| This website is provided for information and education purposes only. Use of this site is at your own risk. It is not a substitute for visiting your dentist or other health professional. No doctor/patient relationship is being established by your use of this site. No diagnosis or treatment is being suggested or provided. Content may be opinion rather than fact and may contain errors. It's content does not provide any warranties or guarantees, express or implied, of any kind. We do not endorse or recommend any procedure, treatment, or product that may be mentioned on this site. We do not accept liability related to the use of any links provided on this site. Questions about these policies should be directed to info@devonshiredental.nett |
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| Frequently Asked Questions Office Policies Do you accept Dental Insurance? Yes, we accept dozens of dental insurance plans including Delta Dental, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Met Life, and Aetna. In addition, because we have so many patients who work for Boston area companies, we have hundreds of Employer Benefit Plans in our computer system. In general we do not accept PPO plans. Devonshire Dental Associates will submit your insurance claims for you. Please bring your Dental Insurance card with you to your visits. Do you have lunchtime appointments? Yes, both our Hygienists and Dentists see patients through the normal lunch hour. If you need a lunchtime appointment, please contact our Office Manager. Do you treat Children? No, however we often see teenagers when they are seniors in high school. It is prudent to complete needed dental work before heading off to college. Future appointments can be scheduled when the student is home on break. What are your payment policies? Co-payments (the uninsured portion of your bill) are due at the time of treatment. We do not offer financing or payment plans. Deposits for lab work on crowns and other restorative items are generally 50% at the time dental impressions are made. To download policies, click here. To make an online payment, click here. What is your cancellation policy? Like most medical offices, we require 24 hours notice for cancellations. Cancellations within the 24 hour period are charged for. We do not "overbook" appointments so our doctors reserve time just for you. What are your hours? Hygiene appointments are available M-F 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and last one hour. Appointments with dentists are generally available from M-F 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM . We do not have Saturday appointments. What are your privacy policies? We keep patient information strictly confidential, and as such comply with HIPPA guidelines. For your convenience we keep a printed copy of our privacy policies in our patient waiting room. |
| Clinical Questions What is Digital Radiography? Our digital Radiography system uses a laser scanner to "develop" X-Ray images. The system uses up to 90% less radiation than conventional X-Ray systems because it does not use conventional film. Images are displayed on a computer screen and stored digitally. Do you see patients who have a fear of the dentist? It is quite common for patients to have some apprehension, particularly if they have not been to a dentist in a while. There is really very little reason to be nervous. Your dentist will fully explain your treatment. With short term anesthetics, your dental work should be pain free. If I am feeling pain, is it too late for the tooth to be saved? While the answer to this question varies with the problem, it is quite common that we can save the tooth. In some cases a root canal may be needed (which also saves the tooth structure). Some cases such as cracked teeth or impacted wisdom teeth, the tooth may have to be extracted. If you are feeling pain you should be examined by the dentist immediately. Please discuss this with our office manager so that we can schedule you as soon as possible. Am I a candidate for a Dental Makeover? Devonshire Dental Associates performs Dental Makeovers not only to enhance your appearance but also to improve your self-confidence. If you are self-conscious about your smile, if you tend to cover your mouth while talking, or if you tend to avoid having your photo taken, you may be a candidate for a makeover. Similarly, if you are uncomfortable about gaps between your front teeth, or if you dislike the color of your teeth, you should schedule a Cosmetic Consultation. Your dentist may discuss with you Teeth Whitening, Bonding, Veneers, or other cosmetic procedures to fulfill your needs. Do you have treatments for bad breath? Yes, but it is important to properly diagnose the cause of bad breath first. "Halitosis" is the technical term for bad breath. Bacteria in the mouth break down proteins which can contain sulfur compounds. When this sulphur is released it can smell like a rotten egg. In addition, bad breath can be caused by decay, gum disease, poorly flossed teeth, and even one of several medical problems. It is important to consult with your dentist if you have persistent bad breath. I think I am grinding my teeth at night. Is there a treatment for this? Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, is a common but serious condition. Teeth grinding quite often occurs during sleep. It can cause teeth to be dramatically worn down, cracked, or have sensitivity. It can affect your ability to chew, and can even affect your appearance if not corrected. If untreated, bruxism can lead to crowns, root canals, bridges, implants, and even full dentures. Grinding during sleep can often be corrected with a simple "night guard" (shown left) that protects your teeth surfaces. It is important to see your dentist if you are concerned about teeth grinding. Do electric toothbrushes really work? Yes. Our Hygienists have reported that patients who regularly use electric toothbrushes, particularly the Sonicare, have healthier gums and less buildup of plaque. Electric toothbrushes accomplish more in the same amount of time than hand brushing. Sonicare claims that it's sonic design reaches beyond the bristles; that is between teeth and below the gum line. They guarantee you will have whiter teeth and healthier gums or your money back. Replaceable color coded brush heads make it possible for one Sonicare unit to serve a whole family. We stock the Sonicare Elite toothbrushes for your convenience. What is Scaling and Root Plaining? Scaling and Root Planing is a common procedure that is effective in preventing gum disease. It is used for patients with teeth roots that exhibit mineral deposits (tartar), infection, or gums that have pulled away from teeth. The Hygienist will clean the root surfaces smooth, removing any deposits. Generally your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic so that the procedure will be painless. Often an ultrasonic tooth cleaning device will be used so that scraping is minimized. Scaling a Root Planing generally takes more than one dental visit. What is the big deal about flossing? Flossing has many advantages for your dental health. It should be considered equally important to brushing your teeth. Generally we recommend that patients floss at least once per day. Flossing can prevent tooth decay and gum disease by cleaning areas that toothbrush bristles cannot reach. By keeping teeth cleaner and free of staining foods, it also keeps them whiter. By keeping gums and spaces between teeth free of bacteria, flossing can also prevent bad breath. And finally, because it helps prevent decay, flossing can keep your overall dental costs low. Is Tongue Piercing Safe? No. Tongue piercings can cause a host of dental problems, and in extreme cases can even cause death. Tongue piercings can cause chipped teeth and gums pulled away from the front teeth in up to half of patients with long term piercings. They can also cause swallowing and speech problems. In some cases studs come loose are swallowed, or cause teeth to crack if bitten on. Infection related to the placement of tongue piercings can result in death due to toxic shock syndrome. This happens when bacteria from under the tongue enters the bloodstream. If you or a member of your family has a tongue piercing you should consult immediately with your dentist. How can crooked teeth be straightened? In addition to orthodonture (braces), there are Cosmetic Dentistry procedures that may help straighten teeth. Invisalign provides a simple approach that involves uses a series of nearly invisible appliances that straighten your teeth. Dental Bonding is a simple, cost effective procedure that can alter tooth shape with minimal tooth loss. Dental Veneers are commonly used on front teeth to dramatically improve appearance. Ask your dentist for details. Do you have an environmentally friendly office Yes. We do not store any chemical toners or fixers typically associated with conventional radiography systems. We do not store or use mercury based amalgam materials. Our water is filtered as it enters our office. Even the air is filtered to help remove dust and allergens. Medical waste is properly disposed of by a third party in compliance with OSHA standards. Have other questions? Please feel free to send us questions using our Contact Form. |
