding, unconsciousness or other bodily injury. Please contact
us immediately to see Dr. Sales as soon as possible. Simply describe
the situation over the phone and our staff will help you determine
the safest and most appropriate course of action.
We accept cash, personal checks and all major credit cards such as
Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover. We also accept most
major insurance plans and offer private financing with up to 18 months
same-as-cash with approved credit. Please talk with our office staff.
They’ll be happy to assist you.
There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile,
from at-home whitening products to in-office treatments. Dr. Sales
can help you evaluate the potential for whitening your teeth based
on their current color and the causes of any discoloration. Once you
have decided on the most appropriate method, you’ll probably
spend 2 to 4 weeks undergoing a series of simple whitening treatments.
It is certainly not desirable for you gums to bleed after brushing.
However, the condition may or may not require attention, depending
on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by improper,
rough “scrubbing” instead of gentle, circular brushing
motions; using a hard-bristled toothbrush instead of a soft one;
plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity
due to gingivitis or gum disease. If this problem persists despite
correct brushing and flossing methods or occurs every time you brush,
contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment.
We understand that many people are nervous about having their
teeth worked on, so we strive to create a relaxing atmosphere. We
have special headphones and DVD movies available in each room so
you can keep your mind on more pleasant things. For more complex
procedures, we offer local and oral anesthesia to keep you comfortable
and relaxed.
Our Web site is designed to help you
learn about the various techniques we offer. Simply click on the
Patient Library link in the margin, then select your topic from the
listing provided. If you desire even more information, click here to visit the American Dental Association
Web site.
Millions of people struggle with bad breath, or halitosis, despite
daily brushing. Here is a checklist that might eliminate the problem:
twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and tongue cleaning; regular
professional cleanings and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable
dental appliances. If your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists,
however, we can offer several solutions.
First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that
cleans bacterial build-up on your tongue and significantly alleviates
odor. Or we can recommend a specially-prepared rinse or toothpaste
designed to break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath.
Finally, we may also suspect a systemic or internal problem such as
an infection, so we may recommend a visit to your family doctor to
identify the cause.
A little regular flossing goes a long way and is truly critical
for your overall oral health. It loosens food particles in tight
spaces your toothbrush cannot reach, gets rid of plaque that brushing
along cannot remove, and exercises your gum tissues. Just think of
daily flossing as the finishing touch after brushing—insurance
for your smile’s future.
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