FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Will you care for my entire family?
A) Absolutely. We enjoy creating gorgeous, healthy smiles for patients of any age. If we find that your child – or you, for that matter – would benefit from seeing a specialist, we'll refer you to a trusted colleague. Some children deal with dental appointments better at a pedodontist's office, that's what a children's dentist is called. We also refer patients who have extensive dental problems, like advanced periodontitis or problematic root canals, to specialists for optimal care. Our dental office provides general, cosmetic, restorative, and prosthetic dental treatments suitable for patients of all ages.
Q) How can I improve my smile?
A) That sounds like an easy question to answer, but it isn't! Your smile is unique, and we won't compromise your individuality with smile enhancements. Smile design dentistry done right requires an initial consultation in which we will discuss your goals, preferences, and options for care. Generally speaking, we may suggest porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, all-white restorations, and/or replacement teeth. Orthodontics may also be involved. After your comprehensive evaluation and consultation, we'll present a smile makeover plan for your new smile.
Q) Are there differences between over-the-counter teeth whiteners and professional teeth whiteners?
Over-the-counter whiteners are not as efficient as professional-grade treatments. The teeth whitening kits you can buy at the drugstore are not customized to fit the shape of your teeth, and they typically only whiten two to three shades. With professional teeth whitening, you have more options. You can visit our office and receive a deep bleaching treatment with Zoom! Whitening that will leave your teeth up to 10 shades whiter. We also offer Opalescence home whitening kits that are custom designed for maximum comfort and efficiency. Each night for a week or two, you’ll need to wear the gel-lined trays for the time we prescribe. Within just a few days, you’ll notice a difference, and by the time treatment is complete (generally two weeks), you’ll smile with confidence. Take-home trays can also touch up and maintain in-office whitening.
Q) What are my options to replace missing teeth?
A) We offer bridgework, partials, full dentures, and implant restorations to replace missing teeth. Learn more about these services on our services page, then call for a consultation. With digital X-rays, intraoral photos, and a thorough assessment of your oral health, Dr. Kirkpatrick can help you decide which replacement option will be best for you.
Q) Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials… Where can I learn more about these procedures?
A) Our patient library is a great resource for learning about dental procedures. You can also review our services page for more information. If you have questions about these or other dental procedures, don't hesitate to call us. We would be happy to explain any aspect of your dental care or our service offerings.
Q) What is an implant and how long do they last?
A) Implant restorations are a safe alternative to bridges, partials, or full dentures. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth because of a titanium anchor attached to the jawbone. Once the implants are secured, the dentist will attach a handcrafted, permanent crown to each post. The restorations will match your natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile. The life of the implant depends on your age, oral health, and personal hygiene. With proper maintenance, they last most people a lifetime. Dental implants can also secure dentures, partials, and bridgework.
Q) How does gum disease affect the body?
A) It hides in your mouth, destroying gum tissue and teeth, and it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and pregnancy complications. Don’t think it’s your problem? Conservative estimates report that up to 80 percent of the population unknowingly has gum disease in some form.
Q) What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
A) In addition to following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), we use disposable products as often as possible. Between each patient visit, we thoroughly clean treatment rooms and sterilize reusable instruments in an autoclave. Because we value safety, we have invested in a digital radiograph, which emits about 80% less radiation than a traditional X-ray machine. We also use intraoral cameras and photography for close-up images, which promotes accurate diagnoses. If you have questions about our safety and sterilization methods, call us. We'll answer your questions with enthusiasm because we love dentistry and our patients.
Q) Will my insurance cover my dental work?
A) We accept most insurance plans and will file your claim electronically. If you are unsure about your particular policy, call and speak with a representative. Knowing the details of your plan is the best way to stay one step ahead of the insurance companies. We also accept co-pays and deductibles.
Q) What payment methods do you accept, and what are your financing options?
A) We accept cash, checks, and credit cards. Our dental office has partnered with CareCredit, a trusted name in patient financing, to bring you dentistry that fits your budget.