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Common Questions |
Finding Out What You Need to Know
How does the doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?Dr. Blanchard subscribes to the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental industry. He also takes time on a regular basis for continuing education, and is active on several dental-related internet sites as well. Plus, our entire team attends an annual convention to improve our various areas of expertise. So, as a team and as individuals, we make it our responsibility to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available. Can you show me what my smile can look like ahead of time with some of that fancy imaging stuff?We routinely use dental imaging to help our patients visualize the end results of cosmetic and restorative work. We provide computer imaging to demonstrate accurately how your procedure will affect your smile. You can see it on our screen for the purposes of discussion, and we'll provide a copy for you to show your family as well. What about my children, at what age do they first see a dentist?We like to see children come in for their first dental visit around the age of three. To begin a positive, non-threatening relationship between our staff and your children, we recommend first allowing them to accompany you (the parent) for one or two of your regular check-up visits. We'll introduce ourselves, show them around, and help them understand what a dentist does. Shortly thereafter, we like to see them for their own appointment, with the objective of keeping it simple, short, and fun. We'll just take a quick look around in their mouth, troubleshooting a bit and looking for ways to prevent any potential oral health/dental problems. Do you accept my insurance plan?Our office accepts most major insurance plans where you have the opportunity to select your dentist. We are not, however, on any managed care lists. Also, we're well-versed in the latest coverage trends, and are more than happy to discuss the particulars of your plan with you prior to any treatments you may undergo. What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?In case of a true dental emergency after hours, simply call me on my pager, 214-249-4096 and leave a message. I'll return the call as soon as possible. I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes off or breaks?If your temporary crown comes off the best temporary solution is to attempt to re-adhere the piece onto the tooth, using either toothpaste (yes! It works!) or an over the counter dental cement found in most drugstores. Simply hold the crown in place for about two minutes after applying the adhesive, and then be careful not to use that side of your mouth. Then, you'll want to call our office and set up an appointment for the next business day. If the crown is actually broken into pieces, then you'll want to call Dr. Blanchard right away to inform him of the situation so that he can advise you accordingly. How can I have whiter teeth?There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile, from at-home bleaching products to more involved procedures such as porcelain veneers. Dr. Blanchard and staff can help evaluate your 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, we'll take impressions, have custom trays developed for you, and provide you with detailed instructions for conducting home whitening sessions. Typically, this will require from two to four weeks, and result in teeth approximately two shades brighter on the dental shade chart. What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?Our entire practice team is well-versed in state-of-the-art sterilization techniques designed to ensure patient safety. This includes barrier methods to prevent passing germs—wearing gloves and facemasks, and using disposable plastic coverings on our chair headrests and light handles. Plus, it includes our specialized sanitation center where all instruments are heat sterilized after each use. And, we use a closed bottle water system so that each treatment room has it's own water source, which is flushed with sterilization fluid on a regular schedule. We conduct monthly tests on both of our heat sterilizers as well as our water supply. I don't like drills. Are there any other options?First of all, we subscribe to the practice of 'early detection', catching the majority of decay problems long before they would ever require 'drilling out'. Then, when we do identify an area of decay, we use a relatively new filling preparation technique known as 'air abrasion', which both removes decay and prepares teeth for fillings in small to medium-sized cavities. Dr. Blanchard simply cleans out and prepares the site to be filled by sending a blast of tiny, high-speed aluminum oxide particles into the cavity itself. The particles hit the tooth under high pressure, bounce off at high speeds, and consequently blast away any decay. Air abrasion is quiet, quick, relatively painless, and avoids sacrificing tooth structure. Is it bad if my gums bleed after I brush my teeth?Healthy gums simply do NOT bleed. So, if your gums bleed after you brush, you need to pay attention. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough, 'scrubbing' instead of gentle, brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If this problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods, or occurs every time you brush, please contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment. Do I really have to floss every day? I mean, what's the big deal?It's been said "Only floss the teeth you want to keep." And that's no exaggeration! A little regular flossing goes a long way, and is truly critical for your overall oral health. It loosens food particles in tight spaces that your toothbrush cannot reach; it gets rid of plaque build-up that toothbrushes alone cannot remove; and it exercises your gum tissues. All of which helps to prevent gum disease. So, just think of daily flossing as the finishing touch after brushing—insurance for your smile's future. I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces, what can you do to help?Dr. Blanchard has a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, he may simply do a bit of reshaping and apply porcelain veneers to give them a bright, uniform look. In other cases, the best choice may be all-porcelain crowns, or onlays. In most situations, we can perform these improvements in only two appointments! We'd be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits you. |
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