Thank you for choosing our office for your dental care. We hope you find our office to be a comfortable environment where you and your family feel confident in the dental care you receive. For new dental patients, we provide a $75 special, which includes an initial examination, a routine cleaning, and x-rays.
Your First Visit
During your first visit, our goal is to get to know you better, to become familiar with your past dental experiences and to establish a treatment plan that will best meet your current dental situation. When you arrive for your first visit, please be prepared to complete all insurance and health information forms. Please assist us by providing the following information if it as available to you:
- Any panoramic X-ray taken within the past six months.
- If you have dental insurance, please bring your insurance card. This will enable us to give you an estimate of your costs.
Your First Dental Exam
Your initial dental exam will last approximately one hour. Your dentist will perform a thorough exam and, in most cases, we will provide a dental cleaning and x-rays. Dental x-rays allow your dentist examine your mouth for tooth decay, periodontal, bite, or jaw problems and any signs of oral cancer or dental disease. This full diagnostic exam will help your doctor provide an evaluation of any existing dental problems and proposed treatments. Please ask questions. We want to discuss your dental care with you.
Appointments
Appointments are an important part of your treatment, as time has been reserved specifically for you to speak with the doctor and receive treatment. Please arrive on time for your appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you might be asked to reschedule your appointment. We request a 24-hour notice if you need to cancel your appointment. We are aware that unforeseen events sometimes require missing an appointment, and we appreciate your cooperation.
Insurance
Our office is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. Because insurance policies vary, we can only estimate your coverage in good faith but cannot guarantee coverage due to the complexities of insurance contracts. Please inform us of any changes to your insurance coverage. Your estimated patient portion must be paid at the time of service. As a service to our patients, we will bill insurance companies for services. If claims are not paid within 60 days, you are responsible for the balance. If you have any questions, our courteous staff is always available to answer them.
We strive to provide you with affordable, high-quality treatment that fits your budget! Your treatment plan will include a breakdown of all applicable fees, and we will inform you of all costs before treatment is administered. We offer a variety of payment options to meet your needs.
Open Communication
We believe that good dental care begins with open communication. We commit to speaking candidly with you about diagnosis and recommendations, any alternative treatments, and any symptoms that may require treatment in our office or through a referral to a dental specialist. Howes Family Dentistry wants to keep your smile beautiful and your teeth, gums and jaw joints healthy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How often should I see a dentist?
A. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and a professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year.
Q. What do I do if I have a dental emergency?
A. Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. If you have a dental emergency during regular business hours, we will be glad to work you into our schedule. After hours, over the weekend and during holidays, please call our office for the doctor’s emergency contact number.
Q. What kind of toothbrush should I use?
A. Adults should use a small-to-medium size toothbrush with soft-to-medium bristles. The head of the brush needs to be small enough to brush all areas of the mouth thoroughly, specifically the back of the mouth, which can be hard to reach. Children should use small toothbrushes with soft bristles. People with sensitive teeth can benefit from using gentle, soft bristled toothbrushes.
Q. How often should I replace my toothbrush?
A. The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your brush every 3 to 4 months. With each use, the bristles become worn and cleaning effectiveness decreases. Depending on your oral health, you may need to replace your brush sooner. Typically, children toothbrushes need to be replaced more regularly than adults.
Q. Is a powered toothbrush more effective than a manual toothbrush?
A. Generally, manual toothbrushes are just as effective as powered toothbrushes. Children may find brushing with a powered toothbrush more exciting. If you have difficulty using a manual toothbrush, a powered toothbrush may be much more comfortable and easier to use.
Q. Should I brush or floss first?
A. As long as you brush and floss thoroughly, it does not matter if you brush then floss or floss then brush. However, flossing before brushing enables the fluoride in your toothpaste to better reach the areas between the teeth.
Q. Is one type of toothpaste better than the others?
A. No. However, we recommend you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride and carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which means it has been assessed for safety and effectiveness. Studies consistently show that fluoride helps strengthen and rebuild tooth structure, and helps prevent dental decay.
Q. Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
A. Yes. We accept most major credit cards and many types of dental insurance. We will process your insurance claim for you upon receipt of your co-payment.
Advanced Dental Care
At our office, we ensure that patients receive the most advanced dental care.
Deeply Committed
With patient care as our top priority, this is our commitment to you.
Highly Skilled
We are devoted to new treatments, technologies, and excellent patient care.