How can I schedule my appointment for the initial examination?
If you are interested in receiving dental care at our office, it is easy. You can contact us by phone at INSERT PHONE NUMBER. We will try to work around your schedule so that you can get the dental care you deserve. We also recommend filling out the paperwork prior to your appointment so that you can be seen in a timely fashion.
What should I expect during the first appointment?
When you come in for your first appointment, you will have paperwork to fill out (unless you have already filled it out). We will go over your dental and medical history. We will also discuss any problems you are having with your teeth, mouth, or jaw.
Then, it is time for a thorough examination, x-rays, and cleaning. If you are having any problems, we will go over your options, and together we can determine the best way to give you a healthy smile of which you can be proud.
We want you to be comfortable during your examination, so don’t hesitate to let us know if there is any way we can make your appointment better for you.
Will you accept my insurance?
To help make good dental care more affordable, we accept most major dental insurances. To find out for sure, don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can call your insurance ahead of time to find out what it will or will not pay.
What is my visit going to cost?
After we do a thorough examination with x-rays, we will go over your options. At the same time, we will also go over the costs (both immediate and long-term, if there are going to be follow-up appointments). If you have insurance, we will figure out what it will or will not cover so that we can get you the smile you deserve!
Is Gum shrinkage Normal?
NO. Gum shrinkage is caused either by gum disease, bad brushing technique, aging, or in some cases orthodontic treatment. The reason for your gum recession should be investigated in detail and not ignored.
My spouse tells me that I grind my teeth at night. Is that normal?
I have some teeth that are worn off and they are becoming flat. What is happening?
While they are many hypotheses about the cause of teeth grinding, the true mechanism of that is not well understood. We know with certainty however, that grinding is really destructive to your dentition and can cause a lot of damage in very little time. There are several solutions. One is the fabrication of a night guard that will cover your teeth at night and prevent you from damaging your teeth any further.
Can you save my teeth?
Dr. Fakheri’s philosophy is conservative treatment and saving your teeth as no replacement is as good as your own teeth. Fortunately with the advances in periodontal treatment many teeth can be saved if diagnosed early.
Will I need surgery?
Not everyone needs a surgery. If diagnosed and treated early, gum disease can be controlled without surgery. But each case has to be studied individually to assess the need for any treatment.
I lost teeth due to periodontal disease. Am I a candidate to get implants?
Yes. Regardless of the reason for your tooth loss, you can have implants placed provided that you have adequate bone or we create the needed bone for you. Implants will need the same attention and maintenance as your natural teeth specially if you have suffered from periodontal disease before.
What type of anesthesia is used?
The majority of dental implants and bone grafts can be performed in the office under local anesthesia however we also offer higher levels of anesthesia and sedation based on your needs. You can be awake or you can choose to be sedated; it is totally up to you.
- Inhalation sedation (nitrous oxide aka “laughing gas” and “happy gas”) is for patients who are a bit nervous, inhalation sedation calms you down nicely. It can be used for patients of any age. “Laughing gas” can give you a pleasant relaxed feeling. Patients often recall warm fuzzy feelings or feeling amused, and these positive associations can help with overcoming fears. If you are the type of person who doesn’t like the idea of having memory loss and if you need to be in control, then Laughing Gas would NOT be good option for you.
- Oral sedation (anti-anxiety pills or a liquid) will make you sleepy and help you snooze but you will still be easily waken, you will not remember much of the procedure because these medications can impair memory and interfere with the acquisition of new information and laying down new memories. An hour will seem like a couple of minutes. You will need a driver to drive you as you will not be able to drive back.
- Intravenous (IV) sedation (drugs administered into the blood-stream through a vein) is for patients who need a more advanced level of sedation. Patients are not unconscious but are at a deeper level than oral sedation and the level of sedation could be adjusted easily. You will not remember the treatment. You will need a driver to drive you as you will not be able to drive back.
- General anesthesia: for patients who need a higher level of sedation we work with a board certified anesthesiologist at our practice to accommodate you. You will be completely unconscious and have no memory of the procedure. All procedures will be done in the comfort of our practice. You will need a driver to drive you as you will not be able to drive back.