Frequently Asked Questions

Does my insurance cover my visit?

Different insurances each have their own set of percentages of what they will cover. We will check your insurance prior to your appointment and will do our best to verify your coverage and inform you of any estimated copays you may have.

How often do I need to floss?

• We follow the recommendations of the American Dental Association® and recommend flossing

at least

once a day. Flossing aides in removing food particles and plaque from in between your teeth where normal brushing cannot get to. Plaque contains bacteria that feed on food left in your mouth and can cause cavities. Flossing helps to prevent cavities as well as gum disease.

How often do I need to brush my teeth?

• You should brush your teeth

at least

two times a day for two minutes each time. It is highly recommended to brush after meals, especially at night before you go to bed. Remember, you only have to brush the teeth you want to keep.

Is this procedure going to hurt?

At our family dentistry in Farmington Hill, MI, we do our best to make each appointment as comfortable and painless as possible. You may feel a small pinch during administration of local anesthesia, but for anything after that, let us know and we will make sure you are as comfortable as possible. We do have nitrous oxide (laughing gas) available in our office and can also discuss other ways to reduce anxiety before your dental appointment.

What are my options to replace missing teeth?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are a few options available. After reviewing your X-rays and completing a thorough exam, we can discuss what is available for you. Generally, the options may include implants, bridges or dentures. Implants are surgically placed into your bone and allow us to place a crown (via abutment) directly over the implant post. A bridge is a fixed restoration that can replace one or more missing teeth. Artificial teeth are fixed to the adjacent natural teeth to create a bridge. Dentures replace some or all of the teeth on the top or bottom arch of your mouth. Dentures do come in and out of your mouth and are not fixed. Partial dentures are designed to work with your existing teeth by replacing missing teeth on an arch, and complete dentures replace all teeth in the arch.

What is the best toothpaste or mouthwash?

Our general dentist in Farmington Hill, MI, recommends using toothpaste and mouthwashes that contain fluoride and are not very abrasive. If you have sensitive teeth, use toothpastes that advertise “anti-sensitivity.” If you have a dry mouth, use products that advertise “for dry mouth.”

How often should I change toothbrushes?

You should change out your toothbrush or brush head once every three months or sooner if you find your bristles are worn or pointing in the wrong direction.

Do I have to get X-rays?

It is suggested that X-rays are done at least once a year to properly examine and diagnose decay and disease. Most cavities are not directly visible in the mouth. Without necessary X-rays, we are unable to advise you of your dental needs or know the extent of the disease or decay that may be present in your mouth. We use digital X-ray imaging to reduce radiation exposure up to 80% compared to traditional dental X-rays. Routine checkup X-rays are equivalent to the amount of radiation you are naturally exposed to being outdoors for 1-2 days.

How long is this cleaning going to take?

Out general dentist in Farmington Hill, MI, always strive to be thorough when performing dental cleanings. The amount of plaque, tartar and staining present on your teeth generally determines how long your cleaning will take. We set aside 1-1.5 hours for your cleaning appointments to allow enough time for meticulous cleaning, exam, X-rays and gum charting if needed.