What You Need To Know...

What insurance do you take?

If you have Dental Insurance, we offer complimentary billing to your insurance provider and work together with you to help maximize your benefits. We will accept assignment of payment from your provider, when possible, so that you do not have to pay the entire amount up front, just your estimated portion. However, we can only estimate what your insurance is expected to pay. It is not a guarantee of payment and there may or may not be a further charge to the patient.

While we will help you file all insurance claim forms, we are not in-network with all companies. This does not mean that they will not cover your treatment at our office. We have many patients that have been coming to our office out-of-network for years. If you are unsure if your insurance will cover your visit with us, please call our office and we will check your insurance benefits for you.

We are on the PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) Plans of:

• Aetna PPO
• Assurant Health
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield
• Cigna - Radius Plan
• Delta Dental
• MetLife
• We also accept all Workman's Compensation claims.

Please call our office for more details: (602) 996-3993

How often should I see my dentist?

You should visit your dentist at least every six months for an examination and cleaning. By seeing your dentist twice a year, we can monitor your oral health and help prevent any problems that may arise before they become uncomfortable or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment. Dr. Smith may suggest more frequent visits, depending on your diagnosis.

What should I do when I have toothache?

If you are suffering from a persistent toothache you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith as soon as possible. In the meantime, make sure your teeth are clean and debris free, floss between your teeth to remove any left over food particles. A cold compress can be used on the outside of the cheek if any swelling is present.

Will whitening harm my teeth and gums?

No, teeth whitening has been around for many years now and the research carried out has proven that it is safe for your teeth and gums as long as the procedure is carried out as directed.

My gums bleed when I brush, what does this mean?

Bleeding gums are an early indicator of gingivitis, or swollen gums, usually caused by plaque and/or calculus accumulated under the gum line. If left untreated, gingivitis can eventually lead to bone loss and tooth loss. Gingivitis can usually be reversed by proper brushing and flossing within a few weeks. If bleeding persists two to three weeks, consult Dr. Smith.

How can I stop grinding my teeth at night?

Grinding your teeth at night can be very damaging and also difficult to stop. If vigorous grinding occurs, tooth structure can be worn down. A nightguard may be prescribed to prevent damage to the teeth. A custom nightguard is a removable acrylic cover that is fitted to match your teeth and protects them from the harmful effects of grinding and clenching.

If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?

Yes! In fact, it is even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't easily reach. This can cause bacteria to build up and may lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease.

Why are my teeth sensitive?

Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession allows the underlying dentin to show through allowing water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.

How can I improve my smile?

There are several ways to enhance your smile:

• Tooth Whitening
• Cosmetic Bonding
• Porcelain Veneers
• Porcelain Crowns
• Invisalign

We have the capability to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. Please contact our office so that we may provide you with a personalized treatment plan.