FAQs
How do I schedule an appointment?
We try to see all patients on an appointment basis and you can make an appointment online or call us at 203-488-1428 in advance so that we can reserve time for you. We make every effort to see all patients on time.
What should I do in the event of an emergency?
We recognize that emergency situations do arise and we will do everything in our power to respond to your problem quickly. If the problem arises when the office is closed, call 203-488-1428 and the answering machine will forward the message to the doctor. There is a doctor on call on a 24-hours basis.
How do you handle general telephone calls?
All patients are encouraged to call with questions they have concerning dental problems. Telephone calls received during regular office hours will be handled by our personnel. In many cases, they will be able to answer your questions directly or relay answers to you. Those calls that require direct consultation with the doctor will be returned at the earliest opportunity.
Can the anesthetic be painless?
Yes, by using careful techniques and taking our time, we can offer what is often described as “the best shot I ever got.”
What causes bad breath?
Halitosis is caused by a variety of factors, including periodontal disease, smoking, oral infections, poor home care, digestive problems, dry mouth and some systemic diseases. We carefully examine anyone with halitosis to determine the cause so that we can treat it properly.
Do dental implants hurt?
NO! The procedure is pain free once you are numb. After the procedure, patients are always shocked at the lack of pain during healing.
How long will it take to get my smile makeover?
Depending on what procedures are needed in your case, it may take as little as a few days (whitening) or one to two weeks for porcelain veneers/crowns. Each case is different, and we need to do a complete evaluation to give time estimates.
Can any dentist perform smile makeovers?
Generally speaking, a patient should pick a dentist who is very experienced performing the procedures that are necessary. For smile makeovers and dental implants, it is critical to pick an experienced dentist, so your results are as good as they can be.
Why do some porcelain veneers look so bulky?
Some dentists try and place veneers directly over a patients’ teeth without reducing the tooth structure. The veneer basically gets “stuck on” to the tooth surface, creating bulky looking teeth. This problem can be eliminated by proper diagnosis and planning, which will indicate exactly how much tooth surface needs to be prepared to create a natural final result.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums are the result of gingival inflammation. This can often be rectified by a professional cleaning, but may be indicating that gum disease may be present. A thorough examination/evaluation is needed to find out.
My dentures used to be tight, now they are loose…why?
Over time, the jawbone resorbs or shrinks at a slow pace. After a while, this shrinking will lead to ill fit of the dentures, which often become loose. We can often reline the denture (making a new inner surface for the denture), which will make it tighter. Sometimes, a new denture will be needed. Dental implants may also be valuable in creating a stable denture.
Do I need my silver fillings replaced….Are they dangerous?
There is no real evidence that silver fillings are dangerous. When they wear out, they need to be replaced. When replaced, you can choose what kind of filling you want to have.
How often do I need to get my teeth cleaned?
For adults, the answer is usually two, three, or four times per year. This depends on your individual situation related to oral health and level of home care and overall health.
Does whitening damage the enamel of my teeth?
NO, whitening does not damage teeth. It cleans the pores in the tooth surface. When done properly, whitening is comfortable and effective.