The following are answers to some of the questions we are asked most often. If you need more information about any of the topics below or have questions about anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask.
How does the doctor keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Dr. Abbott subscribes to the latest industry journals to keep updated on the latest research and development in the dental industry. He also attends continuing education on a regular basis and encourages his staff to do the same. We believe it is our responsibility to our patients to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available.
How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
An average healthy adult typically benefits from a professional cleaning and checkup every six months. If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you may require more frequent checkups. We send out postcards, or use phone calls or email to remind you about scheduling your next visit. Even though daily brushing and flossing help in maintaining a healthy mouth, it’s important to come in for regular checkups and cleanings to guard against tooth decay and gum disease.
At what age should my children first see a dentist?
We like to see children by age 2 ½ to 3, or whenever all of their primary teeth have come in. We call this first visit the “Happy Visit.” To make your child feel at home, we take them on a little tour of the office, count their teeth, and then conclude with an examination by both the hygienist and Dr. Abbott.
We are happy to accept referrals from other dental offices. Many of our patients also refer us to their family and friends. Your referrals are our best compliments!
What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
In case of a true dental emergency, please contact our office voice mail. You will be given a pager number to call and someone will call you back. We’ll give you helpful information over the phone, and then determine if you need to be seen immediately.
My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?
If there is no imminent medical emergency such as uncontrolled bleeding, unconsciousness or other bodily injury, please contact us immediately to see Dr. Abbott. You can describe the situation over the phone, and our office staff will help you determine the safest and most appropriate plan of action.
We accept cash, personal checks and all major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Your portion of the fee is due at the time of your visit, and we will bill your insurance company for the balance. We offer third-party financing for 6 months at 0% interest or for 12 months at 6% interest. Major restorative cases and Invisalign work can qualify for in-office payment plans.
There are some convenient, safe, and effective at-home whitening products that can brighten up your smile. Dr. Abbott will evaluate the potential for whitening your teeth based on their current color and the causes of any discoloration. You will probably spend anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks undergoing a series of simple whitening treatments.
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
Our team is well trained in state-of-the-art sterilization techniques designed to ensure patient safety. In addition to wearing gloves and facemasks to prevent passing germs, we use a specialized sterilization center and a water filtration system that guarantees a fresh water source for each patient. We also only use digital x-rays which means you experience up to 90% less radiation. Additionally, our office is 100% compliant with the federal Health Information Protection Act (HIPA), which is part of the Right to Privacy Act. Under this law, all of your medical information is kept completely confidential at all times.
What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
Dr. Abbott and his team have built a practice around you, the patient. Everything we do, we do to benefit you. For example, we can use a laser instead of a shot while you get a filling, or we can use the laser for some types of gum surgery. We use the Cerec 3D system so that you get the finest quality, most precisely made and fitted porcelain veneers, crowns, inlays and onlays made same day, so you don’t have to wear temporaries and you don’t have to come back for a second visit. We use Invisalign braces so you don’t have to wear conventional metal braces. If you want nitrous, we provide it free of charge. The bottom line? We are in business to keep our patients healthy and therefore happy.
I do not like drills. Are there any other options?
Yes! Dr. Abbott has the Waterlase, which is a dental laser that uses a combination of laser energy and water to gently and precisely remove dental decay and prepare teeth for fillings. The Waterlase is quiet, quick, relatively painless, and avoids sacrificing tooth structure.
My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Bleeding gums following brushing may alarm you. However, the condition may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough, ‘scrubbing’ instead of gentle, circular 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 occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment.
I really do not like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?
We realize that you may feel nervous or even uncomfortable about having dental work done
so we do everything we can to create a relaxing atmosphere for you. For entertainment and distraction, we have headphones and music available in all rooms so you can keep your mind on more pleasant things. And for the more complex procedures, Dr. Abbott is certified to administer oral sedatives. We also offer laughing gas (at no extra charge) and local anesthesia.
Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and partials…where can I learn more about these procedures?
Our Web site is designed to help you learn all you need to about the various restorative and cosmetic techniques we offer. Simply click on the Patient Library link, then select your article topic from the listing provided. But, if you desire even more information about a larger variety of topics, visit the American Dental Association.
For information about same-day, no temporary crowns, veneers, onlays and inlays, visit Cerec and go to the patient section in the navigation bar.
I brush everyday, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?
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.
Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?
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; it gets rid of plaque build-up toothbrushes alone cannot remove; and it exercises your gum tissues. All of which is necessary to avoid 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 do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
There are several methods Dr. Abbott can use to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of tooth reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. Or Dr. Abbott can use “invisible” braces called Invisalign. We will discuss your needs and desires and come up with a plan that suits you best.
I have frequent migraine headaches. Is there anything you can do for me?
These headaches could be caused by excessive contraction of the jaw muscles you chew with. Now the FDA has approved a device to be worn at night that is custom-fitted and very comfortable. This device is designed to prevent you from clenching and grinding your teeth while you sleep. For more information visit our Patient Education page or visit NTI.
I’ve noticed a bump on my gums. Is this something I should be concerned about?
Yes. Often an abscess may feel like a bump. It may not be causing you pain but that’s only because the infection caused by bacteria (which in turn caused the abscess) has already damaged the nerves that would normally signal pain. The bottom line is that an abscess in this location is an infection that is close to your head or your heart - and that is not good!
