Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At New Image Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we want our patients to understand everything we do and our policies and procedures. Below, we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions. If you have additional questions that aren’t covered, you can call our office anytime; we will be happy to help.
What can I expect as a new patient?
Your first visit to New Image includes a comprehensive dental examination, a thorough review of your medical history, and diagnostic images of your teeth and gums. This ensures your dental hygiene and health needs will be appropriately addressed.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most dental insurance plans. Before scheduling any procedure, we suggest that you contact your insurance carrier to verify that we are in-network with your plan.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that life happens and kindly ask for 24 hours’ notice when canceling a scheduled appointment to avoid a cancellation fee.
What is a regular dental cleaning?
A “regular” dental cleaning is called adult prophylaxis, which is a preventive dental hygiene treatment aimed at preventing periodontal disease. Adults without active or stabilized gum disease should have a regular dental cleaning approximately every 6 months to prevent and treat the early stages of gingivitis.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic, bacterial inflammatory infection of the gums. Left untreated, it can lead to bone loss and soft tissue destruction around the teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss.
Why do I need periodontal maintenance instead of regular dental cleaning?
Once periodontal disease has been treated, periodontal maintenance is essential to keeping teeth and gums healthy and preventing the disease’s advancement, which cannot be cured. The goal of periodontal maintenance is to stabilize the progression of the disease and prevent increased bone loss and tissue destruction. Most patients with periodontal disease should have active treatment every 3-4 months.
What is gingivitis, and why do I need to worry about it?
Gingivitis is a reversible bacterial infection of the gums. It causes bleeding and inflammation around the base of the teeth and, if left untreated, can lead to irreversible periodontal disease. Preventing and treating gingivitis is essential to prevent periodontal disease and its permanent damage to the jawbone and gums. Regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene can prevent and control gingivitis.
Do you use amalgam or mercury in your fillings?
No we do not. We rely on high-quality materials including composite resins, the latest technology, and advanced techniques to create restorations for our patients that are durable and long lasting. While the ADA has determined that amalgam fillings do not present a health threat to patients, we eliminated using amalgam many years ago. Many of our patients prefer tooth-colored composite fillings that do not contain mercury or other metals.
More Questions?
Contact our office!