Dental Questions

We encourage our patients to ask questions, and we're always glad when they do. We've listed below some of the questions that we most frequently receive, as well as brief answers to them. We hope they'll help you get to know us and the treatments we offer.

Please give us a call if you'd like more information on these or any other dental-related topics.

• How do doctors and staff keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and procedures?
  

  Our doctors and staff members attend local, state and national dental association meetings as well as private seminars and "lunch and learn" sessions throughout the year to keep them abreast of the latest technology and research. They subscribe to the latest dental journals and purchase audio tapes, books and videos to keep them up to date. Our doctors have a great rapport with sales representatives and dental suppliers, and those relationships help keep them apprised of the latest equipment, techniques and dental trends. In addition, doctors, dental hygienists and certified dental assistants are required to complete 15 hours of continuing education each year by the Virginia Board of Dentistry. The business staff also is expected to increase their knowledge of dental issues including HIPAA laws, computer software, recordkeeping requirements, and the latest in dental techniques.

• At what age should my children first see a dentist?
  

  We like to see children come in for their first dental visit between the ages of two and three. To begin a positive, non-threatening relationship between our staff and your children, we recommend first allowing them to accompany you (the parent) for one or two of your regular check-up visits. We'll introduce ourselves, show them around, and help them understand what a dentist does. Shortly thereafter, we like to see them for their own appointment, with the objective of keeping it simple, short, and fun. We'll just take a quick look around in their mouth, troubleshooting a bit and looking for ways to prevent any potential oral health/dental problems.

• Do you accept my insurance plan?
  

  Our office is more than happy to work with any insurance company; filing insurance claims for you, and accepting direct payment. However, as the patient, you are ultimately responsible for your account. It is important for you to read your policy so you understand the benefits you are entitled to and know what your out of pocket expenses will be. The success of your dental insurance and satisfaction with it depends on your full understanding of your plan's particulars. We are participating providers with most Delta Dental, Anthem, and VA Medicaid plans. We send photos, x-rays, and any extra documentation required to maximize your benefits. We file claims electronically reducing the standard 1 - 2 month wait into a 2-week normal response time. If you have questions about insurance, please contact our office or your insurance company for more information.

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• What if I need to cancel an appointment?
  

  If you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, please give us 24 hours' notice so that we can best serve other patients or work in emergency appointments. Otherwise, we charge $25 for missed appointments.

• What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
  

  Danville Dental Associates is committed to our patients both during and after office hours. If you have an after-hours emergency, please contact our answering system at (434) 799-8825 or (434) 822-0500. A recording will tell you which doctor is on call and give you the phone number where he may be reached.

• I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes off or breaks?
  

  If a temporary crown comes off or breaks, carefully wrap up the piece(s), place it into a protective container, and call our office to schedule an appointment. If the crown is in one piece you can try to fit it back over your tooth. If it doesn't slip easily into place, don't force it. If you can get it to sit back onto the tooth, apply Fixodent or other dental adhesive to the inside of the crown, and gently put the crown back onto the tooth. Apply slight pressure until it feels secure. Gently close your teeth together. Clean off the excess Fixodent with a wet finger. (You can make a thick mixture of Vaseline and talcum powder if you don't have Fixodent.) Either of these materials will hold your temporary crown in place for a short time if you can't come into the office right away. Try to chew on the other side of your mouth when you are eating since the temporary can dislodge again.

• How can I safely whiten my teeth?
  

  Modern dentistry offers a number of options for a whiter, brighter smile from in office bleaching to over the counter products. Since each mouth is unique, please call our office and schedule a consultation with one of our doctors to discuss the options available for you.

• What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
  

  Our office meets or exceeds all government standards for sterilization. Our staff is well versed in sterilization techniques designed to ensure patient safety and that of the dental team. With every patient, we follow universal precautions established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA). This includes the use of appropriate protective wear, such as gloves, facemasks, and eyewear. Disposable plastic coverings are used on our chair headrests and light handles. This allows for single patient - one time use. After each visit all instruments are autoclaved (heat sterilized) and all operatory surfaces are sanitized with a disinfectant which will kill all known viruses and bacterial spores. If you have any questions regarding our sterilization procedures, we would be happy to answer them. You can also view the CDC Infection Control guidelines online at www.cdc.gov.

• Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?
  

  Regular flossing is critical to 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. It also stimulates your gum tissues. It is an unavoidable fact that regular dental checkups and proper brushing and flossing are necessary to avoid gum disease.

• My gums bleed after I brush or floss. Is this something to be concerned about?
  

  Yes, this is cause for concern. Healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough, 'scrubbing' instead of gentle, brushing motions; using a hard-bristled toothbrush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar buildup below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. Gum disease not only causes bad breath and potential loss of otherwise healthy teeth, but has also been linked to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, premature births, and low birth weight babies. If bleeding gums persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods, or occurs every time you brush, please contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment. If you do indeed have gum disease, our hygienist will recommend a schedule of visits designed to improve your oral health.

• I brush and floss everyday, but my breath is just not fresh. Is there anything I can do?
  

  There are many factors that can lead to breath odor or halitosis. It may simply be the foods you've eaten; a stomach or digestive issue; tooth decay or fillings needing to be replaced; or gum disease. Meticulous hygiene at home and regularly scheduled cleanings can keep oral bacteria levels down. Many patients are experiencing success with CloSYSII (www.rowpar.com), a mouthrinse available through our office, whose active ingredient chemically neutralizes volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.

• I want my front teeth to look better, but I don’t want to wear braces. What would you recommend?

  Modern dentistry offers a number of alternatives to brighten your smile. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation. We can discuss whitening, veneers and options other than braces that can improve your smile and increase your confidence.

• What should I know about my dentures?

  Regular dental visits are extremely important to help maintain your dentures as well as your oral health. During checkups, your dentist will examine the lining of your mouth, tongue, palate, jaws and ridges that support your dentures to ensure they remain healthy. These visits are also important because your mouth and gum ridge changes over time which can cause a less secure fit.

  You should call your dentist if you experience any sores that form in your mouth as a result of your dentures irritating the soft tissue. If your denture chips, breaks or wears down over time, do not try to repair it yourself. Improper repair materials may cause oral care problems.

  To keep your dentures fresh, clean and effective, it's important that you get into a simple daily routine. This will help support a healthy mouth, avoid embarrassing mouth odor and prolong the life of your dentures. For more information, visit www.mydenturecare.com.
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