Patient education is one of the foundations upon which Dr. Long’s Practice is built. We care about the well-being of our patients, and good oral care is a major contributor to overall good health. If you have questions about specific treatments or simply about maintaining optimal oral health, please feel free to ask us.
We have answered a few of your most common questions below. But if you have other questions that are not answered here, please give us a call! We are happy to give you the information you need to make the best decision about taking care of your oral health.
What dental insurance do you take?
o We accept most PPO insurance plans, please call to verify your eligibility. For your convenience, we also offer third-party financing options with CareCredit
do you see children?
We see children of all ages!
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a condition that is often marked by one or more of the following symptoms:
You should also be aware that gum disease may not present with any symptoms at all, which is why it is often referred to as a “silent” disease. Because symptoms are not always obvious and early treatment gives the best results, visiting your dentist twice a year for regular checkups is important.
How much will my treatment cost?
o Treatment costs will vary, depending on the procedures needed. When we outline your treatment plan, we will go over costs with you beforehand so you know exactly what to expect. We can also discuss payment options with you at that time. If you have insurance, we will review your policy so we can help maximize your coverage.
do you see patients for same day dental emergencies?
Yes, we do our best to accommodate dental emergencies on the same day even if you are a new patient to our office. If you have a dental emergency, give our office a call.
Why don't my dentures seem to fit anymore?
With time, changes occur to the underlying bone and gums while your dentures remain the same. Dentures need to be relined to adapt to this change which is why regular dentist appointments are necessary. If you think your dentures need to be realigned call today for a consultation.
what is a crown and/or bridge?
Porcelain crowns are commonly known as caps, they cover your natural tooth like a hat and are used when the patient has advanced tooth decay, a tooth crown fracture or teeth treated with root canals. New technologies in dental materials have made crowns and bridges look natural.
how can i change the appearance of my teeth?
If you don't like the appearance of your teeth there are many things you can do to change the appearance. Deep Bleaching can be used to whiten your smile by several shades. For a smile change using Porcelain Veneers, we can cap your teeth and completely change your smile. Call us today to schedule your consultation to see which treatment is best for you.
do you accept medicaid?
We do not currently accept Medicaid.
What is included in the new patient exam?
New patient exam includes a comprehensive dental exam, necessary x-rays, oral cancer screening, and a written treatment plan.
do you take monthly payments?
At Smooth Sailing Dental we work with third-party financing called CareCredit that allows you to make monthly payments based on the total of your treatment. If you have any additional questions about these payment plans call our office today.
do you do same day teeth whitening?
No, in our experience our take home systems provide brighter and longer lasting results with less tooth and gum sensitivities.
what insurance plans do you accept?
We accept most PPO plans. As plans and insurance companies change, please call our dental office today if you have any specific questions about insurance coverage.
how often should i visit the dentist?
It’s important to visit your dentist regularly for examinations and cleanings.
We agree with the American Dental Association, which recommends that everyone see their dentist twice each year for examinations and cleanings. The ADA also recommends seeing your dentist about every six months.
In addition, most patients should have x-rays taken at least once each year. For those patients who have gum disease, regular trips to the dentist might need to be more frequent, depending on your condition and your dentist’s recommendation.
Even if you are not having any dental problems, there is no reason to put off a regular trip to the dentist. When it comes to issues with your teeth and gums, finding them earlier—before they are even noticeable to you—is always better. If problems are detected early on, treatment is generally less invasive, less expensive, and less painful.
It’s also important to note that people who visit their dentist regularly tend to have fewer dental emergencies. This is also good to keep in mind when you are tempted to put off that regularly scheduled trip to your dentist.
can dental crowns fix cosmetic issues?
If you are a person who has had an accident or who clenches and grinds their teeth, it has probably taken its toll on your smile. A worn or damaged smile can lead to feelings of self-consciousness, create sensitivity, and may even make it difficult to eat. A prolonged damaged tooth is more susceptible to dental decay because of damaged enamel. Dental crowns can improve your appearance and the comfort of your smile. We use dental crowns in most cosmetic cases, especially when a tooth is short or dark beyond the point of whitening.
A dental crown completely covers your natural tooth and adds protection, in addition to looking great.
At Smooth Sailing Dental, we design crowns that are esthetic and can improve the appearance of one troubled tooth or every tooth, depending on your needs. Porcelain crowns look realistic in their color, shape, and shading, so no one will notice that anything is out of place or that you have had cosmetic dentistry.
Dental crowns provide a long-term solution and can prolong the life of your tooth. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discover how cosmetic dentistry can help you feel confident in your appearance.
what are immediate dentures?
When you get immediate dentures, you receive your complete or partial denture on the same day that your teeth are removed. One of the greatest benefits of immediate dentures is that you will not have to go without teeth while waiting for your gums to heal.
There are other advantages to immediate dentures. When the dentures are inserted right after tooth extraction, this will help protect the gum tissue and reduce bleeding. You will be able to start learning how to speak with your dentures immediately. You will be able to chew better with immediate dentures. Facial distortion will also be minimized.
There are also disadvantages to immediate dentures that you should be aware of. Six to eight weeks after your teeth are extracted, your gums will have healed and the immediate dentures will not fit as accurately as a conventional denture. You will have to have the dentures adjusted or have a new set of dentures made so they will fit properly. Because of this, there are extra costs associated with immediate dentures.
If you are looking at dentures to replace your teeth, be sure to ask us about whether or not immediate dentures might be right for you.
Schedule An Appointment at 772-464-2943
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