Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I really don’t like visiting the dentist; is there anything you can do to help me relax?
A:
Many people are uncomfortable with visiting the dentist. Your comfort is our highest priority and our office is designed so that you can enjoy a relaxing dental visit. For entertainment and distraction, televisions are available so you can keep your mind on more pleasant things. Nitrous oxide is also offered to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

Q: I brush every day, but my breath is just not fresh. Is there anything else I can do?
A:
Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Here is a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem: twice daily brushing; daily flossing and tongue cleaning; regular, professional cleanings; and, careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances. However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, we can offer several solutions.

First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue, significantly alleviating odor. Or, we can recommend a specially-prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually breakdown the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, we may suspect a systemic or internal problem, such as an infection or underlying condition, in which case we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.

Q: What is a crown, and why do I need one?
A:
If Dr. White or Dr. Keefe recommend a crown to you, it is most likely to correct a broken tooth, a cracked tooth, or to repair a tooth that has deteriorated due to cavities (decay). The decay in your tooth eats away healthy tooth structure much like rust eats away at metal. If not removed, decay will deteriorate the tooth to the point where extraction is the only viable treatment option. Sometimes, decay is removed, leaving healthy tooth structure, but not much of it. In this case, a crown can then be placed, restoring the look and function of your tooth while allowing you to keep your natural, underlying tooth structure. Most crowns are precision-milled porcelain or full metal (gold or silver) and are individually customized for each application in each patient, giving you a natural, long-lasting smile.

Q: I know I need X-Rays, but I’d prefer not to be exposed to unnecessary radiation. Do you offer digital X-rays?
A:
Yes, we do offer digital X-rays (radiographs) at Taylorsville Family Dental. Digital X-rays use less radiation and are safer for you than traditional film-based X-rays. You will find that the Taylorville Family Dental team researches the latest trends in technology to find the solutions that promote your overall health, safety, and comfort.

Q: How can losing a back tooth affect my smile?
A:
Losing a back tooth will darken your overall smile, making it look smaller and narrower. Your smile will appear to stop short, and the look will be exaggerated if your missing tooth has teeth on both sides of it. Function during chewing will be reduced, and function of many teeth can be affected by losing just one tooth. When you are missing a tooth, you compensate by chewing differently, putting pressure on different parts of your mouth. This can cause your other teeth to shift, creating gaps and spaces, and may even cause fractures that result in additional tooth loss or the need for restorations.

Q: What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?
A:
By replacing missing teeth either with a bridge or an implant, you will alleviate the problems associated with missing a tooth and will restore your smile to its beautiful, full appearance. A bridge is one solution for replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, Dr. White or Dr. Keefe will place a porcelain restoration into the vacant space, restoring the functionality and look of your smile.

A dental implant is also an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has bonded to the bone, it can act as a new, solid support for a natural looking, porcelain restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth or an entire set of teeth, offering more function and permanence than traditional dentures.

Q: Do you accept new patient referrals?
A:
Over the years, patients have given us the compliment of referring family and friends to our practice. Taylorsville Family Dental’s reputation for excellent dental care depends on two things: our good work and your beautiful smile! Your confidence in our care motivates us to continue to strive for excellence. Thank you for your referrals. Your trust and support are greatly appreciated.

Q: I want and need a lot of dental work, but I’m afraid I can’t afford it. Do you offer monthly payment plans?
A:
Yes, we offer monthly payment plans through our financial partner, CareCredit™. We provide a variety of ways for you to pay for your treatment that fit comfortably into your personal or family financial goals. The Taylorsville Family Dental team works with you to create the solution that best accommodates your situation so you can have the beautiful, healthy smile you have always desired.

Q: What different payment options do you offer?
A:
Helping to make your dental care financially comfortable and affordable is important, and we proudly offer you a variety of options:

  • Cash or personal checks
  • VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover
  • 3-, 6-, 12-, or 18-month, no-interest payment plans, as well as low-interest and extended payment plans through CareCredit™

We are happy to estimate fees and insurance reimbursement before starting recommended treatments, and we will gladly file insurance forms for you.

Optimal, comprehensive dentistry is what we practice at Taylorsville Family Dental, and we do not base our treatment on what insurance will or will not pay. We base our treatment on what is best for you and, any treatment not paid by insurance is your financial responsibility.

Q: My gums bleed; why is this?
A:
It is certainly not normal to have bleeding gums following brushing. Bleeding gums can be caused by inflammation (gingivitis) or by periodontal disease. If you have bleeding gums, you need to be examined by a dentist to determine the cause of the problem. Treatment options will be recommended to resolve bleeding gums, if necessary. If this problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods, or if bleeding occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set-up an evaluation appointment.

Q: I want my teeth to be whiter. Do you recommend at-home or in-office whitening?
A:
Dentist-directed, at-home whitening is an effective way of brightening your smile. Your dentist customizes your treatment to ensure your happiness with the results. Your home-whitening kit involves a special tray that is customized to fit over your teeth. You also receive prescription whitening gel, which is inserted into the tray before you wear it. Dr. White or Dr. Keefe will give you detailed instructions about how long you should wear the tray each day, and you should expect the entire home whitening process to take between two and four weeks, leaving you with a dazzling smile.

chiropractic spine

WHERE IS YOUR PAIN?

Learn how we can help with your pain