What precautions
do you take to ensure patient safety?
Our entire practice team is knowledgeable
in state-of-the-art sanitation techniques designed to ensure patient
safety. This goes beyond wearing gloves and facemasks to prevent
passing germs, but includes a specialized sterilization center and
a water filtration system guaranteeing a fresh water source for each
patient.
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I really don't like visiting
the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?
We understand how anxious many people
can be about visiting the dentist, so our goal is to create a relaxing
atmosphere for our patients. Our staff members are trained to be
attentive to your concerns and aware of your anxiety, so we can make
your visit as comfortable as possible. We also have available some
entertaining distractions for you to enjoy during treatment, including
watching your favorite DVD or listening to your favorite music on
our wireless headphone system. For our patients that are particularly
apprehensive or fearful of dental treatment, a prescribed oral medication
will be taken one hour before the appointment. This medication will
put you in a light sleep-like state, relaxing and easing your anxiety.
During your fist appointment, we'll spend time discussing any of
your concerns with you, and then plan your treatment accordingly.
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Is it bad
if my gums bleed after I brush my teeth?
It's definitely not a good sign to
have bleeding gums following brushing. However, the condition may
or may not require professional attention, depending on the source
of the problem. Bleeding gums could be caused by improper or rough "scrubbing",
instead of gentle, circular brushing motions. The use of a hard-bristled
toothbrush instead of a soft one, plaque and/or tartar buildup below
the gum line, or gum inflammation due to gingivitis or periodontal
disease can also be the source.
If this problem persists despite correct
brushing and flossing techniques, or occurs every time you brush,
you may have some degree of gum or periodontal disease. We recommended
you contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment. We can
prevent and treat most stages of gum disease successfully through
our non-surgical gum care procedures.
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What if I
have missing teeth?
Dr. Michalski offers many solutions
to replace missing teeth, depending on a patient's priorities, expectations
and personal situation. These technologies include bridges, dental implants or even precision fit, natural looking and feeling, partial or full
dentures. There is no reason to live with missing teeth. Not only
does a full set of teeth improve self-esteem and appearance, it makes
the other teeth last longer by reducing the stress placed on the
remaining natural teeth. It can also improve speech, digestion and
the sense of taste.
Ask Dr. Michalski about tooth replacement.
His outstanding skills, along with the specialists he enrolls for
your specific treatment if needed, can add years and function to
the beauty of your smile.
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What can be
done about uncomfortable dentures?
Most people who wear dentures often
experience a poorer ability to chew and enjoy food, and have discomfort
and pain due to loose, ill-fitting dentures. Loose, ill-fitting dentures
are caused by the structure changes in the jawbone because of missing
teeth.
Using dental implants, we can make
dentures look, feel and function close to natural teeth. We can slow
the jawbone loss process to preserve bone and provide a stable foundation
for replacement teeth, which will allow you to eat and smile with
comfort and confidence. We'd be happy to speak with you further about
the option best suiting your individual situation.
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What if I don't like the excessive
or uneven display of my gums?
Sometimes people have too much gum
tissue, making the teeth look short, or there is an asymmetry of
tissue as you look at each tooth in the smile. The amount and appearance
of gum tissue displayed is just as important as the teeth. Dr. Michalski
has a variety of solutions for this problem, some involving a simple
technique called electrosurgery. Artistic sculpting of the gum tissue
can take a smile from good to great. It is a quick, comfortable process,
and the healing time is rapid and predictable.
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What can be
done if I have stained or discolored teeth? How can I safely whiten
my teeth?
Tooth whitening is one the safest,
easiest and most remarkable procedures in cosmetic dentistry. You
can revitalize your teeth to a healthy, more vibrant appearance and
erase the signs of aging thanks to the modern technology of teeth
whitening. We utilize a simple at-home whitening kit you can use
during the day or night in the convenience of your home. This allows
you to control the level of whitening you desire, in addition to
allowing future touch-ups periodically with the reusable custom-made
trays in this system. The results are incredible and long-lasting.
It is important we have a brief consultation
before the procedure to evaluate the cause of discoloration, and
to ensure you are a good candidate for whitening treatment. Teeth
with dark gray staining due to tetracycline use or fluorosis are
more resistant to teeth whitening, so results may be less dramatic. In
addition, synthetic restorative and filling materials, such as porcelain
and composite resins, will not lighten. We may have to consider other
options, such as bonding or porcelain veneers, to get you the brighter
smile you always wanted.
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I want my
front teeth to look better but I don't want to wear braces. What
would you recommend?
Dr. Michalski has a number of ways
to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of conventional
braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping
and the addition of porcelain
veneers may be sufficient to give them
a bright, symmetrical appearance. In other cases, it may be necessary
to fit you with the latest in "invisible" braces called Invisalign.
It uses a set of removable and comfortable clear trays to align your
teeth. We'd be happy to schedule a consultation with you to discuss
the appearance of your smile and explore the option best fitting
your individual situation and expectations.
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Are
X-rays really necessary?
Not
in every case. Since gum and bone problems occur slowly
over time, they are often not felt or detected from the
surface. So, we take x-rays only when necessary to detect
decay between the teeth and areas not visible to the naked
eye. X-rays are also effective for detecting bone loss
and infections at root surfaces of teeth. Many people
are understandably concerned about excessive radiation.
That’s why we use digital
radiography, which uses 90% less radiation than conventional
techniques. Additionally, since no chemicals are used,
digital radiography is better for our environment, and
we can view the image immediately!
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What
is bonding and how is it different from veneers?
Bonding is placing a tooth-colored material onto the tooth
to strengthen or alter the tooth's shape. Because no natural tooth
structure is removed, it is best used on broken
or chipped
teeth. Although bonding is an inexpensive and ultra-conservative way
to restore a tooth, it will discolor over time and
is more prone to breakage. A veneer is a porcelain
shell used to achieve a similar result. Veneers will not discolor and
the strength far surpasses that of bonding. While it is a larger
investment and requires special preparation of the tooth, the results
are beautiful and long lasting.
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How does Dr.
Michalski keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and
materials?
Dr. Michalski stays on top of the ever-changing field
of dentistry through continuing education. He has completed
extensive additional training in cosmetic dentistry, implant
dentistry, TMJ problems and treatment, and in occlusion
and bite relationships. Dr. Michalski also ensures his
team completes continuing education courses. As a team
and as individuals, our office makes it our responsibility
to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials
available.
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How do I know
when it's time to come in for a checkup?
We will schedule your next care appointment
at the end of your checkup. Before your next appointment, you will
receive a card in the mail reminding you of your upcoming visit.
We suggest you visit our practice every six months, although
some patients may need more frequent cleanings, so our
hygienist can check for plaque that has hardened into
tartar. Tartar requires professional cleaning to prevent
periodontal disease. During your visit, our experienced
hygienist will eliminate the tartar, and, with Dr. Michalski,
will monitor for other potential dental problems.
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Do you accept
my insurance plan?
We accept most major insurance plans,
including Delta and Anthem. We're knowledgeable in the latest coverage
trends, and will maximize your benefits. Also, we are more than
happy to discuss the specifics of your plan with you prior to any
treatments
you may undergo.
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What payment
options you provide?
For your convenience, we accept cash,
personal checks, MasterCard, Visa and Discover. As a service
to our patients, we are also pleased to offer payment plans through
CareCredit. CareCredit will allow you to finance up to 100% of your
dental care through either an extended or interest-free payment plan
so you can afford the treatment you desire. During your initial consultation,
we will discuss your payment preferences as they pertain to your
particular treatment plan options.
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Do you accept
referrals?
Absolutely! Your referrals are the
best compliments we can receive. We accept referrals from
you, our patient, as well as other doctors. We will treat
your family and friends with the same exceptional
care and service we provide for you.
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