FAQ
Q. How often should I see a dentist?A. The American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year.
Q. What should I expect during my appointment?
A. One of our staff members will compile your medical and dental history during your first visit. We will then examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, make X-rays of your teeth as needed and complete a TMJ (jaw joint) exam. After we review your dental profile, we will discuss a diagnosis with you. If treatment such as a root canal (endodontics), braces (orthodontics) or oral surgery is needed, we will plan to treat you in our office or refer you to a specialist. We will discuss your options for treatment and fee payment and help you determine the best plan to fit your needs.
During regular follow-up visits, we will examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, clean your teeth and make plans for treatment, as needed. We will discuss any pain or problems you may be experiencing and answer any questions you may have.
Q. What is gentle dentistry?
A. Gentle dentistry is a means of ensuring your total experience in our office is as stress-free and pain-free as possible. We will discuss treatment options that may require no local anesthetic and whenever possible, alleviate pain by the means most comfortable to you.
Q. What if I have an emergency?
A. Serious dental emergencies are those related to pain, bleeding or swelling. If you have an emergency, please call the office and we’ll make every effort to work you in as soon as possible. After office hours, on weekends, and holidays you can call the office for the doctor’s emergency contact number.
Q. Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
A. Yes! Payment plans are available through a third party financing company called Care Credit. They offer a variety of no interest and low interest payment options. We also accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
Q. Can the dentist whiten my teeth?
A. Absolutely! We will take an impression of your teeth to make custom bleaching trays and provide you with the bleach to brighten your smile. You’ll fill the trays with a small amount of bleach and wear them for 30 minutes at a time, once or twice a day.
Other over-the-counter daily bleaching products are available, but it is important to use any bleaching product only under the supervision of a dentist. To achieve the whitening results you desire, the ADA recommends that you seek the professional advice of a dentist, including examination and diagnosis of the cause of tooth discoloration, before you begin any bleaching program.
There are special cases where the interior of the tooth is discolored and regular bleaching procedures may not be effective. In these situations, Dr. Zambrana can use a technique to bleach the interior of the tooth.
Q. What if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth or teeth that do not respond to normal bleaching methods?
A. Porcelain veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually and permanently attached to the fronts of your existing teeth. Bonding utilizes a tooth colored composite material to fill in areas of your teeth and correct chipping and shape problems. Both porcelain veneers and bonding are color-matched to the rest of your teeth.
