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Dentistry has evolved dramatically within the last few years. If it's been a few years since you've been to the dentist, you may have numerous questions to ask us. We have posted some of our most frequently asked questions on this page. If you don't see the information you need here, please call us at 207-773-6331 so we can help you.
Do you accept
referrals?
Yes. We always welcome new patients
to our office.
What can I
expect on my first visit?
If you are coming in for an emergency visit, we will do everything we can to resolve your immediate concern and to get you comfortable as quickly as possible.
If you are coming in to establish yourself as a regular patient, we will begin with a comprehensive examination. We will take the time to sit with you and discuss your concerns and get to know you. We will then conduct a detailed exam of your teeth, gums, soft tissues, muscles and jaw joints. We will acquire any necessary x-rays and may also obtain intraoral photographs, and/or study models of your teeth. We tailor this to your individual needs. As we discover potential issues during this exam, we will make a point of sharing as much of this information as possible with you as we go. We feel strongly that you will be able to make the best decisions about your health with comprehensive and accurate information. Because our initial exam is so thorough, this first visit may take one to two hours. When scheduling this appointment we ask that you plan appropriately. Following the initial examination we will schedule a time to sit down and discuss our findings and your decisions regarding what to do and when to proceed with treatment.
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What can I
expect at a routine hygiene visit?
Following your initial examination and consultation, appropriate care will be scheduled with one of our dental hygienists. For a routine maintenance cleaning, you will find that this visit is also comprehensive. Not only will your teeth be cleaned, but you will be given appropriate oral hygiene instruction, a caries risk assessment, a plaque score and appropriate fluoride treatment. Any home care instruments that may be of assistance to you will be discussed and provided. You will be scheduled to return at an interval customized to your specific needs and desires.
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How does the
doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
As Fellows of the Academy of General Dentistry all three doctors are strong advocates of continual learning. Throughout the course of the year they take time to travel the country, seeking the latest and best information available. Additionally, we require that our team members also attend continuing education conferences. If you would like to know more about our training, ask us. We would be happy to tell you what we have been studying.
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I want my front teeth to look
better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
There are many ways to improve the appearance of your teeth without braces. We offer many cosmetic services, such as bonding, contouring, or veneers to straighten your teeth. We also provide Invisalign orthodontics in our office as a way of improving the appearance and function of your teeth without traditional braces. Since we tailor our services to each individual patient, we would have to examine your mouth to recommend a specific procedure. If you want to enhance the appearance of your smile, call us so we can schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. After listening to your goals and concerns, we can suggest ways to help you straighten your smile.
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My gums bleed
after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Yes, you should be very concerned about bleeding gums. Healthy gums do not bleed. While it may seem harmless, bleeding is a sign of inflammation and infection. If your gums are bleeding, call us as soon as possible so we may evaluate your situation.
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I have pain
when I bite. Can you do anything to correct this?
Pain on biting can be from a variety of causes. Most common would be a fractured tooth or filling, or a discrepancy in your bite. Before we can suggest a solution, we will need to examine your mouth and determine the specific cause.
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Do I have
to floss every day? Is it really that important?
When you brush your teeth you are really only cleaning 80% of your teeth. Flossing cleans the remaining 20%. That may not seem like much, but it is in the area where we most commonly see major problems develop (both cavities and gum disease).
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I am wearing my teeth down. What can I do to stop this?
Excessive wear on your teeth is usually a result of bruxism or teeth grinding. Many factors play a role in bruxism including an uneven bite, missing or crooked teeth, and/or stress and anxiety. Treatment for excessive wear may range from mouth guards to evening your bite. In order to treat you we will need to evaluate your bite in detail with an occlusal analysis.
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What is an occlusal analysis and occlusal equilibration?
Occlusal disease is the progressive damage caused by excessive stresses on the teeth. An occlusal analysis involves an evaluation of your jaw muscles, your jaw joint and your teeth. We typically get detailed models of your teeth and study them in the laboratory in order to understand how your mouth functions. An occlusal equilibration is one method of treating occlusal disease. Following an occlusal analysis, the surfaces of the teeth may be reshaped to allow the teeth to come together more evenly. This reduces damaging stress on the teeth.
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What is TMJ?
The Temporal Mandibular Joint (T.M.J.) is your jaw joint which allows you to open and close during chewing..
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What is TMJ disease?
T.M.J. disease is a catch all phrase for any disease or improper function of the jaw joint. It includes muscle pain and headaches as well as arthritis, disk displacement, (popping and clicking on opening and closing), and limited opening or pain on chewing. Tooth wear is a common symptom as well.
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How is TMJ treated?
T.M.J. treatment depends on an accurate disgnosis of the structure affected. This starts with a thorough examination of the joint and muscles as well as the teeth and how they function. Drs. Burke, Philbrick and Corwin have undergone extensive training at the Pankey Institute and the Dawson Center to better understand the pathologies of the T.M.J. and how to best treat the affected tissues. Many times splint therapy and/or occlusal equilibration is indicated.
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What is an occlusal splint?
An occlusal splint is a custom designed and fabricated hard plastic, removable device that is worn, (usually while sleeping), that allows the joint to be fully seated , thus relaxing the muscles and to minimize the effects of bruxism (grinding).
Most people (95%) are unaware that they grind their teeth while sleeping. Bruxism or grinding varies by the individual and is often increased in times of stress.
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Can I get an athletic mouthguard to do the same thing as an occlusal splint?
No. A properly made occlusal splint is made to allow the T.M.J. to be seated in a very specific and reproduceable position which allows certain muscles to "shut off". It allows for freedom of movement to and from this position with minimal muscle contractions and must be precisely adjusted.
Studies show that an athletic (soft plastic) mouthguard actually increases the pathologic muscle contractions and is, at times, worse than no appliance at all.
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What different payment options do you provide?
We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. You are responsible for any amount not paid by your dental insurance. While we understand why insurance may be a concern, we feel that it should never dictate the quality of your treatment.
To help fit your dental care into your budget, our office offers financial assistance through Care Credit. We are happy to help you any way we can with dental insurance and financial concerns. Please contact us with questions at 207-773-6331.
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