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Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We are located at 1501 Seventh Ave. in Charleston, WV. Our telephone number is 304-343-9131 or you may contact our office manager at patty@smithdental.net.
Emergency Care
We recognize that emergency situations do arise and we will do our best to respond promptly.
What do I do if I have an emergency and the office is closed?
Drs. Charles, Richard and Chris Smith will be on call when the office is closed. If you are a patient of record you should call the main office phone number. There will be directions on how to contact us. A doctor or staff member will return your call as soon as possible.
Payment
We appreciate payment at the time services are rendered. MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards are accepted for payment. Additionally, CareCredit applications are available for your convenience.
What are the different payment options you provide?
We are a fee for service practice so we request payment the day the service is rendered. Foryour convenience we file your insurance electronically and the insurance payment will come directly to you. We also offer credit approved financing through ADA approved CareCredit. They have excellent terms and offer the advantages of paying for your treatment over an extended period of time. We gladly accept Mastercard, Visa, Check or cash.
Insurance
As a service to you, our office will process insurance claims and submit them to your insurance company. Co-pays and deductibles are due when services are rendered. Insurance coverage is a contract between the patient, employer, and insurance company. We will make an effort to assist in securing payment for rendered services; however, please note that we do consider the patient responsible for their account.
Do you accept my insurance plan?
If you belong to a traditional insurance plan (indemnity plan) we can assist you by filing your insurance claim. Traditional insurance is one in which you can choose any dentist you desire. Our doctors are providers for Delta Dental.
What is a "fee for service" dentist?
A fee for service dentist is a dentist paid directly by the patient for services provided, based on the dentist¹s cost to provide them. Treatment options and materials as well as the time the doctor spends with you is not controlled by an insurance group, company or third party.
What is an HMO or PPO dentist?
An HMO or PPO insurance company sets a cap on fees that can be charged for procedures. By joining a HMO/PPO group, the dentist agrees to abide by these restrictions, which enables the company and the patient to know the predetermined cost. Because fees are controlled, it is possible that a participating dentist may need to control your treatment options, the materials used and the time that can be spent with you during treatment, none of which can be construed as beneficial to you, the patient.
Are you accepting new patients?
Absolutely. We are actively seeking new patients and look forward to exceeding your expectations with our service.
I am new patient and know there are forms to fill out. Can I do this in advance?
Absolutely. We have new patient forms that you can click on, print out, and bring to the office.
Do you accept referrals?
Your referral is one of the highest compliments that you can give us. We welcome your referrals and will always strive to accommodate the needs of your friends and family.
Do you schedule early or late appointments?
Drs. Smith are available Monday through Thursday from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. and Friday from 8 A.M. until 12 P.M. Evening and Saturday appointment are also available. If you desire an early or late appointment, we highly recommend that you preappoint your next visit before you leave our office. This will insure that you are able to schedule at the time most convenient for you.
What if I need to cancel an appointment, will I be charged?
Last minute cancellations deny other patients the benefit of treatment they need. We appreciate every effort you can make to give us as much notice as possible if you need to reschedule anappointment. We do understand that sometimes emergencies come up and there is no alternative. We do not charge patients for cancellations but if you have repeated occurrences we may suggest that you find another dental provider.
Can I choose which dentist works on me, or which hygienist cleans my teeth?
Your can always request a doctor or hygienist. We make a note and do our best to accommodate your request. Occasionally, due to illness or some unavoidable delay, we are unable to honor these requests.
How do I know when it is time to come in for a check up?
Although everyone has different requirements, most of our patients return every three to six months for a routine checkup. This timeframe varies depending on your particular health and needs.
What about my children, at what age do they first see a dentist?
This varies with the child. Age 3 is typically a good age to have them come in with Mom or Dad and sit in the chair. If they will allow us to count their teeth, they will usually cooperate enough to have their first ³official² visit. However, we will never suggest doing anything that might create stress in the mind of the child.
Preventive Care
Good dental health requires constant attention. We urge you to do your share by brushing and flossing daily and visiting our office at the recommended intervals for routine preventive care.
Do I really have to floss everyday?
Yes, daily flossing is part of our recommended home prevention therapy. Flossing is just as important if not more so than brushing. Dental plaque accumulates between teeth, which if left over time will lead to dental decay.
What kind of toothbrush should I use?
Again, this depends on the individual, but in our opinion, the standard of care has become the electric or sonic toothbrushes (Oral B 3D Excel). They prevent you from causing damage to susceptible tooth structure, yet do a more thorough job on removing plaque than a regular toothbrush.
How can I have whiter teeth?
Your mouth is different from everyone else¹s, but generally, whitening your teeth at home with our lab-fabricated custom-made whitening trays is effective. Another option is through the placement of porcelain veneers. These can also reshapeteeth that are misaligned or abnormal in size. If you have questions about any of these procedures we would be happy to talk about them.
I have a temporary crown in my mouth, what happens of it comes off?
Unless it is painful or a cosmetic problem, there is no immediate concern. If it happens during business hours, we should be able to see you immediately. If after hours, we will let you be the judge, but generally, if it is OK with you to wait a few days, it is OK with us. However, we do not want a temporary to be off for more than 3 days.
Analgesics
Non-narcotic analgesics are the most commonly used drugs for relief of toothache or pain following dental treatment. This category includes aspirin, acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs such as Ibuprofen. Narcotic analgesics, such as those containing codeine, act on the central nervous system to relieve pain. They are used for more severe pain.
Local Anesthesia
Topical anesthetics are applied to mouth tissues with a swab to prevent pain on the surface level. Your dentist may use a topical anesthetic to numb an area in preparation for administering an injectable local anesthetic. Topical anesthetics also may be used to soothe painful mouth sores.
Injectable local anesthetics, such as Novocain, prevent pain in a specific area of your mouth during treatment by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain and numbing mouth tissues. They cause the temporary numbness often referred to as a "fat lip" feeling. Injectable anesthetics may be used in such procedures as filling cavities, preparing teeth for crowns or treating gum disease.
Sedation
Anti-anxiety agents, such as nitrous oxide, or sedatives may help you relax during dental visits and often may be used along with local anesthetics. Dentists also can use these agents to induce "conscious sedation," in which the patient achieves a relaxed state during treatment but can respond to speech or touch. Sedatives can be administered before, during or after dental procedures by mouth, inhalation or injection.
What causes baby bottle tooth decay?
Decay occurs when sweetened liquids are given and are left clinging to an infant's teeth for long periods. Many sweet liquids cause problems, including milk, formula and fruit juice. Bacteria in the mouth use these sugars as food. They then produce acids that attack the teeth. Each time your child drinks these liquids, acids attack for 20 minutes or longer. After many attacks, the teeth can decay.
It's not just what you put in your child's bottle that causes decay, but how often - and for how long a time. Giving your child a bottle of sweetened liquid many times a day isn't a good idea. Allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night can also harm the child's teeth.
Why are baby teeth important?
Your child's baby teeth are important. Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and have a good-looking smile. Baby teeth also keep a space in the jaw for the adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the teeth beside it may drift into the empty space. When it's time for the adult teeth to come in, there may not be enough room. This can make the teeth crooked or crowded.
How to prevent baby bottle tooth decay.
Sometimes parents do not realize that a baby's teeth can decay soon after they appear in the mouth. By the time decay is noticed, it may be too late to save the teeth. You can help prevent this from happening to your child by following the tips below:
After each feeding, wipe the baby's gums with a clean gauze pad. Begin brushing your child's teeth when the first tooth erupts. Clean and massage gums in areas that remain toothless, and begin flossing when all the baby teeth have erupted, usually by age 2 or 2 1/2.
Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids.
If your child needs a comforter between regular feedings, at night, or during naps, fill a bottle with cool water or give the child a clean pacifier recommended by your dentist or physician. Never give your child a pacifier dipped in any sweet liquid.
Avoid filling your child's bottle with liquids such as sugar water and soft drinks.
If your local water supply does not contain fluoride (a substance that helps prevent tooth decay), ask your dentist how your child should get it.
Start dental visits by the child's first birthday. Make visits regularly. If you think your child has dental problems, take the child to the dentist as soon as possible.
When should thumbsucking stop?
Children should have ceased thumbsucking by the time the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four years. Sucking often gradually lessens during this period as children spend more of their waking hours exploring their surroundings.
Peer pressure causes many school-aged children to stop. Some studies show that thumbsucking behavior is viewed negatively by classmates. Children with these behaviors may have more problems making friends.
Can a child lose a primary tooth too early?
Sometimes a primary tooth is lost before the permanent tooth beneath it is ready to erupt. If the primary teeth are lost too early, nearby teeth can tip or move into the vacant space. When the permanent teeth are ready to come into the mouth, there may not be enough room. As a result, teeth may erupt out of their proper positions, leading to malocclusion. To avoid such future problems, your dentist may recommend using a space maintainer to reserve space for the permanent tooth.
Are dental amalgams safe?
Yes. Dental amalgam has been used in tooth restorations worldwide for more than 100 years. Studies have failed to find any link between amalgam restorations and any medical disorder. Amalgam continues to be a safe restorative material for dental patients.
Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to amalgam?
Only a very small number of people are allergic to amalgam fillings. Fewer than 100 cases have ever been reported. In these rare instances, mercury may trigger an allergic response. Symptoms of amalgam allergy are very similar to a typical skin allergy.
Often patients who are truly allergic to amalgam have a medical or family history of allergies to metals. If there is a confirmed allergy, another restorative material will be used.
Is there a filling material that matches tooth color?
Yes. Composite resins are tooth-colored, plastic materials (made of glass and resin) that are used both as fillings and to repair defects in the teeth. Because they are tooth-colored, it is difficult to distinguish them from natural teeth. Composites are often used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important. They can be used on the back teeth as well depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay. Composite resins are usually more costly than amalgam fillings.
If my tooth doesn't hurt and my filling is still in place, why would the filling need to be replaced?
Constant pressure from chewing, grinding or clenching can cause dental fillings, or restorations, to wear away, chip or crack. Although you may not be able to tell that your filling is wearing down, your dentist can identify weaknesses in your restorations during a regular check-up.
If the seal between the tooth enamel and the restoration breaks down, food particles and decay-causing bacteria can work their way under the restoration. You then run the risk of developing additional decay in that tooth. Decay that is left untreated can progress to infect the dental pulp and may cause an abscess.
If the restoration is large or the recurrent decay is extensive, there may not be enough tooth structure remaining to support a replacement filling. In these cases, your dentist may need to replace the filling with a crown.
Is there another way I can have a tooth replaced other than a bridge?
Yes. Dental implants can provide artificial teeth that look natural and feel secure. Dental implants can also be used to attach full or partial dentures. Implants, however, are not an option for everyone. Because implants require surgery, patients must be in good health, have healthy gums, have adequate bone to support the implant and be committed to meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits. If you are considering implants, a thorough evaluation by your dentist will help determine if you would be a good candidate.
How does a sealant help prevent decay?
A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth - premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.
Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.
Will my dentures need to be replaced?
Over time, dentures will need to be relined, remade or rebased due to normal wear. To make a rebased denture, the dentists uses the existing denture teeth and makes a new denture base. Dentures may need to be replaced because a mouth naturally changes with age. Bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, causing jaws to align differently. Shrinking ridges can cause dentures to fit less securely. Loose dentures can cause health problems, including sores and infections. A loose denture also makes chewing more difficult and may change your facial features. It's important to replace worn or poorly-fitting dentures before they cause problems.
What can I do about bad breath?
Regular checkups will allow your dentist to detect any problems such as gum disease, a dry mouth or other disorders that may be the cause. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating gum disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath.
Regardless of what may be the cause, good oral hygiene is essential. Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. Brush your tongue, too. If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.
What is the treatment for bad breath?
If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and that the odor is not of oral origin, you may be referred to your family physician or to a specialist to determine the cause of the odor and for treatment. Of course, if the odor is of oral origin, as it is in the majority of cases, your dentist can treat the cause of the problem.
If the odor is due to gum disease, your general dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum tissues. Gum disease can cause gum tissues to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. When these pockets are deep, only a professional periodontal cleaning can remove the bacteria and plaque that accumulate. Sometimes more extensive treatment is necessary.
If you have extensive build-up of plaque, an invisible layer of bacteria, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouthrinse. Your dentist may also recommend that when you brush your teeth, you also brush your tongue to remove excess plaque.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, however, you may not know you have it.
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums.
In the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
In the more advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.
What are the signs of Gum Disease?
If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, see your dentist immediately:
How can oral piercing be bad for your health?
Because your mouth contains millions of bacteria, infection is a common complication of oral piercing.
Pain and swelling are other side effects of piercing. Your tongue - a popular piercing site in the mouth - could swell large enough to close off your airway!
Piercing also can cause uncontrollable bleeding or nerve damage.
The jewelry itself also presents some hazards. You can choke on any studs, barbells or hoops that come loose in your mouth, and contact with the jewelry can chip or crack your teeth.
What is root canal treatment?
Your dentist uses root canal treatment to find the cause and then treat problems of the tooth's soft core (the dental pulp). Years ago, teeth with diseased or injured pulps were removed. Today, root canal treatment has given dentists a safe way of saving teeth.
What is the dental pulp?
The pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It lies within the tooth and extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root in the bone of the jaws.
Teeth Whitening
You may want to start by speaking with your dentist. He can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective for you. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow-ish hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth may bleach less well, and grayish-hued teeth may not bleach well at all. Likewise, bleaching may not enhance your smile if you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. The whitener will not effect the color of these materials, and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. In these cases, you may want to investigate other options, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
Why does my mouth feel dry?
Reduced saliva flow that results in a dry mouth is a common problem among older adults. It is caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and diuretics. Some of the common problems associated with dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, problems speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or dry nasal passages. Left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive cavities can form.
Your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. Sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses.
What effects can smoking have on my oral health?
Use of any tobacco product can increase your risk of developing oral cancer and gum disease (periodontal disease).
Tobacco products damage your gum tissue by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. An example of the effect is receding gums. A receding gum line exposes the tooth roots and increases your risk of developing a sensitivity to hot and cold, or tooth decay in these unprotected areas.
Smoking can delay healing after a tooth extraction or other oral surgery.
Smoking also can contribute to bad breath, stains on your teeth and tongue, and a build-up of tartar on your teeth.
Are smokeless tobacco products safe?
Like cigars and cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products contain a variety of toxins associated with cancer. At least 28 cancer-causing chemicals have been identified in smokeless tobacco products.
Smokeless tobacco can irritate your gum tissue, causing it to recede or pull away from your teeth. Once this gum tissue recedes, the roots of your teeth are exposed, increasing your risk for tooth decay. The roots of your teeth also may become sensitive to hot and cold or other irritants, which means you could experience some discomfort when eating or drinking.
Sugars, often added to enhance the flavor of smokeless tobacco, can increase your risk for tooth decay. Smokeless tobacco also typically contains sand and grit, which can wear down your teeth.
What are some signs of oral cancer?
Signs and symptoms that could indicate oral cancer include:
Adapted from the American Dental Association
Smith and Smith Dental Corporation
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