General Questions

How much will my treatment cost?

It's improtant to know that your insurance does not cover 100% of all the treatment you need.  The insurance only covers procedures and amounts that your employer has dictated that the insurance cover. We believe that you and the doctor should decide what treatment is best for you, not your insurance company.  Of course, there are always options for treatment, and giving you an estimate before any treatment is performed will help you make the best decision for your mouth.  Whatever your decision, we will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits. To properly make a diagnosis, the doctor will need to see you in our office, therefore, fees are not generally given over the phone.  We do offer free second opinions if you have a question regarding treatment proposed by another Doctor.  

Do you take my insurance?

Yes, we work with most insurance companies.  Unless you have a HMO insurance, you are free to choose any dentist you wish to see.  We will be happy to let you know the estimated benefits you would have in our office.  Please remember, copays due at time of service are an estimated amount.  Ultimately,  you are responsible  for any fees your insurance does not cover.  

Will the treatment hurt?

We take every measure to ensure your comfort. Dr. Bailey will communicate with you to make sure you are feeling comfortable throughout your procedure.  We want your experience to be positive.  Let us know what we can do to help make you most comfortable.

What if local anesthetic is not enough?

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas):    Most patients feel very relaxed and calm when nitrous oxide is used during a procedure. The affect can be adjusted to your needs and preference.  You will be able to walk, drive, and go about your day after the nitrous oxide has been used.  A great choice for children and adults alike, who are a little nervous about their dental procedure or have a strong gag relex, but do not want to be sedated.  

Oral Sedation:  This is a great option for patients who are too fearful to schedule their much needed dental treatment.  The nice part of oral sedation is that you will not remember the procedure.  You will have the beautiful results you want without the memory of sitting through the precedure.  Great for patients who have had traumatic experiences in the past.  With this option, you take some medication by mouth at your appointment. We ask that you have a ride to and from your appointment.  Plan on taking the remainder of the day for rest and relaxation.

IV Sedation:  Used primarily during the extraction of wisdom teeth and placement of implants.  Dr. England is liscenced to administer IV Sedation in our office.  IV Sedation is a great option to ensure comfort during more invasive procedures.  We will ask that you have a ride to and from your visit with us, and plan to rest and relax for the rest of the day.  

About Children 

When should I take my child to the dentist for their first check-up?

It's recommended that your child should see a dentist when his/her first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.

Are thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on too long.  Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs, fingers, or pacifier past the age of two, talk with Dr. Bailey to discuss options to help your child stop the habit. 

Are baby teeth really important?

Primary, or "baby" teeth are very important.  Your child will not loose all their baby teeth until around age 12.  "Baby" teeth help in speaking clearly and chewing.  They act as a space holder for the permanent teeth.  It's important to have any recommended treatment performed on your child's baby teeth.  Delaying on treatment can cause pain, infection, and discomfort for your child.

How important is fluoride for my teeth and my child's teeth?

Fluoride in appropriate doses will help strengthen the enamel of primary and permanent teeth.  Fluoride helps to prevent cavities. It is important to discuss with Dr. Bailey  the amount of fluoride that you and your child is getting to ensure that it is the appropiate amount to help keep the teeth healthy, depending on your assessed risk for getting cavities.  Children under 6 years of age should be supervised closely when brushing to ensure your child is not swallowing their toothpaste.  Fluorosis, discoloration of the permanent teeth, can occur if a child intakes high doses of fluoride when their permanent teeth are developing.

What are dental sealants, who should get them, and how long do they last?

Sealants are a thin, plastic coating that is painted on the chewing surfaces of permanent teeth, usually the back molars.  They help prevent tooth decay.  The painted liquid is bonded to the tooth, which will fill in deep groves and form a protective shield. Your child should have sealants placed on the permanent teeth as soon as they come in.  They will help protect the grooves of the teeth from getting cavities.  Sealants can, in time, wear or chip off.  At your child's 6 month cleaning and exams, all sealants that have been placed in our office will be checked and repaired if needed at no extra fee.        

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

First, call our office and let us know.  We will want to see your child right away, especially if there is any swelling.  Ibuprofen often helps to minimize the pain.  

What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?

The most important thing to do is remain calm.  Find the tooth.  Hold it by the crown rather than the root and  reinsert the tooth in the socket. If it is visibly dirty, rinse gently with water first. If reinserting the tooth is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk and bring your child and the tooth in milk immediately to our office.  It is essential that the tooth is reinserted within two hours.

How can I protect my teeth or my child's teeth while playing sports?

Soft plastic mouthguards can be made to protect your child's teeth, lips and gums from sports related injuries.  The sprort guards we make here in the office are much more comfortable than the boil and bite ones you can get over the counter.  We can make them with or without a strap and in your team color if desired. Call to schedule your free consult. 

How safe are dental X-rays?

There is very little risk in dental X-rays.  We take every precaution to limit the amount of radiation through x-rays.  By using lead aprons, digital xrays, and x-ray holders that ensure a proper x-ray the first time will result in minimal exposure.  X-rays are a intrical part of diagnosing dental caries, patholgies, gum disease, infection and fractures.  With an x-ray Dr Bailey can diagnose a treat a problem before it gets big and expensive to fix.  To give you the best care, an x-ray is essential. 

About Cosmetic Services

How do whitening toothpaste work and how effective are they?

Whitening toothpastes work by using abrasives to  polish surface stains from your teeth.  They can help remove surface stain only. No toothpaste contains a bleaching agent.  The only way to truely whiten your teeth is to use an over-the-counter or professional bleaching agent (a form of hydrogen peroxide) to reach under the surface and remove deep stains from the tooth, without harming the tooth. Whitening toothpaste can lighten the tooth a little where a whitening agent can whiten your teeth from three to eight shades lighter.  To get the best results, we can make you custom fitted, comfortable whitening trays and provide you with whitening gel of an appropriate strength for your individual needs and ensure that you are able to successfully and  comfortalbly whiten your teeth.

What if I do not like the shape of my teeth?

We have several options for patients who are not happy with there smile.  Depending on your situation, a treatment plan will be developed to get you the smile you have always wanted.  A free cosmetic consultation can give you an idea of what it would take to give you back your smile. 

For stained teeth:  Custom whitening trays can give you back the white smile you had as a child.  Your whitening trays will be fabricated from models of your teeth.  You will have a custom tray made that will allow you to whiten at your convenience. Different strengths of whitening gels are available to work with your schedule.  Whitening is the most cost effective way to brighten up your smile.

For chipped, cracked, large spaces between teeth:

Bonding can be used to close spaces, resurface a cracked or chipped tooth.  This is the most concervative approach, but not always the most durable.  A matching resin material is bonded to your tooth.

Crowns are tooth shaped "caps" that are placed over your natural tooth.  They are fabricated by a dental lab to give you a   highly esthetic and durable restoration.  A crown covers all surfaces of your tooth.

Veneers are thin wafer-like shells of porcelain that are designed by a dental lab and cemented to the front of your tooth.  A Veneer is a great option for a tooth that has a sound foundation but visually you are not happy with.  Veneers allow you to change the length, size, shape, and color of a tooth without affecting the tooth underneath it. 

Recontouring a tooth is an option for a tooth that needs minimal changes.  Enameloplasty is a procedure that can remove small amounts of tooth enamel to change the tooth's length, shape or surface.

For mis-aligned teeth: orthodontics will be needed depending on situation.  

For missing teeth:  impants, bridges or partial dentures can help you regain the smile you desire.

Are cosmetic services ever covered by insurance?

No. By definition, cosmetic services are those not deemed to be medically necessary. Therefore, the patient is responsible for paying all expenses incurred.

About Botox
 

What is Botox and how does it work?

Botox is used to both reverse dynamic wrinkles and prevent new wrinkle formation. Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) is one of many types of neurotoxins produced by the naturally occurring bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. It was introduced for cosmetic use in 1990’s and has become increasingly popular as a safe, efficient, and temporary method of facial rejuvenation. It works by temporarily relaxing certain facial muscles that contribute to dynamic lines (wrinkles) in the upper, middle and lower face.

What can Botox do for me?

Botox can improve the appearance of wrinkles in the forehead, crow’s feet, down-turned corners of the mouth,radial lip lines, bunny lines(wrinkles on the sides of the nasal bridge) and a “gummy” smile. Botox can give the appearance of a brow lift in some individuals. Botox also can relieve the pain from clenching and grinding.

How soon will I see results after Botox injections?

Results may be noticeable as early as one to two days after injection, but may take up to 2 weeks in some individuals.

How long will these results last?

Average duration of action is approximately three to four months, although patients who get repeat injections often find results last longer (six months).

Is there any downtime?

Downtime is minimal to none.

What are the possible adverse effects?

Adverse effects are not common. Of those that occur, the majority are those found after any type of injection, redness, bruising, swelling, and rarely, injection site infections. Much less common adverse effects are related to temporarily weakening an unintended muscle, this can result in temporary facial asymmetry.

About Dermal Fillers
 

What are Dermal Fillers?

Fillers are a clear gel that is made (up of) from a naturally occurring substance of the skin. It draws water to it which provides missing volume back to the skin.

What can dermal fillers do for me?

Dermal fillers can improve the appearance of the nasolabial folds (what looks like parentheses on either side of the mouth), marionette lines, thin lips, and chin wrinkles.

How soon will I see results after filler injections?

Fillers will provide immediate results.

How long will results last?

Most manufacturers report results that last between 9 and 12 months, on average.

Is there any downtime?

Downtime is minimal. In most patients, there may be redness swelling or bruising lasting only one to two days.

What are possible adverse effects?

Adverse effects are not common. Of those that occur, the majority are those found after any type of injection, redness, bruising, swelling, and rarely, injection site infections. Rarely, patients can develop small bumps that are typically felt but not seen. Your doctor will discuss this in more detail before any dermal filler is used.