Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing makes me more nervous than the thought of a visit to the dentist. What does your office do to help me relax?
It starts with our friendly professional staff. You will sense that your well-being is our priority. We offer pillows and neck rolls to help with tension. And don’t forget the nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. It definitely helps with anxiety.
When might I need a crown?
If you have a broken or cracked a tooth or have a tooth deteriorating from decay, a crown is your best option. They restore the natural look and function of your tooth while protecting the tooth structure. They are designed with gold, silver, or high-impact porcelain for a natural look.
Do you offer an alternative to traditional X-rays?
Yes, we offer digital X-rays which use less radiation. We stay abreast of state-of-the-art dental technology to make your experience comfortable and safe.
What will my first visit to your office be like?
Your first appointment is dedicated to assessing your dental health. During your comprehensive oral evaluation, we devise a plan to get your teeth their healthiest. We take photos and X-rays to identify tooth decay and cracks in your teeth. We also assess your gums and prescribe hygiene treatment.
After that, we can talk about your goals for your smile and how we can make them come true. We design hyperrealistic restorations like crowns, bridges, and implants.
What payment options do you offer?
We pride ourselves on making dental care affordable and easy by offering several different options for payment.
- Cash or personal checks
- Credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, or Discover)
- CareCredit® – 6- or 12-month, no-interest payment plans, as well as extended payment plans with low interest rates
Our great benefits coordinators help you understand insurance payouts, file insurance claims, and estimate payment fees before starting your treatments. Our recommended treatments are always what’s best for you and not about what your insurance covers.
Are my bleeding gums cause for concern?
Depending on the cause, they can be. Bleeding gums can be due to unnecessary scrubbing instead of gentle circular strokes, or periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can cause red and inflamed gums that bleed during brushing or flossing. If left untreated, periodontal disease can get worse and becomes periodontitis which affects your gums, bone, and teeth in a manner that cannot be reversed. We diagnose periodontal disease before surgery becomes necessary to save your teeth and gums.
What can I expect when I call to make an appointment for a toothache?
Our priority is to first and foremost alleviate pain. We examine the area visually and via X-ray. Once we understand your symptoms, we can provide you pain medications and antibiotics, and refer you to an endodontist for a root canal.
I want my teeth to be whiter. What do you recommend?
Plainview Dental offers custom home whitening kits. We take your impressions to customize your tray to fit your mouth. Then you get prescription whitening gel that is guaranteed to give you results. Your dentist will give you detailed instructions on how long you should wear the tray each day. The home-whitening process can take between two and four weeks.
How can sealants help protect my teeth?
Sealant act as a barrier between the sensitive enamel on your teeth and bacteria, plaque, and acids caused by the food you eat. It bonds to the grooves of your molars where brushing is most ineffective. Sealants protect vulnerable areas by blocking plaque and food.