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What's your specialty?
We specialize in comprehensive dental care for adults and
children with a strong focus on continual patient education. We
offer a convenient location, a fun-spirited staff, and the newest
technologies available.
Do I really need regular appointments?
Some people neglect regular visits because they have healthy
teeth. In fact, regular appointments are about more than just clean
teeth. We also check for signs of oral cancer. Early detection of
cavities allows for more conservative treatment.
What is Dr. John’s cancellation policy?
If you find you cannot keep an appointment, please call the
office at least 48 hours in advance. This is critical and will
allow the opportunity to schedule someone else in that time
slot.
 Why
do I have to pay a fee if I miss an appointment?
A fee will be levied for missed or cancelled appointments
without the minimum 48 hours notice. This may seem harsh, but our
only other option would be to increase the entire fee for everyone
by the average value of missed appointments in the entire practice.
Since we expend much time and effort to utilize technology and
treatment plans that save you time, each appointment is very
important. Please understand that missed or cancelled appointments
increase the cost of treatment for everyone and no one appreciates
having to subsidize other peoples’ missed appointments.
 When
should I floss?
You only have to floss once a day and we recommend doing it in the
evening, the last thing before bed (but it can be done at any
convenient time). The brightest pearl of wisdom we can offer is to
“floss first” (BEFORE you brush) and floss gently with unwaxed
floss that resists shredding. There are implements available to
help you reach back teeth. After flossing, brush and rinse
thoroughly so bacteria can't enjoy any leftovers caught between
your teeth while you sleep. This will make bacteria less likely to
secrete acids that cause decay.
Is clenching my teeth dangerous?
Clenching your jaw excessively when you are stressed or during
sleep is not normal and can damage teeth and lead to headaches,
joint problems and tooth fractures. Untreated, clenching and
grinding your teeth can cause hypersensitivity to hot and cold,
fractures and even loosen teeth. Early diagnosis and
treatment can ward off pain before it starts and help you avoid the
problems associated with this condition.
 Do
pregnant women have special dental needs?
The changes that arise in a woman's dental health when she is
expecting may surprise the average person. For instance, a problem
called pregnancy gingivitis shows up in most pregnant women caused
by increases in hormones that change blood flow. Gums may become
puffy and bleed easily. Contact us with any questions about
pregnancy and your dental health. We share your excitement as you
look forward to your new family member and are here to help with
any special needs.
 What
happens when I lose a back tooth?
If a back tooth is lost, it can have a significant effect on
one's appearance. Teeth shift when the missing tooth is no longer
there to support the others, creating changes in your bite. A
sinking or puckering may also become obvious between cheeks and
mouth, and lips may look thinner and straighter. There are many
options for replacement; bridges, implants, or partials may be a
good option. A bridge can be used to keep the teeth functioning
properly and maintain their stability or implants may be the
treatment of choice. Come talk with us about what option will work
best for you.
Bone loss in the jaw will always follow the loss of a tooth and
can cause facial changes, speech changes and diet changes.
Successfully placed dental implants cause the bone to grow around
the anchor and firmly hold it in place. Dental implants can restore
normal eating and speaking abilities, increase denture retention
and enhance facial appearance.
What insurance do I have?
It is best to find out from your company's Human Resource group
about what insurance you have and bring information with you to
your appointment. We can check our computer to see if we have your
employer's dental coverage on file.
How much will insurance cover?
We can check benefits and give you an estimate of what your
insurance may cover.
Why do I have to pay at the time of service?
As a courtesy to our patients, we will gladly process your
insurance claim forms. Our responsibility is to provide you with
the treatment that best meets your needs, not to try to match your
care to insurance plan limitations. Therefore, when a service has
been provided, it is the patient's responsibility to pay estimated
portions at the time of service. Patients without insurance must
pay in full at time of service.
How often should I see a dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association CDA guidelines recommend
visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and
professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two
visits per year.
 What
should I expect during my appointment?
One of our staff members will compile your medical and dental
history during your first visit. We will then examine your teeth
and gums, screen you for oral cancer, make X-rays of your teeth as
needed and complete a TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint) exam.
After we review your dental profile, we will discuss a diagnosis
with you. If treatment such as a root canal (endodontics), braces
(orthodontics) or oral surgery is needed, we will plan to treat you
in our office or refer you to a specialist. We will discuss your
options for treatment and fee payment and help you determine the
best plan to fit your needs.
During regular follow-up visits, we will examine your teeth and
gums, screen you for oral cancer, clean your teeth and make plans
for treatment, as needed. We will discuss any pain or problems you
may be experiencing and answer any questions you may have.
What does painless dentistry mean?
Painless dentistry is a means of ensuring your total experience
in our office is as stress-free and pain-free as possible. We will
discuss treatment options that may require no local anesthetic and
whenever possible, alleviate pain by the means most comfortable to
you.
 Why
should I choose CEREC for my crown, inlay, onlay, or veneer?
Most dental restorative methods require more than one visit to
the dentist. This means that on the first visit, you get an
injection of anesthesia, your tooth prepared, an impression taken,
and a temporary restoration put on your tooth. You make a second
appointment for a couple of weeks later, get another injection,
have the temporary pried off (if it hasn't fallen off already), and
have a permanent restoration put on. Why go to the dentist a second
time when you don't have to? With CEREC, the procedure is done in a
single appointment, start to finish.
What if I have an emergency?
Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a
dental emergency. We will be glad to work you in to our schedule if
you have a dental emergency during regular business hours. After
hours, over the weekend and during holidays, please call our office
for Dr. John’s emergency contact number.
Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
Yes. We accept many types of dental insurance and will process
your claim for you upon receipt of your co-payment. We accept cash,
most major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, CareCredit,
and debit cards.
 What
if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth or teeth that do not
respond to normal bleaching methods? Porcelain veneers are
designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually and
permanently attached to the fronts of your existing teeth. Bonding
utilizes a composite material made of plastic to fill in areas of
your teeth and correct chipping and shape problems. Both porcelain
veneers and bonding are color-matched to the rest of your
teeth.
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