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Q: I’m terrified of the dentist. Can you help me feel more comfortable?
A: Your comfort is our top concern. We are specially trained in the latest techniques and provide an environment where you feel safe, in control and gently cared for. We can provide medication to relax you before your visit and we also have video, DVDs and headphones to make your treatment quick and enjoyable.
Q: Are you accepting new patients? Can I get my teeth cleaned on my first visit?
A: Yes. We are happily accepting new patients. During your first appointment, your overall dental and oral health is assessed with a comprehensive oral evaluation. Upon completion of your medical / dental health form, we ask you to tell us your goals regarding your smile, teeth, and gums. Digital photos and X-Rays are taken of your teeth to identify areas of decay, cracked teeth and malfunctioning restorations. DIAGNOdent®, a specialized laser, will also be used on your teeth, notifying us of early areas of decay that are not visible on the X-Ray or digital photographs. Our goal is to preserve as much of your teeth as possible by catching decay in its earliest stages. We’ll also assess your gums and recommend the appropriate hygiene treatment for you. Finally, if the schedule allows, we perform a dental cleaning on your first visit to our office.
Q: What different payment options do you provide?
A: Helping to make your dental care financially comfortable and affordable is important and we proudly offer a variety of options:
- Cash or personal checks
- All major credit cards
- 3, 6, 12, or 18 month - No interest monthly payment plans as well as low interest and extended payment plans through CareCredit™.
We are happy to estimate fees and insurance reimbursement before starting recommended treatments and gladly file insurance forms for you. Optimal, comprehensive dentistry is what we practice and we do not base our treatment on what insurance will or will not pay. We base our treatment on what is best for you and any treatment not paid by insurance is your financial responsibility.
Q: Do you take dental insurance?
A: Yes. We do accept all fee-for-service plans, including most PPO's. Additionally, we are a Premier Delta Dental provider and take almost all dental plans offered by Delta Dental. However, we do not accept DeltaCare USA, Medical or HMO's. If you have any questions regarding your dental insurance, we would be happy to assist you. We never compromise the quality of your dental care, however, we do work with you to maximize your dental insurance benefits.
Q: Do you have whitening procedures?
A: If your teeth are already straight and healthy, you might be interested in Zoom!™ whitening. Zoom!™ whitening is a procedure that takes place in a single visit to Dr. Boyce. It involves the application of a specially formulated gel that, when exposed to a type of light energy, penetrates the stains in your teeth, breaking them up and leaving your smile brighter and whiter. The entire process takes under an hour.
If you have other issues with your teeth, in addition to them being discolored, you may want to consider porcelain veneers. Many people who have tetracycline stained teeth and cannot whiten their teeth with traditional means, or people who want a more permanent solution will opt for porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are a great way to whiten your teeth in a more permanent fashion. The veneers do not stain with time and also correct many other concerns that you may have including crooked teeth, gaps in teeth and a gummy smile. Most of the smile makeovers you see on television are accomplished with porcelain veneers.
Q: My teeth keep chipping and cracking. What causes this? What can I do about it?
A: Many people who notice chipped or cracked teeth, but don’t remember when the injury occurred, damaged their teeth while they were sleeping. Grinding or clenching your teeth during the night will cause your teeth to chip, crack and even break. To keep you from seriously damaging your teeth, we recommend a dental appliance called a night-guard. A custom fitted night guard protects your teeth from grinding & clenching in your sleep. Dr. Boyce takes great care in making sure you have a proper fit to prevent pain in your jaw joint. Do you suffer from headaches? You may find that a side benefit of your night-guard is headache prevention. Many headaches start during the night, caused by the extreme pressure generated as you grind and clench your teeth. Ask us about having a night-guard custom created for you.
Q: I have periodontal disease. Can you do my cleanings?
A: Certainly. But keeping your teeth and gums clean is only part of the treatment you receive at Arden Dental Care. Gums affected by periodontal disease become red and inflamed, often times bleeding during brushing or flossing. If treated in a timely manner, these conditions can be reversed. If you are noticing signs of periodontal disease, call us right away. We can begin treatment immediately, to keep your periodontal disease from progressing. For severe cases of periodontal disease, we utilize a periodontist for advanced gum care.
Q: Do you do implants?
A: The implant itself is actually a surgical grade titanium post that is surgically inserted into your jawbone. After it heals, it provides the supportive structure for a denture or crown. We do not perform the procedure that sets the implant in place in our office. Instead, we refer you to a trusted provider of that service. Once your new implant is in place, we create your new smile. Implant crowns and dentures are a more permanent, better functioning alternative to traditional dentures. They also look beautiful and natural, giving you confidence in your appearance.
Q: I brush everyday, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?
A: Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Here is a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem: twice daily brushing, daily flossing and tongue cleaning; regular professional cleanings and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances. However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, we can offer several solutions.
First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue and significantly alleviates odor. Or we can recommend a specially prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, we may also suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, in which case we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.
