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Convenient Answers to Common Concerns
We want to provide clear answers to all of your questions, both when you're with us, and when you're at home. So here are our responses to the most frequently asked questions about our practice, philosophy, and services. And if we've left something unanswered here, please email or call us at the office!
- How does Drs. McLaurin keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
- At what age should my children first see the dentist?
- What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
- I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes off or breaks?
- Is there a way I can ask the doctors questions directly?
- How can I have whiter teeth?
- Do you accept my insurance plan? Can I use a payment plan to cover my portion of the bill?
- My gums bleed when I brush my teeth. Should I be concerned?
- Crowns, Veneers, Onlays, Inlays & Partials…Can you tell me more about these procedures?
- I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. Can you help me?
How does Drs. McLaurin keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Our doctors subscribe to the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental industry, plus take time on a regular basis for continuing education and hands-on programs. In fact, all three of our doctors constantly studying to learn the latest techniques in their various areas of interest. And they share this excitement about learning with our entire staff, making sure that each team member also keeps up with her own areas of expertise through continuing education.
At what age should my children first see the dentist?
We recommend that our patients bring their children in for that first dental visit after all of their primary teeth have erupted, but also when they are able to sit in a dentist's chair without fear. Often, we'll even suggest they come in for a visit with their parent, just to meet our staff and find out what goes on at our office. Later, they can come in for their own first check up, typically around the age of three. To make this a fun and non-threatening visit, we'll typically just count their teeth, show them how the dental chair works, and let them become familiar with our equipment. This provides us with an opportunity to spot and prevent any potential oral health/dental problems while also establishing a friendship in preparation for doing any future work on the child's teeth.
What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
In case of a true dental emergency, please contact our office and let us know the nature of your condition. The system will page us, and Drs. McLaurin will return your call as soon as possible and give you helpful information over the phone, then determine if you need to be seen immediately. Remember, we also have Saturday hours for your convenience!
I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes off or breaks?
If your temporary crown comes off, simply place the crown back in the mouth with a tiny bit of Vaseline around the bottom to provide suction and insure that it stays in place. If it breaks, wrap the broken pieces carefully and place them in a protective container. Either way, make sure to call our office to schedule an appointment for Drs. McLaurin to reapply it as soon as possible. Do not attempt to eat or drink with the loosened crown in place.
Is there a way I can ask the doctors questions directly?
We encourage our patients to have open, direct communication with all of our doctors. Therefore, we're available daily to answer your questions either via e-mail (link from our site!) or voice mail. Depending on office traffic and the complexity of your questions, they each strive to respond within 24 hours.
How can I have whiter teeth?
Dentist-supervised teeth whitening is one of the simplest, safest ways to immediately improve the impact of your smile! So, if you're interested in finding out what whitening could do for you, we'll first evaluate your potential for based on the current color of your teeth, and the causes of any discoloration. We'll then recommend that you start by using our at-home supervised program, which we'll tailor to suit your individual needs. After this process is complete, we may also recommend a follow-up one-visit intensive treatment at our office to bring your teeth to their lightest possible shade. Just ask for a consultation on this and we'll get you started!
Do you accept my insurance plan? Can I use a payment plan to cover my portion of the bill?
Our office accepts nearly all of the major insurance plans, except for HMO's. We'll be glad to help you file and determine the coverage for which you're eligible. Also, we’re well-versed in the latest coverage trends, and are more than happy to discuss the particulars of your plan with you prior to any treatments you may undergo.
As
far as payment plans, we're members of the Dental
Fee Plan, allowing you to create a payment plan for amounts as low
as $300 and as high as $20,000. Just check out their website for more
details.
My gums bleed when I brush my teeth. Should I be concerned?
Bleeding gums is never a good sign! However, the condition may or may not require professional attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by improper, rough, ‘scrubbing’ instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease.
If your problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods, or occurs every time you brush, it's likely to be the result of some level of gum disease, and we recommend you set up an evaluation appointment with one of our doctors. We specialize in helping patients arrest and successfully treat all stages of gum disease, through the use of our excellent non-surgical gum care procedures.
Crowns, Veneers, Onlays, Inlays & Partials…Can you tell me more about these procedures?
With today's technology, materials, and advanced techniques, we have many options for restoring weak, broken, chipped, discolored, and/or missing teeth…bringing your smile back to it's original shape and function. For example, we can apply an all-porcelain crown, somewhat like a 'cap', to cover the entire outside of the problem tooth. Crowns are also helpful to cover large areas of decay after they've been filled. Or, for smaller areas of decay, we can apply all-porcelain onlays or inlays… similar to crowns, but retaining more natural tooth structure. For unattractive front teeth, we can create pretty, natural shapes and shades by applying paper-thin porcelain veneers to the fronts. For patients who are missing a number of front/side teeth, we can create a removable partial denture, designed for either the upper or lower jaw, made of all acrylic or all metal. They're attached to existing teeth by means of precision acrylic clasps, and must be removed for cleaning after eating, as well as for sleeping. For more information on any of these procedures, please feel free to talk with the doctor you're seeing, during your visit.
I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. Can you help me?
Our doctors have a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. In more pronounced cases, we might want to refer you to an orthodontist specialist we work with. We’d be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your individual situation.
