FAMILY PRACTICE DENTISTRY FAQs

1. What do I need for my first appointment at your office?

There are a few forms we require you to fill out prior to meeting with either Dr. Perrett or Dr. Reid. If this is your first visit to our dental office, you can click here to download, print and fill out the required forms prior to your visit.
If you do not have the capabilities to print these forms, we do have them at our office for your convenience. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete them. We also require your insurance card and a valid form of identification. If you have had recent dental x-rays done at another office, we will also have you sign a release allowing us to get copies of those x-rays.

2. At what age should I schedule my child’s first dental check up?

Our dentists generally recommend to make your child’s first dentist appointment within six months of the arrival of his or her first tooth or by the time he or she turns one. If, however, your child’s teeth are coming through discolored or damaged, then you should schedule a dental appointment sooner rather than later. Although this may seem too early to bring in your baby, our goal for all our little patients is to be “cavity free at 3” and prevention is paramount.
This short appointment allows the Doctors to see any problems going on, and gives us the opportunity to discuss issues of infant oral care with the parents. Just because your child’s baby teeth will fall out, it’s important to encourage proper dental care habits and ensure the health of the teeth and gums.

3. Do you take my insurance?

We are willing to work with any insurance company that allows you to select your own provider (indemnity plans). We are also Delta Premier, Anthem Dental Blue- PPO 300 and Cigna PPO providers. Feel free to contact our office with questions regarding your insurance plan. Call us at (719) 634-7777 or (719) 473-7441.
We also offer affordable payment plans, see below.

4. What type of payment plans do you offer?

When presented with your treatment plan, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible communicating your concerns. Many of our patients say that financing is their biggest concern. With our new financing options, we hope you feel at ease about proceeding with your dental work. We have also added the services of Care Credit and Ent for ease of payment.
Care Credit offers extended payment options with the versatility to be used at other dental specialists, health care providers and even veterinarian offices.

5. Why do you take pictures of my tooth?

We have incorporated digital photography into the way we practice dentistry. In today’s digital age, it is often necessary and quite easy to snap a picture of a tooth or specific areas of your mouth.
Some of the reasons we do this are:
To educate you on the condition of your mouth and understand why we are recommending treatment (cracked tooth, decay, gum disease, etc)
To document any abnormalities of the gums, tongue, palate, lips, and cheeks for later comparison
To communicate to our dental laboratories for more lifelike looking crowns and dentures
To communicate with your dental insurance company on recommended treatment (results in fewer cases of declined treatment)
We hope you view these photos as a service that will enhance dentist-patient communication and will elevate the level of your dental treatment.

6. What sterilization techniques are used at your office?

We use the latest state-of-the-art equipment for sterilization of instruments and operatories. Instruments are cleaned by hand, then by ultrasonic cleaning prior to sterilization. Instruments are pre-bagged before they are sterilized in a steam autoclave, and these sterile packets are not opened again until the patient is seated and the instruments are needed for a procedure.
This “closed packet” system provides the utmost in quality sterilization. We use a wide range of disposable items in our dental office. All operating surfaces are cleaned and then disinfected between every patient visit.

GENERAL DENTISTRY FAQs

1. Is bleaching safe for my teeth? And how effective is it?

For years, dentists and patients alike have wanted a simple and effective way to bleach & whiten teeth. The home bleaching system consists of a set of “retainer-like” trays that the patient fills with bleaching solution. The trays are worn for a certain period of time each day for two to three weeks. The teeth whitening system allows for custom fit trays that allow the whitening solution to be exposed to all surfaces of your teeth, unlike the store-bought options.
Home bleaching sometimes causes transient gum irritation or tooth sensitivity. No permanent damage is done to the teeth. If these conditions do occur, we advise the patient to discontinue the bleaching for a day or two and then go back to it. A desensitizing agent is also available to be used with the trays.
Unsupervised bleaching of teeth can be dangerous because there are different formulations of bleaching solutions available and not all are right for you. Long-term unsupervised bleaching can cause chronic irritations or infections. Home bleaching does not work for everyone but, in most cases when recommended by our dentists, it is a very effective, predictable and safe process.

2. Why do I have bad breath?

Bad breath, also referred to as Halitosis, can be the result of odor releasing bacteria in the mouth. When you don’t brush and floss your teeth after eating, food particles remain in your mouth. If you do not brush & floss daily, those particles will cause bacterial growth on your teeth, gums and tongue. If you wear dentures and they are not cleaned properly, odor-causing bacteria and food particles can form, causing bad breath. Bad habits, such as smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can also cause bad breath, stained teeth, reduce your ability to taste foods, and irritate the gums. Certain prescription medications are also widely known to cause bad breath and alter the salivary flow in the mouth.
Sometimes foods with strong odors, such as garlic and onions, cause bad breath temporarily. If you brush, floss or use mouthwash after consuming these foods, you’re simply only covering up the odor until those foods have passed through your body.
In more severe cases, prolonged bad breath can be a sign of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease occurs when there is a buildup of plaque on the tooth. The bacteria cause toxins, which lead to inflammation of the gums and bone loss around the teeth.
To prevent bad breath, it’s best to maintain a daily routine of brushing twice a day, flossing and rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash to prevent this bacteria from forming. A mouthwash containing chlorine dioxide (CLOSYS) can also destroy sulfur releasing bacteria that exist in the mouth. If your bad breath persists over a prolonged period, it’s best to see a dentist to find if there are more serious causes.

3. Why do I have cavities?

Cavities are just as common in adults as they are children. They occur when decay destroys the tooth’s structure on both the inside (dentin) and outside (enamel) layers. Tooth decay usually forms when foods and drinks containing carbohydrates remain on the teeth after consumption. Specific bacteria within the mouth immediately absorb these sugars and turn them into acid. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel and dentin of the teeth, creating holes in them… aka cavities.

4. Why shouldn’t I wait until it hurts to get it fixed?

We have a saying in our office: “the absence of pain is not health.” Many severe dental problems are never painful until it is too late to do anything about it. We have seen countless patients over the years that have lost teeth due to “silent” periodontal disease in their mouth, or severe decay that just doesn’t hurt them. The earlier we can detect and treat a dental problem, the easier and less expensive it is to restore or treat. Be sure to come in for regular check-ups so our dentists can detect such dental and periodontal problems.

5. Which type of toothpaste should I use?

It’s great news that Americans have so many options when it comes to toothpaste; however, the vast array can be very confusing. In choosing any toothpaste, be sure that it contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. Also, talk with your dentist about which toothpaste would best meet your needs.
Here are some tips to help you select the best toothpaste for you:
Tartar-Control Toothpaste
Tartar-control toothpaste prevents tartar, a hardened plaque, from forming above the gum line, by as much as 36 percent. These toothpastes do not remove tartar that has already formed, which can only be done by a professional cleaning.
Abrasives
Abrasives help remove stains & plaque and also polish teeth. All ADA-accepted toothpastes contain a mild abrasive that, along with your toothbrush, helps remove plaque from your teeth.
Desensitizing Toothpaste
Many people with receding gums have teeth that are especially sensitive to temperature extremes, making it uncomfortable to ingest hot or cold drinks and foods. Desensitizing toothpastes can help block this pain, though it may take four to six weeks before improvement is noticeable.
Baking Soda
Baking soda toothpastes have become popular in recent years. While this ingredient can act as a mild abrasive, there is no scientific evidence that baking soda helps fight gum disease. An advantage of baking soda as an ingredient is that if you like the taste or feel of these toothpastes, you are likely to brush thoroughly, more often.
Hydrogen Peroxide
When hydrogen peroxide is found in toothpaste, it is usually found in conjunction with baking soda. The concentrations of peroxide are not sufficient to bleach teeth, but the bubbling action may improve the feel of the toothpaste in the mouth. Peroxide has not been shown to have a therapeutic effect on gum disease.
During your next visit to Family Practice Dentistry, consult with your dentist about which type of toothpaste is best to use for your teeth.

6. What sterilization techniques are practiced?

We use the latest state-of-the-art equipment for sterilization of instruments and operatories. Instruments are cleaned by hand, then by ultrasonic cleaning prior to sterilization. Instruments are pre-bagged before they are sterilized in a steam autoclave, and these sterile packets are not opened again until the patient is seated and the instruments are needed for a procedure.
This “closed packet” system provides the utmost in quality sterilization. We use a wide range of disposable items in our dental office. All operating surfaces are cleaned and then disinfected between every patient visit.

7. What is current with dental implants?

The current generation of implants is called root form osseointegrated implants. They are shaped like a root and they actually “knit” to the bone. The root portion of the implant is first placed in the bone and later a post and crown is placed on the implant by the general dentist.
Dental implants are also used in denture patients who need support for ill-fitting dentures. A “snap-like” attachment can be used on a implant to allow a loose denture to snap into place. Denture wearers love the security and increased function they have with dental implants.

8. Should I be using an electric toothbrush?

Should I be using an electric toothbrush?
Years ago electric toothbrushes were considered virtually worthless by the dental profession. Technology has changed so much that research now shows that some electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual brushing. This is a tremendous advance, since the success of all dental treatment is influenced by the patients’ dental care at home.
Currently, OralB & Sonicare electric toothbrushes work best. The Crest Spinbrush is also a great option for your kids. For instance, with the Sonicare brush, the bristles vibrate at a high or sonic rate. This not only dislodges plaque, but also can actually destroy bacteria cells. The vibrating action actually extends beyond the tip of the bristle so it can clean below the gum line. Use of a good electric brush can be a significant inexpensive way to avoid periodontal problems. We recommend them for everyone.