Frequently Asked Questions Find The Answers You Are Looking For …

  1. What is a crown &/or what are the different types of crowns?
    1. A crown is a covering or “cap” over your tooth structure to protect a fractured or weakened tooth. There are various types of crowns such as gold based with porcelain built over it, all gold, or many types of all porcelain crowns including Cerecs. Cerecs can be used in many situations and are designed on a computer. This information is sent to a milling machine which custom mills these crowns from a solid block of porcelain. These can often be done in one visit. Our office is one of only a handful of offices in NE Florida to offer this in office technology.
  2. Which type of tooth bleaching works best?
    1. Opalescence is the #1 whitening product rated by Dr. Gordon Christensen. Dr. Christensen is the leading authority on rating dental products through his extensive research facility in Utah.
  3. How long has the doctor been in practice?
    1. Dr. B. 29 years, but he never stops learning. He regularly attends CE courses to stay current.
    2. Dr. Geiger is a recent graduate of a General Practice Residency in Birmingham, Alabama. Her post graduate training has allowed her to stay current on the latest trends and technologies in dentistry, and has offered her more in depth training in the various aspects of dentistry.
  4. Why do I need x-rays if insurance won’t pay?
    1. The doctors must be able to evaluate not only your teeth but also the supportive structures around your teeth. This also offers a way to evaluate for pathology we could not otherwise see.
  5. Do you do extractions?
    1. Yes…however some surgical extractions are referred to an oral surgeon. Fees vary with the level of difficulty and expertise required for extraction.
  6. What is a veneer?
    1. A veneer is a porcelain coverage over the facial ( front) portion of a tooth and usually extends somewhat between the teeth and over the biting edge of the tooth. Compared to a full crown it usually requires a more conservative preparation and preserves the back side of the natural tooth structure. This allows for cosmetic reshaping and color with minimal preparation.
  7. If insurance doesn’t pay for fluoride for me to use at home why should I purchase it?
    1. Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth structure making it more decay resistant, it helps minimize plaque buildup, desensitizing areas of gum recession, and helps recalcify (putting calcium back into) damaged portions of the enamel.
  8. Does your office do cosmetic dentistry?
    1. Our office has extensive experience in all aspects of cosmetic dentistry.
  9. When should I take my child to the dentist?
    1. Your child should generally see a dentist when he gets his first tooth, or by age one at the latest-"First visit by first birthday" is a good rule of thumb, according to both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
  10. What will happen at my child's first visit?
    1. Your child's first visit to the dentist should be low-key and comfortable. The dentist will check both your child's teeth and gums. He will pay particular close attention to any sign of baby bottle tooth decay, a common problem in infants and toddlers. The dentist or dental hygienist will also offer valuable advice for preventing future cavities.
  11. Baby teeth are going to fall out anyway, so why is it important to take care of them?
    1. Young children need teeth to chew food and talk clearly. Just as important baby teeth help maintain space for permanent teeth. If baby teeth fall out or decay away before their time, permanent teeth may come in crowded and crooked, or not be able to erupt at all if inadequate space is present.
  12. What if my child is afraid of the dentist?
    1. Many children have never seen a dental chair or heard a drill. This is why we encourage parents to bring their very young children with them to the occasional office visit so that it becomes familiar to them. When a child comes in the dentist or hygienist will take things slowly and gently, dish our heaps of praise and even have a fun toy as a reward at the end of the visit. Also, try to schedule a child's appointment early in the day when your child is alert and more rested.
  13. If my insurance pays for two cleanings a year, why do I need to come in more often?
    1. Some patients require more frequent visits either due to periodontal conditions or are at a higher risk for teeth and/or tissue problems. Some patients need three or four month intervals to keep their dental health under control. Insurance doesn't necessarily address your individual needs. They provide some financial benefit, but seldom cover all of your treatment.