Dental Care FAQs
I can’t afford regular dental care. Are there some resources available to me?
Dental treatment can be quite expensive and many people may avoid it because they can’t afford it. At Riverview Dental, we understand this problem. Therefore, not only do we have reasonable treatment rates, but we also offer very flexible payment options. You can pay for your treatment according to your own budget and convenience. We also accept major debit and credit cards throughout the US.
What are dental sealants, who should get them, and how long do they last?
Dental sealants are plastic materials placed in very thin sections over the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They form a covering over the tooth surface and prevent it from getting cavities. Typically, they’re usually placed in milk teeth. They are additionally used on adult patients who have a high risk of developing teeth cavities. According to the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), dental sealants can last more than 10 years when properly cared for. Therefore, they should be regularly inspected by your dentist to ascertain if they are chipped or worn.
Will my dental treatment be painful?
The short answer, no. Before performing any dental procedure, Dr. Preston and his team will make sure that you are pain-free and comfortable. At Riverview Dental, we use Solea. Solea is a powerful laser system that performs most surgical procedures without local anesthesia. Not only does it ensure minimal scarring and rapid healing, but there is virtually no bleeding during the procedure. Also, we perform treatment under sedation to reduce fear and anxiety for highly anxious and restless patients.
What are some missing tooth replacement options?
At Riverview Dental, we have a variety of replacement options for your missing teeth. The simplest option is the use of removable partial dentures to replace the missing tooth. Another option is to restore the missing gap with a fixed prosthesis known as the dental bridge. Finally, if your jaw bone has sufficient density and quality, a dental implant can be used for tooth replacement.
I have a terrible fear of going to the dentist. What should I do?
If you are afraid of going to the dentist, you are not alone. Dental phobia is quite common. Our team is fully trained in alleviating your fears and concerns. We only start your treatment once you are completely relaxed and comfortable. In addition, we use conscious sedation on anxious patients. This helps them stay calm and relaxed during their treatment.
When is a root canal treatment required?
Root canal treatments are needed when the soft tissue inside the tooth, the dental pulp, gets irreversibly infected. This can occur due to prolonged teeth cavities, or an accidental injury to the tooth. Either of these can result in an exposure of the pulp to the oral environment. The procedure involves the removal of the infected pulp and filling the hollow tooth with a non-reactive material.
How often do I need to visit my dentist?
According to the ADA, how often you visit the dentist depends on your oral hygiene and risk of cavities. If you have good oral health and your dentist thinks that there is minimal risk for the development of teeth cavities, then visiting your dentist twice a year is fine. However, if you are prone to developing cavities, gum, or periodontal problems, then you should visit your dentist more regularly.
Can I get my missing teeth replaced with dental implants?
Of course! Anyone who wants to get his or her missing teeth replaced is a candidate for dental implants. However, there are certain requirements for candidates who can be chosen by your dentist for tooth replacement. First, you must have a healthy jaw bone that has sufficient density to support and hold the implant in place. Second, you must have good dental and physical health.
I need to get a few teeth extracted. Will the procedure be painful?
Not at all! Since tooth extraction is a surgical procedure, we will perform it under the effect of local anesthesia. This ensures that you remain free of pain throughout your dentist appointment. Therefore, you don’t have anything to worry about.
Is my treatment at Riverview Dental accepted through my insurance plan?
At Riverview Dental, we accept major insurance plans such as CareCredit and Delta Dental. To facilitate our esteemed patients, we also accept all major credit and debit cards in the US. If you have more questions about what treatments are covered with your insurance, please contact us.
What are the Risks of Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is usually reserved for patients who are extremely frightened of the dentist. It involves the administration of a sedative agent through inhalation, oral or intravenous routes. The sedative agent makes the patient comfortable and relaxed. Although sedation dentistry is a safe and effective method for providing dental treatment, it must be performed by a suitably qualified and experienced dentist.
Call 605-339-2040 with your questions & concerns and speak with a dental specialist!