Our office is contracted with most PPO insurance plans. We know that most people do not like to be forced to choose from a list of dentists we have chosen to become an “unrestricted provider” for our patients. What this means is that even if we may not be on your list we can still see you as a patient and provide the best quality dentistry possible. We will always inform you of our fees for any necessary treatment and help you estimate how much your insurance will cover or reimburse you. We’ll offer some flexible payment options for you, too. So essentially you’ll be paying our fee and we will ask for that payment and then work with you to help get your insurance company to send their fees back to you. If you would like we would be glad to review your dental plan with you.
Our office has a long standing relationship with Care Credit that offers interest free financing as well. For those without insurance, we offer an in house Wellness plan that discounts our fees. Unlike dental insurance, our Wellness Plan has no deductibles, no maximums, no qualifications, pre-existing conditions, pre-determinations, or any of other red tape that can make dental insurance so confusing and annoying. That’s because our Wellness Plan is not dental insurance – it is a membership plan that we are bringing right to you without any third-party interference!
Visiting the dentist regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also keep the rest of your body healthy. During your exam Dr. Piper will not only check your teeth for dental caries, gum recession and disease, he also will perform an oral cancer screening. Dental care is important for many reason such as helping to prevent tooth decay, can prevent bad breath, protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss.
Visiting the dentist regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Dental care is important because it:
- Helps prevent tooth decay
- Protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss
- Prevents bad breath โ brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly will help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath
- Gives you a more attractive smile and increases your self-confidence
- Helps keep teeth looking bright by preventing them from becoming stained by food, drinks, and tobacco
- Strengthens your teeth so that you can enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for the rest of your life!
- May help to prevent diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease amongst others
Your teeth may feel fine, but it’s still important to see the dentist regularly because problems can exist without you knowing. Your smile’s appearance is important, and your dentist can help keep your smile healthy and looking beautiful. With so many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Today’s dentists offer many treatment choices that can help you smile with confidence, including:
- Professional teeth whitening
- Fillings that mimic the appearance of natural teeth
- Tooth replacement and full smile makeovers
Choosing a dentist who โclicksโ with you and your family is important, and you may wish to consider several dentists before making your final decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine whether the dentist is right for you. During your appointment, consider the following:
- Is the appointment schedule convenient?
- Is the office easy to get to and close by?
- Does the office appear to be clean and orderly?
- Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?
- Does the dentist explain techniques for good oral health?
- Is information about cost presented to you before treatment is scheduled?
- Is your dentist a member of the ADA (American Dental Association)?
- ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss at least once!
- Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities.
- Avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities) and avoid tobacco (this can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and eventually lead to oral cancer).
- Don’t be afraid to brush your tongue! By brushing your tongue, you will remove food particles and reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria. Tongue brushing also helps keep your breath fresh.
- Be sure to schedule your routine checkup. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months.
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, and, if detected, is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease:
- Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth, or loss of teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Receding gum line
- Abscessed teeth