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- Are you accepting new patients?
- Yes. We welcome all new patients into our practice. As
Dr. Wallace and Dr. Sorkin say, "We can never have
too many nice patients!"
- Which type of filling do you recommend, amalgam (silver)
or resin-based composite (tooth-colored)?
- While an amalgam (silver) filling is an acceptable filling,
we recommend resin-based composite (tooth-colored) restorations.
Resin-based composite restorations allow us to be much more
conservative when preparing your tooth as they are bonded
directly to the tooth. Not to mention, they look much nicer!
- What is the difference between a regular cleaning and
a deep cleaning?
- A regular cleaning or prophylaxis is a procedure to remove
plaque, calculus and stains on the part of the tooth visible
to the eye. A deep cleaning refers to two different degrees
of periodontal cleaning, full mouth debridement and periodontal
scaling and root planing. Both procedures involve the removal
of plaque and calculus above and below the gumline. A debridement
is necessary when plaque and calculus causes gingivitis
and obstructs the ability to perform an evaluation. Periodontal
scaling and root planing is indicated for patients with
periodontal disease and is therapeutic, not prophylactic,
in nature.
Regular check-ups every six months and good home care
(flossing daily and brushing 2-3 times daily) will help
to prevent the need for a more extensive "cleaning."
However, should you need periodontal treatment and wish
to avoid going to a specialist, our hygienists are trained
to perform non-surgical periodontal procedures.
- Does my child need to see a pediatric dentist?
- No. We are a family practice and see patients of all ages.
Occasionally, under certain circumstances we may refer a
child to a pediatric dentist.
- Are dental x-rays necessary?
- Yes. Dental x-rays are an important diagnostic tool, which
ensure you receive a thorough preventative examination.
X-rays may reveal small areas of decay between the teeth,
bone loss due to periodontal disease, abscesses or cysts,
developmental abnormalities, and the position of wisdom
teeth. Without the aid of x-rays these conditions may go
unnoticed, undiagnosed, or untreated and may result in complications
that seriously affect your dental health.
Furthermore, our office follows all of the recommended
guidelines and precautions for minimal radiation exposure.
- Do you accept my dental insurance?
- Dr. Wallace and Dr. Sorkin do not participate with any
of the dental programs offered by the major insurance companies.
However, we can submit claims for you if you have a dental
PPO or traditional indemnity insurance. If you belong to
a dental HMO or DHMO you must go to a provider on the list
provided by your employer or insurance company.
- What is HIPAA?
- The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability
Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal program initiated in the
early 1990s under the Bush Administration. HIPAA requires
that all medical records and other individually identifiable
health information be kept properly confidential whether
oral, written or electronic. While HIPAA officially went
into effect on April 14, 2003, our office has always and
will continue to use discretion with our patients' confidential
health information. The HIPAA Privacy Act may be read in
its entirety by visiting the US Department of Health and
Human Service's Office of Civil Rights website at http://www.hhs.gov.
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- For more general information we suggest the following
websites:
- www.adha.org
www.ada.org
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