FAQs

Preventive Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
Periodontal Questions
Insurance & Payment Questions

Preventive Dentistry

How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
We recommend that patients with good oral health schedule a checkup and hygiene visit twice each year. If you need more frequent visits, we'll let you know. Checkups are important because, even if you don't notice any pain or problems with your teeth, we may find signs of potential problems. For instance, demineralization is a precursor to decay, oral cancer often goes undetected until the later stages, and gum disease can be very stealthy. At your hygiene appointment, we'll clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. We'll take measures to make sure your gums stay healthy and strong.

I brush every day, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?
In your checkup, we can look for the cause of your bad breath, also known as halitosis. Some patients suffer from bad breath caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or a smelly substance put off by bacteria. With modern procedures and products to promote fresh breath, our team can help you regain your confidence!

Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?
Yes! Floss loosens food particles, plaque, and tartar trapped between teeth. These three culprits cause bad breath, cause gum disease, and promote cavities. If you need help learning how to floss quickly and effectively, our hygienist will gladly teach you some tricks to make your daily oral care easier.

Restorative Dentistry

Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials…Where can I learn more about these procedures?
Review our services page for more information. If you have questions about these or other dental procedures, don't hesitate to call us. We would be happy to explain any aspect of your dental care or our service offerings.

I have not been to the dentist in years, and I’m ashamed to let a professional see the condition of my mouth. Is your staff judgmental?
First of all, congratulations on your wise decision to prioritize dental healthcare. Your mouth is a big part of your overall health, quality of life, and self-esteem. We will not judge you, but help you by addressing your oral problems, explaining treatment options, then scheduling a plan of action that suits your schedule and your budget.

Periodontal Questions

What is the difference between a prophy and periodontal maintenance?
A prophy is a preventive cleaning typically done twice a year. It involves scaling and polishing teeth above the gum line. It is performed in absence of the absence of disease. A periodontal maintenance appointment is a follow up to deep cleaning. It involves removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) both above and below the gum line. It is typically done on a three or four-month basis, depending upon an individual’s needs. The interval is decided upon by the clinician. The factors that determine this include oral hygiene, pocket depths, bone loss, and the amount of deposits a person accumulates between visits.

Will I ever have a regular cleaning again?
A person who has had periodontal therapy will remain in a periodontal maintenance program.

Cosmetic Dentistry

What is a cosmetic dentist?
Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association, so any general dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. To choose a good cosmetic dentist, review the doctor’s before-and-after photos of actual cases, ask about his or her postgraduate education in cosmetic dentistry, and make sure that you feel confident and comfortable in the office.

I want to know more about changing my smile. What do you suggest?
An appointment. Your smile and your goals are unique. We offer a wide range of cosmetic services, and after your consultation, you'll know which services will deliver the smile of your dreams.

What can you do to improve the appearance of my smile?
Well, we'd like to start by evaluating your oral health, existing smile, and discussing your idea of a spectacular smile. We may suggest porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, replacement teeth, and replacing metal dental work with esthetic restorations. However, your smile may benefit from some artistic bonding and reshaping or teeth whitening. Dr. Stooksberry will help you determine the best cosmetic dentistry solutions for your unique goals.

Insurance Questions

Will my insurance pay for my prophy appointment or periodontal maintenance?
A person’s insurance benefits are decided on by his employer. A typical policy covers a routine prophy twice a year at 80 – 100%. A prophy falls under the preventive level of benefits. A periodontal maintenance procedure is quite different. It falls under basic dental insurance coverage. It is typically covered 80 – 100%, two to four times per year. Dental insurance is a benefit provided by your employer. It helps with the cost of dental care, but typically does not cover all the care a person needs.

Will my insurance cover Arestin antibiotic therapy for periodontal disease?
Insurance usually does not cover the cost of Arestin. However, insurance companies are beginning to realize the importance of treating gum disease. Some companies cover Arestin therapy, and we will be happy to predetermine your benefits so that you know what to expect.