Paula Stewart, DMD - Family Dental Center

FAQs

Are you taking new patients?

Yes, we are always happy to see new patients in our office.  Please refer to our scheduling section to set up an appointment or contact us.

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What can I expect on my initial visit?

We take panoramic and bitewing xrays in order to establish a baseline data for your treatment plan.  We will do a thorough exam, oral cancer screening, and periodontal screening.  The hygienist will scale and polish your teeth.  Dr. Stewart will then go over a treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.

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What is a sealant?

A sealant is placed on permanent molars to seal any grooves to help prevent cavities.  It can not be placed on teeth that already have fillings or cavities in them.  The best time to do a sealant is as soon as possible after a tooth comes in. 

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What payment options do you offer?

Prepayment in full - a prepayment bookkeeping courtesy of 5% will be given for direct payment in full by cash prior to treatment.

Preauthorized credit card agreement - with your permission and signature, we will charge your credit card with an agreed  payment amount each month.  This allows you to make monthly payments without applying for additional credit.

Three payments (for fees over $1000) - total patient obligation may be divided as follows:  50% due at the first treatment visit, with the remaining balance split into two equal payments due 30 and 60 days after the first treatment visit.

Care Credit - low interest financing options will leave you smiling and able to pay for crowns, veneers, implants, and more over time and within your budget.  Care Credit makes elective dental procedures affordable for any budget.

Pay as you go - you may choose to pay your obligation for each visit with cash, check, or credit card at each visit.

Gradual treatment plan - for those patients on a limited budget.  By prioritizing treatment, those patients who do not have dental insurance or are on a tight budget can still complete their dental work by spreading appointments over several months or years.

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What is the importance of a fluoride treatment?

Flouride treatments are needed to help prevent cavities.

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How can I make my teeth whiter?

There are several methods to make teeth whiter. We can whiten them in the office with the laser whitening system or we can make you a set of custom bleaching trays in our office and you can whiten your teeth at home.  We have the bleaching solution for the trays in the office also if you already have your own trays.  If your teeth are severely discolored, you may want to consider other options such as porcelain veneers.  Please feel free to ask any of our staff about these procedures.

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What is the best type of toothbrush?

Soft bristled toothbrushes are always recommended.  Our office recommends Sonicare electric toothbrushes, which are available for purchase in our office. 

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What is a quadrant scale?

Quadrant scaling is a deep cleaning of the teeth.  The patient is usually anesthetized in the area to help tolerate the deep scaling procedure.  The hygienist cleans well underneath the gums to remove all tartar so that the gums can start to heal.

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What do you offer for the nervous, anxious patient?

Our office is committed to making your visit with us as painless and pleasant as possible.  We can use nitrous oxide to help you relax and we can prescribe a pill to make you more comfortable if you are anxious.  This can be determined after your first visit with us.  We do not perform oral sedation at the present time.

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What is the difference between a cap and a crown?

A cap and a crown are the same thing.  A crown is a covering that goes over your tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and/or appearance.  A crown is needed to protect a weak tooth from breaking, to restore an already broken tooth, to support and cover a tooth with a large filling when there is not a lot of actual tooth structure left, to cover a misshapen or discolored tooth, or to cover a dental implant.  When we do a crown, we have to drill your existing tooth structure down far enough for the crown to fit over it.  You will have to wear a temporary crown for a couple of weeks while the lab makes your permanent crown.

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What is the difference between a bridge and a partial?

A bridge is a permanent restoration to restore your missing tooth or teeth.  The teeth on either side of the missing tooth have to be crowned and a fake tooth is in the middle.  It is all one piece and it is cemented in place permanently.  You can not take it out.  A partial comes in and out and covers the entire roof or bottom of the lower part of the mouth.  It can replace several missing teeth in different sides of the mouth all at once.  It usually has clasps that can be seen.

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