Questions

Throughout the years, quite a few questions have repeatedly been asked by our patients. Here are the answers to some of them. Of course, we also hope you talk to us in person about any concerns you have.

I want my front teeth straighter, but I don't want to wear braces. What would you recommend?

With the advent of new technology and techniques, we have a variety of options available today to help you make your teeth look better without resorting to braces. Porcelain veneers, for example, might be the perfect option for you. We also offer Invisalign, or invisible braces. Call us for a free consultation and we'll talk to you about your specific needs and explain what's right for you.

How can I have whiter teeth?

We have the capability to provide in-office whitening in about one hour, resulting in teeth that are up to 10 shades lighter. In addition we offer a home-whitening system. Both techniques are individually tailored to each patient and both will give a whiter smile. Give us a call, and we'll explain everything to you.

One telltale sign it's a good time for you to whiten your teeth is if you're embarrassed to smile because of the color of your teeth. Yellowish teeth are often the result of years of coffee or tea drinking, and/or smoking. Greenish teeth are usually the result of tetracycline exposure as a child. If that's the case, there is no reason to suffer any embarrassment because of the shade of your teeth. Try it.

What different payment options do you provide?

We accept checks and major credit cards, such as American Express, MasterCard, Discover and Visa. We also offer credit-approved financing with several companies: Care Credit and Dental Fee Plan.

Do you accept referrals?

We love referrals. Our main goal is to have happy, satisfied patients who will refer their friends and family. We're always looking forward to helping new patients.

How do I know it's time for a checkup?

All patients should be seen by a general dentist at least every 6 months. We routinely make appointments for patients of record, and we also send reminder cards.

How soon can I get an appointment?

We try to see patients within a week. We are very flexible to meet your dental needs. We have timely appointments and try to see emergencies that day.

Can you show me what my smile can look like ahead of time with imaging software?

Of course we can. Most patients like to see what they'll look like after dental treatment. We feed a photo taken by our intra-oral camera of your current smile or individual teeth into the computer imaging system. Once we're done, we have a good facsimile of what your smile will look like after our proposed dental treatment. We'll even let you take home a copy to discuss the results with family members and friends.

Crowns, Veneers, Onlays, Inlays…where can I learn more about what these things mean?

With today's technology, materials, and advanced techniques, we have many options for restoring weak, broken, chipped, discolored, and/or crooked teeth…bringing them back to their original shape and function. By principle, we'll typically recommend the most conservative of these options.

First, for large decayed or damaged chewing areas requiring restoration, we can apply a protective covering/filling or onlay made of porcelain, thereby adding strength and preventing decay. If you need fillings, we use porcelain inlays or composite tooth-colored fillings instead of silver amalgam… actually strengthening the tooth and protecting it against further fracture. For larger areas of decay or for cracked or broken teeth, we can apply an all-porcelain crown, somewhat like a thimble or "cap", that covers the entire outside of the problem tooth. Crowns are also helpful to cover large areas of decay after they've been filled.

Similarly, we can restore cracked, discolored, crooked or otherwise unattractive front teeth to attractive, natural shapes and shades by applying paper-thin porcelain veneers to the fronts. If you're interested in finding out more about these procedures, just let us know and we'll provide further information to help you make an informed decision.

How does Dr. Paulus stay up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?

Dr. Anita Paulus is a big believer in continuing education to keep current with new techniques and materials. For you the patient, this means you couldn't be in more competent hands when it comes to dentistry . We are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art dentistry to our patients.

Do you accept my insurance plan?

Dr. Anita Paulus accepts fee-for-service insurance and will file the claim for you. We will call your insurance company to verify benefits and coverage to provide you with the best estimate of fees. If you have any questions about your insurance, please feel free to give us a call.

My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

Yes it is. Bleeding is not a sign of optimal oral health. Our goal is have you keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime. That's why we have instituted non-surgical periodontal treatment to help you achieve this. We also have a soft tissue laser and antibiotic therapy.

I really don't like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?

We understand that many people have anxieties about seeing the dentist. So, we strive to create a relaxing atmosphere. For entertainment and distraction, we have headphones, CDs, radio, DVDs, warm lemon towels, and blankets available in all rooms so that you can keep your mind on more pleasant things. And for the more complex procedures, we also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), local anesthesia, or specialized sedation to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

We rigorously follow the infection control guidelines by the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control. To ensure your safety, we sterilize all dental instruments after every procedure.

At what age should my children first see a dentist?

We like to see children in our office by the age of three, so that we can anticipate the development of their overall bite and dental development. At this young age, it's quite simple to recognize and take steps to prevent potential future problems. The first time we meet them, it's often at the time of one of the parent's appointments. We'll just introduce ourselves and make them comfortable with our team, do a 'look-see-count' of their teeth, and let them sit on the dental chair if they're interested. Then, on their first real visit, we treat them gently and with special care, ensuring the experience is positive and non-threatening. Of course, if your toddler accidentally chips or knocks out a tooth prior to this age, you should let us know right away.