FAQs
Clinical Questions
- Bleeding Gums
- Checkups
- Dentist's Education
- Embarrassment
- Flossing
- Missing Teeth
- Patient Safety
- Specialists
- X-rays
Administrative Issues
Emergency Care
Clinical Questions
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 also make sure your gums are healthy and strong.
To provide optimal care, we take bitewing X-rays once a year and a panoramic X-ray every three years. Because we use a digital system, our patients are exposed to about 80-percent less radiation than with a traditional radiograph. X-rays and intraoral photographs help us track your oral health and address problems early, when conservative dentistry can correct most issues. If you haven't had a checkup and X-rays in a while, call us for an appointment.
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
We follow strict guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control and OSHA. Our practices include sterilizing reusable instruments in an autoclave, then sealing them for the next use; disinfecting treatment rooms between patient visits; and using disposable products when possible. We always wear disposable gloves during exams and treatment, for your safety.
How does the doctor keep up to date on current techniques, technology, and materials in dentistry?
Our dentist – and our team – take more than the state's requirement for continuing education each year. We also read trade journals, attend professional association meetings, and do everything we can to keep in tune with the latest developments in general and cosmetic dentistry, as well as dental technology. We are passionate about our careers, so we enjoy soaking up new information on our profession, then sharing it with you!
My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from the patient brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep hygiene treatment to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, and it has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to create significant damage to your health, so call for an assessment now. We will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!
Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?
Yes! Floss loosens food particles, plaque, and tartar trapped between teeth. In addition to irritating gums, causing gum disease, and promoting cavities, these three culprits cause bad breath. 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.
My smile is missing teeth. What do you suggest I do?
You'll need to first schedule a consultation with the dentist. He can assess your oral health and discuss options for replacement teeth. In general, you can choose from crown and bridgework, partial or full dentures, or dental implants. As the most natural prosthetic to natural tooth structure, a dental implant offers the most long-lasting, comfortable, natural-looking choice.
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.
Do you refer patients to specialists?
While we are trained and equipped to handle many dental issues in our office, when a specialist would better serve you, we'll refer. Some dental specialists are oral surgeons, periodontists (supporting structures), endodontists (internal tooth problems), orthodontists (for moving teeth), and pedodontists (for children). We refer to only trusted professionals with whom we have a good rapport.
Administrative Issues
Does Burns Dental accept insurance?
Yes. We are dedicated to value in dentistry, which means that we make dental care affordable. Because of this, we'll be happy to file your insurance claim. We are preferred providers for some plans, but will file out-of-network claims as well. So that we can maintain value, please plan to pay your copay or deductible at your appointment. Thank you!
What payment methods do you accept, and what are your financing options?
We will accept cash, personal check, or credit card for payment. If you would like to finance your dental work, we will recommend that you apply for CareCredit. Our front office team can help you apply, or you can visit the CareCredit website at your convenience for prequalification.
Dental insurance is diverse. Some policies cover only a small percentage of fees, while others cover 50 percent or greater. The more you or your employer pays for premiums, the better the coverage, in most cases. For the most part, dental insurance covers some restorative and preventive procedures. Cosmetic treatment is not usually covered. We accept CareCredit to make cosmetic dentistry affordable for all of his patients. If you have questions, give us a call. We'll be happy to tell you what your insurance will cover.
Visit our map on the contact us page, or call for directions.
Will you care for my entire family?
Absolutely. We enjoy creating gorgeous, healthy smiles for patients of any age. If we find that your child – or you, for that matter – would benefit from seeing a specialist, we'll refer to a trusted colleague. Some children deal with dental appointments better at a pedodontist's office, that's what a children's dentist is called. We also refer patients who have extensive dental problems, like advanced periodontitis or problematic root canals, to specialist for optimal care. As a general dentist office, our preventive, restorative, prosthetic, and cosmetic dental services include treatments suitable for patients of all ages.
Emergency Care
What if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
If you have visited our office in the past year, call our on-call phone number, available on our answering machine. New patients can call to schedule a visit when the office is open.
My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?
Try to replace the tooth into the socket immediately. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a glass of milk and call or come in to our office as quickly as possible. Don't forget to bring the tooth! Use a warm, wet washcloth to cover the gums where the tooth fell from. Come to our office for care within 30 minutes of the accident.
I knocked my tooth out. What should I do?
Try to put the tooth back in place immediately. If this is not possible, put the tooth in a small glass of milk, then call our office and we will try see you immediately. You must visit our office within 30 minutes to improve the potential for saving the original tooth. If you are injured beyond the lost tooth, please go to the emergency room.
I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What should I do if it comes off or breaks?
First, call us. If the office is closed, simply use a dab of toothpaste to reattach the temporary, then visit us for a replacement when the office opens. You can also find dental adhesive in your local drug store, if you prefer not to use toothpaste.