Whether you’re a new patient seeking information about our services or an existing patient with questions about procedures, appointments, or insurance, you’ve come to the right place. Our team of dental experts has compiled a comprehensive list of FAQs to help put your mind at ease. Feel free to explore below and find answers to your dental inquiries. If you can’t find what you’re looking for or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We are here to help you achieve a healthy and confident smile!
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes! We are accepting new patients. Depending on how long it has been since your last dental visit you may be scheduled with Dr. Hines first so that he can complete a full exam then get scheduled with one of our wonderful Hygienist for a cleaning.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
For your first appointment make sure to bring a current list of medications, the name of your previous dentist, and if applicable your insurance card. During your first appointment Dr Hines will examine your mouth and review your medical history. If there are any concerns, you would like to have addressed please mention them to Dr. Hines.
It has been a long time since my last dental appointment what should I do?
We hear this a lot. The best thing to do is take the first step and schedule a new patient exam. Dr Hines will go over any dental needs with you and discuss any treatment that you may need. If has been a long time since your last cleaning you may need a deep cleaning or scaling and root planning to remove any build up from your teeth.
What can I do to replace my missing tooth?
Depending on where the tooth is located you may have several options. The most common single tooth replacement option is a dental bridge. A bridge is where two natural teeth support an artificial tooth in between them. Another good option is a dental implant. A dental implant will be placed in the position of the missing tooth and restored with a crown.
What is a crown?
A crown is a type of restoration that goes over the natural tooth. When a tooth has large decay or fracture it is necessary to complete a crown to restore the tooth to its natural form. Crowns are custom made in a dental lab to fit your tooth and bite. Dr Hines uses a special scanner to ensure a good fit and shade match. This gives our crowns a good look and a natural appearance.
I think that I may be clenching or grinding my teeth. What are my options?
Grinding of teeth (Bruxism) is a common dental problem that most often occurs at night. Over time Bruxism can lead to the wearing down of enamel, joint, and muscle pain. We typically recommend a Nightguard appliance that covers your teeth to help protect them. If you think you may be clenching or grinding talk to Dr. Hines, prevention is key when dealing with Bruxism.
When should I bring my child in for their first check up?
This usually depends on the maturity of the child. Most kids can come in for their first dental visit by the age of 5. Before the age of 5 you may want to bring your child in with you for your dental cleaning so that they can see the office. Keep in mind that kids pick up on a lot. If you are nervous, they will be nervous. Try to talk positively about their first dental visit and get them excited.
What are the options for whitening my teeth?
Depending on what is causing your teeth to stain we offer a range of options. Sometimes we will shorten the time between your dental cleanings to make sure that we remove any stain from your teeth. If you have stained or discolored restorations, we may want to replace the restorations. We also offer take home bleaching. We make you custom trays and you whiten your teeth at night.
What type of toothbrush should I use, Electric or Manual?
For most people an electric toothbrush is the better option. This is what Dr. Hines uses and recommends. A manual toothbrush is good, but it is more technique sensitive and requires more manual dexterity. If you are interested in switching from a manual to an electric toothbrush talk to Dr. Hines and he can recommend some good brands.
Are X-Rays (radiographs) safe?
Yes. Our office uses digital radiographs, lead shielding, and collimation, which significantly reduces the amount of radiation exposure. Additionally, we calibrate out radiographs regularly and set the dosing based on the patient’s size. Patients see a great benefit from dental radiographs by detecting dental issues early when they are more easily addressed.
What should I do if I need to cancel my appointment?
Please let us know as soon as possible if you are not able to make your dental appointment via phone or text. We reserve your appointment time specifically for you. We require a 48-hour notice of any cancellation so that we can schedule another patient that wants to come into our office.
You are not in-network with my insurance, can I still be seen in your office?
Of course! We see a lot of patients that are not in-network. We will file your insurance for you and help you understand your dental plan. Dental insurance can be confusing, but our experience team has years of experience with dental insurance, and we are here to help. If you have any dental insurance questions, please let us know so that we can help you understand your dental benefits.