What is a root canal?

A root canal is a process in which the nerve is removed from a tooth and infection is cleaned out. The roots are filled with a rubbery material to seal out bacteria and prevent re-infection. Teeth need root canal when the nerve becomes infected due to decay or trauma.

What's the difference between a white (composite) filling and a silver (amalgam) filling?
White (composite) fillings are matched to the shade of your tooth and then chemically bonded to the tooth, conserving tooth structure. Silver (amalgam) fillings are not bonded and generally require more drilling. Berlin Dental Associates no longer uses amalgam.

What is air abrasion?
A drill-less technique utilizing air pressure and small powdery particles. While it can not be used in all situations, it is used to clean out shallow cavities and usually does not require anesthesia.

How soon can I eat after my filling?
Composite fillings are completely set in the office allowing you to eat immediately, however, you may still be numb and need to be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue.

Why can't I smoke after an extraction?
Smoking leads to an increased risk of a dry socket, a loss of the blood clot that promotes healing after an extraction. Dry sockets are extremely painful and may require further treatment.

How do you sterilize your instruments? Do you sterilize your drills?
All instruments are run through an ultrasonic cleaner, and then bagged and sterilized in an autoclave at a very high temperature that kills all germs. The same technique is used to sterilize our drills.

What forms of payment do you accept? Do you accept all credit cards?
We accept cash, check or credit card. (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). We now offer Care Credit (a credit card used exclusively for health care related services), and Capital One financing. Ask our front desk personnel for details.

What types of insurance plans does your office accept?
Our office accepts all "traditional" insurance plans. A traditional insurance plan is one in which you can go to any dentist you choose. If you must choose a dentist from a list provided to you in a booklet, etc., we would not be able to accept your insurance. However, some PPO plans will allow you to go "out of network" at a reduced benefit. If you are in doubt, contact your Human Resources Department, or call your insurance company. Please remember that if we accept your insurance, it does not mean that we accept payment from your insurance company as payment in full.

Why do I have a co-pay? Doesn't my dental insurance cover everything?
Dental insurance is a benefit that helps defray the cost of your dental treatment. Your out of pocket expense (co-pay) is based on the contract your employer has arranged with the insurance carrier. Your dental coverage is determined either on a fee schedule or a percentage of our fee based on the amount your insurance allows for each procedure.

When am I expected to pay my co-pay?
The patient's co-pay is expected to be paid in full at the time of service. With the wide range of payment options, we do not make payment arrangements. See the above FAQ "What forms of payment do you accept?"

Do you see children in your office, and at what age should they begin to see a dentist?
Yes, we do see children in our office. 3 years old is the recommended age for children to begin regular visits including a professional cleaning. Of course, if your child has discomfort or visible decay, you should seek immediate care no matter what their age is.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a serious infection of the gums and other tissues surrounding the teeth.  Left untreated, it can lead to tooth and bone loss.  The symptoms of periodontal disease are often subtle and may include: Gums that bleed when you brush or floss, red, swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath or bad taste,formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums,loose or shifting teeth, and changes in the way teeth fit together when you bite. 

Early detection and treatment can help keep periodontal disease from progressing.

What is Root Planing and Scaling?

Root Planing and Scaling is sometimes called a "deep cleaning."  It is done by a dentist or dental hygienist and involves not only removing plaque and tartar, but smoothing the surface of the root itself and removing any toxins imbedded there.  Along with Root Planing and Scaling, a topical antiobiotic may be applied to help combat the disease.