ARE YOU TAKING NEW PATIENTS?
○ Yes, we are currently accepting new patients at all locations. There are three types of new patient appointments:
■ You are looking for a new dentist and simply need to schedule your cleaning and comprehensive exam
■ You are currently having a problem or dental emergency and need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible for the dentist to evaluate the issue
■ You have recently seen another dentist and are in need of a second opinion.
○ Please call the office most convenient to you and we will be sure to get you scheduled for the appropriate type of appointment.
DO YOU TAKE MY INSURANCE?
○ The answer is probably! As a courtesy to all of our patients, Almoney Dental Group files insurance claims and accepts benefits for most insurance companies even if we are out-of-network. We are a Preferred In-Network Provider (PPO) for Anthem 300 level, Delta Dental, and Superior Dental insurance plans. We do not accept any state based Medicaid insurance policies.
DO YOU DO WHITENING?
○ There are many tooth whitening options on the market and Almoney Dental Group offers a system of take home whitening trays. These custom made trays hold a whitening gel next to your teeth to allow the material to brighten your smile. Most patients can use whitening safely and to find out if you are a candidate, please ask at your next appointment.
DO YOU OFFER ORTHODONTICS?
○ Yes, Almoney Dental Group offers clear aligners to straighten teeth. Properly aligned teeth not only look better, but also reduce the risk for damage when the bite is not correctly aligned. We have partnered with Orthobrain, a specialty orthodontic group, to provide the best possible orthodontic outcome while doing so in the convenience of our offices.
DO YOU DO EXTRACTIONS?
○ The situation of the tooth to be extracted will determine if the procedure will be done in our office or will be referred to an oral surgeon. Typically, the extraction of wisdom teeth, sedation requirements, future implant placement, and patients with significant medical conditions will be referred to a specialist. As oral surgeons often require referrals to their office, we recommend you schedule an exam at Almoney Dental Group to best determine your needs and to get a referral if necessary.
WHY AREN’T YOU A PREFERRED PROVIDER (PPO) FOR MY INSURANCE?
○ Our goal is to provide our patients with the best possible dental care regardless of insurance coverage. Unfortunately, some insurance reimbursement levels for in network providers are not enough to cover the cost of quality materials, laboratories and staffing. However, we will still accept benefits from out-of-network insurances but do not participate in their reduced fees. If you’re having a difficult time finding an in-network dentist, you may have one of these low reimbursement companies.
DO YOU DO IMPLANTS?
○ A dental implant replaces the root of a tooth and provides support for a crown, bridge or denture. Implants are often the most functional and comfortable way to replace missing teeth. At Almoney Dental Group, we start by determining if implants are a good option and what type of replacement we will be using (such as a crown, bridge or denture). For the placement of the implant, we will refer our patients to a specialist who is trained in implant surgery as we feel this gives the best long term outcomes. Once the implant is placed, our office will then provide the restoration to replace the missing teeth.
DO YOU TAKE CARECREDIT?
○ Yes, all three of our locations accept CareCredit. We know that the cost of dental care can be an obstacle to getting the treatment that you need. CareCredit can help by spreading out the costs over time. Please ask our office if CareCredit may be a good option for you.
WHAT TYPE OF TOOTHBRUSH SHOULD I USE?
○ Daily home care is vital to keeping the teeth and gums healthy. We recommend using a powered toothbrush, such as Sonicare or Oral-B, as these provide the best results. If a powered toothbrush is not possible, be sure to use a toothbrush with soft or extra soft bristles and replace the brush every three months. Brush all surfaces of your teeth thoroughly for at least two minutes, twice a day.
DO I REALLY NEED TO FLOSS?
○ There’s no getting around the need to floss your teeth daily. It clears food and plaque from between teeth and under the gumline. If you don’t clean daily, plaque hardens into tartar which becomes difficult to remove and will increase the risk of gum disease and cavities. Either waxed or unwaxed floss will do the job. Although not as effective, using floss picks, interdental brushes or a water flosser are other options to clear the food and debris from between your teeth.
ARE DENTAL X-RAYS SAFE?
○ Dental X-rays are a valuable tool for diagnosing oral issues and are generally safe due to their low radiation dose. Advanced technology like digital radiography further minimizes exposure. We also follow strict guidelines to minimize risks such as using protective lead aprons and minimizing the radiation levels. The potential benefits of early detection and treatment of dental problems usually outweigh the minimal risks of X-ray exposure.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A DENTAL CLEANING
○ It’s generally recommended to get your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist every six months. Regular dental cleanings help prevent the buildup of plaque, tartar, and potential oral health issues. However, the optimal frequency might vary based on factors such as oral hygiene habits, medical conditions, and susceptibility to dental problems. We can provide personalized guidance on how often you should schedule cleanings to maintain a healthy smile.