Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Mineola, NY

How Many Dental Checkups Do I Need Each Year?

As long as you don’t currently have any pressing dental health problems (such as advanced gum disease), two dental checkups and cleanings a year should be enough to prevent cavities and other dental health issues while also keeping your smile looking brilliant.

If I Brush My Teeth Every Day, Do I Still Need Professional Cleanings?

While brushing twice daily is essential for getting rid of plaque before it leads to tooth decay, there are several spots in your mouth that you’re likely to have trouble cleaning by yourself. Also, overlooked plaque can harden into tartar, at which point it can no longer be removed with a toothbrush. A professional cleaning is the most reliable method for getting rid of all the harmful substances in your mouth, no matter where they’ve built up.

Do Missing Teeth Need to Be Replaced?

Absolutely! Without a full set of teeth, your jawbone will start to break down, the rest of your smile will become misaligned, and your ability to chew will be compromised. Bridges, dentures, and dental implants can all be used to restore your smile based on how many teeth need to be replaced as well as your overall dental health.

What Can I Do About Crooked Teeth?

You do have a couple of different options. If there’s only a slight alignment issue, you can hide it with a porcelain veneer. For more extensive cases of crooked teeth, we can offer Invisalign as an image-friendly way to make cosmetic corrections.

I’m Afraid of the Dentist. How Can You Help Me?

Sedation is available upon request for anxious patients who need a little help relaxing during their appointments. Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is recommended for those with mild to moderate fears; patients with more severe phobias might benefit more from IV sedation. In either case, the sedative will keep you in a comfortable state and help you stay relaxed throughout your appointment.

Will You Take My Dental Insurance?

We do accept various dental PPO insurance plans. Call our dental office with your policy information to see what kind of savings we offer; we’re happy to take in-network providers and out-of-network providers.

If I Don’t Have Insurance, How Can I Save on Dental Care?

Our in-house dental savings plan offers many similar benefits compared to insurance but without the headaches of annual maximums or deductibles. Each plan covers many preventive visits each year and offers sizable discounts on most services; call us for more details!