How does the doctor keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Drs. Clark and Clark subscribe to the latest dental journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental field. They also take time on a regular basis for continuing education, and ensure their staff does the same. As a team and as individuals, our office makes it our responsibility to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available.
How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
Unlike tooth decay which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease and bone lost around your teeth without noticeable symptoms. That is why regular dental checkups, periodontal examinations, and oral cancer screening are very important. Average, healthy adults typically benefit from a professional cleaning and check up every six months. Don’t wait for something to hurt; pain is usually not an early symptom of oral cancer either!
At what age should my children first see a dentist?
Believe it or not, the American Dental Association says children should first have their mouth examined at about 6 months after their primary teeth have erupted, or generally around their first birthday, unless the parent had reason for concern. Dr. Clark feels that a “Happy Visit”, where the child accompanies the parent and gets to go for a ride in the chair is a great way to familiarize your child with the office. This gives the child a positive, non-threatening dental office experience. This can usually be done somewhere between their second and third birthday or sooner, depending upon the maturity of the child. We find formal cleaning appointments usually start around age three.
Do you accept referrals?
We are happy to accept referrals from other dental office as well as from recommendations by our patients to their family and friends. Your referrals are our best compliments! Ask us about our referral rewards program which is our way of saying thank you for sending your friends to us.
Do you file my insurance?
Our office helps you with many of your insurance needs. We are 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.
How soon can I be seen if I have an emergency?
We are very sympathetic to patients in pain. We do everything we can to offer an appointment on the day you call. We have two doctors in the office on most days to attend to your needs. Please call early in the day so we can accommodate you.
What different payment options do you provide?
We accept cash, personal checks and all major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Your insurance plan co-pay is due at the time of your visit, we can work with you over a period of time according to your particular situation.
If you desire to pay in installments we offer Care Credit financing with no interest payments for up to 12 months and 48 month extended payment plans.
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile, from at-home whitening products to in-office supervised treatments; “Zoom Whitening.” Drs. Clark and Clark can help evaluate the potential for whitening your teeth, based on your current color and the causes of any discoloration, and have you several shades lighter in no time at all.
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
Nothing is more important than your safety. Our entire clinical team is well trained in stage-of the-art sanitation techniques, and we meet and exceed them all. Each room is meticulously prepared as though a beloved family member is the next one to be treated in that operatory.
What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
When you visit Hill Avenue Dental, you’ll quickly discover that we’re not your typical dental office. We want you to feel at home, that is why we have created a comfortable environment and a warm friendly staff who is ready to help you. We are continually complimented on our state of the art equipment and our modern delivery systems, to serve our patients efficiently and painlessly.
My gums bleed when I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Your gums should not bleed when you brush and floss. The majority of teeth are lost in our country because periodontal disease goes undiagnosed. If you have any degree of bleeding at all you should call for an appointment, because gum disease often has no pain associated with it until it gets to very severe stages. We have a very thorough new patient exam that gives you an exact report as to the level of health of your gums. Tooth loss is not the only potential problem of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has been linked to other health concern such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, and increased risk during pregnancy.
Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and partials … where can I learn more about these procedures?
Our web site is designed to help you learn about the various restorative and cosmetic techniques we offer. Simply click on the Patient Library link in the margin, then select your article topic from the listing provided. But, if you desire even more information about a larger variety of topics, click here to visit the American Dental Association Web site. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/alpha.asp
I want my front teeth to look better but I do not want to wear braces, what would you recommend?
Drs. Clark and Clark have numbers of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. We would be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your individual situation.
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