Do you take my insurance?
If you have a dental insurance plan that allows you to see a dentist of your choice, we will be happy to take care of all the insurance billing and paperwork.
Do you accept referrals?
We welcome them! The greatest compliment you can pay us is trusting us with the care of your friends and family members.
Is my treatment going to be painful?
We’ll do our very best to ensure that it’s not. Both of our doctors are very gentle and are careful to make sure that you’re completely numb before any work begins. If you’re nervous or tense about receiving dental care, we offer options such as pre-medication and nitrous oxide that can help you relax during your treatment.
Can you straighten my teeth?
Gaps and crooked, snaggletooth smiles can be fixed in about 6 months with tooth colored braces. We are proud to be one of the first offices in the area to offer “6-Month Smiles” cosmetic braces. It is a fast, easy and less expensive cosmetic answer to straightening your teeth. Improve your smile and enhance your confidence!
Why are my teeth darker now than they used to be?
As we age, the enamel of our teeth thins allowing the darker yellow dentin to show through. Certain medications, tobacco use, coffee, tea and certain foods can stain your teeth and add to the darkening and dulling appearance. Dr. Sipes and Dr. Wu have just what you need to make your teeth shine a brilliant white. The Zoom whitening system is quick, and the results are amazing. You can have whiter teeth in about one hour.
What are porcelain veneers and why are they used?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of the teeth. This procedure can be an ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth by masking discolorations, whitening teeth and/or reshaping a smile.
How often should I see my dentist?
You should visit your dentist at least every six months or more frequently to get your teeth cleaned. By seeing your dentist twice a year, your dentist can monitor your oral health and help you prevent any problems that may arise before they became uncomfortable or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment. The dentist may suggest more frequent visits, depending on the diagnosis.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a state of the art system of tooth replacement that substitutes for root portion of lost teeth. Implants provide a stable foundation upon which replacement teeth are attached such as crowns, bridges and dentures. Dr. Sipes and Dr. Wu and their specially trained team want to help you bite, chew, and smile with the same confidence you had with your natural teeth. Ask us if you are a candidate for dental implants.
How can I stop grinding my teeth at night?
Grinding your teeth can be very damaging to the teeth and also difficult to stop. If vigorous grinding occurs at night, teeth can be worn down to the gumline because the instinctive reflex to stop does not work while you are sleeping. Grinding due to stress can only be cured by removing the stress trigger. If grinding continues, a nightguard may be prescribed to prevent ultimate damage to the teeth.
Are there any alternatives to dentures?
Dentures are no longer the only way to restore a mouth that has little or no restorable teeth. Dental implants are substitutes for natural tooth roots and rely on the jawbone for support. Strategically placed dental implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The implants and bridges more closely resemble the “feel” of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative of choice to dentures.
At what age are my children supposed to see a dentist?
The general rule is between 18 and 24 months. Some children require a bit more time to be comfortable. If an area of concern is noticed, then the child should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Are x-rays a danger to my health?
We use digital x-rays in our office, which are safer for our patients, our staff and the environment. Because the sensors we use to take x-rays are so sensitive, we are able to use significantly less energy and radiation to capture our images. This is a twofold benefit; the patient receives less radiation, and we are able to use much less energy. A significant part of being green with the digital x-ray system is that there is no developing of traditional film. Therefore, we do not use any harmful chemical needed to develop the film and also do not produce and harmful waste by products such as the lead /silver shields used in all x-ray packages that must be disposed of some how. In addition, there is no wastewater produced that has been contaminated by the chemicals that would normally go down the drain and pollute the waterways.
My gums bleed when I brush, what does it mean?
In the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing. If not addressed it will move to the more advanced stage of gum disease, called periodontitis, the gums and bone that support the teeth become seriously damaged. The teeth can become loose, fall out, or have to be removed. It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend on the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed.
