FAQ
Q. How often should I see a dentist?
A. The American Dental Association (ADA) 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 in an effort to help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Dental problems such as decay and gum disease will often progress quite significantly before any pain or sensitivity begins. By the time teeth become sensitive to cold or sweets, decay is often quite close to the pulp or nerve of the tooth. Similarly, it is not uncommon for gum disease to become quite advanced before you have any noticeable symptoms. Through regular appointments every 6 months we can diagnose and treat problems before they become more extensive and more expensive.
Q. What should I expect during my appointment?
A. 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.
Q. What does “painless dentistry” mean?
A. 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.
Q. What if I have an emergency?
A. Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. We will be glad to work you into our schedule if you have a dental emergency during regular business hours. Should you have an emergency after hours, over the weekend, or on a holiday that cannot wait until our office is open, please call Dr. Karhan at home. If you are unable to reach Dr. Karhan, please go to the Emergency Department of your local hospital.
Q. Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
A. Yes. If you have dental insurance we will gladly process your insurance and submit your claim. Depending on your plan, all or a portion of the fee for your treatment may be payable at the time of service. We accept MasterCard and Visa. No interest extended payment plans are also available through our office by Care Credit.
Q. Can the dentist whiten my teeth?
A. There are several methods available for bleaching the teeth: in office, overnight or daily. Brite Smile bleaching is done in our office. One session generally lasts one and a half to two hours, and you can read or relax during the treatment. For overnight bleaching, we make an impression of your teeth and create a mouthguard that fits your bite. Each day you fill the mouthguard with a small amount of bleaching gel and wear it overnight or for a few hours during the day. The overnight bleaching process takes approximately two weeks.
Other over-the-counter daily bleaching products are available, but it is important to use any bleaching product only under the supervision of a dentist. To achieve the whitening results you desire, the ADA recommends that you seek the professional advice of a dentist, including examination and diagnosis of the cause of tooth discoloration, before you begin any bleaching program.
Q. What if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth or teeth that do not respond to normal bleaching methods?
A. Porcelain crowns and veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually and permanently bonded to your existing teeth. Composite bonding is used to fill in areas of your teeth and correct chipping and shape problems. Porcelain veneers, crowns, and bonding are color-matched to the rest of your teeth.