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If you have any questions about the services we provide, or the care
you are receiving, please ask us. We use the techniques intended to enhance your care, and we are happy to explain them. If there
is anything you’d like to know, ask us when you’re in the office,
browse through this section of frequently asked questions or contact
our office. We’ll provide you with the information and guidance
you need for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.
Do you accept referrals?
Since this practice began in 1984, two things have made our work most
worthwhile. Helping our patients care for their
smiles, and the compliment you pay us when you recommend our practice
to family and friends. We welcome new patients and appreciate your
referrals. Dr. Dixon and his staff thank you for your confidence in
our care. Your
personal recommendations are the greatest compliments we receive.
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What
payment options do you provide?
Our office staff is specially trained
to schedule convenient appointments, answer questions about dental
care and offer payment options. We accept most major credit cards and
we can even help arrange financing of your dental health investment.
If you have dental insurance, we’ll fill out and file your forms
as a courtesy to you. Together, we’ll make achieving a more attractive
and healthy smile surprisingly affordable.
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How does the doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques
and materials?
Dr. Dixon subscribes to the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research
and development in the dental industry. He also takes time on a regular basis
for continuing education, and ensures his staff does the same. As a team and
as individuals, our office makes it our responsibility to be familiar with
the techniques and materials available.
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How do I know when it's time to come in for a checkup?
An average, healthy adult person typically benefits from a professional cleaning
and check up every six months. While twice daily brushing and flossing go a
long way towards maintaining a healthy mouth, it is wise to check for plaque
that has hardened into tartar, which requires professional cleaning in order
to avoid gingivitis.
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What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
In case of a true dental emergency, please contact our office voice mail and
let us know the nature of your condition. We will return your call as soon
as possible, give you helpful information over the phone, and then determine
if you need to be seen immediately.
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How can I safely whiten my teeth?
There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile, from
at-home whitening products to in-office supervised treatments. Dr. Dixon can
help evaluate the potential for whitening your teeth, based on their current
color and the causes of any discoloration. Once you have decided on the most
appropriate method, you will probably spend anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks undergoing
a series of simple whitening treatments.
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What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
Our entire practice team is well trained in sanitation
techniques designed to ensure patient safety. This goes beyond wearing
gloves and facemasks to prevent passing germs, and includes a specialized
sanitation center and a water filtration system guaranteeing a fresh
water source for each patient.
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My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned
about?
It is certainly not desirable to have bleeding gums following brushing.
However, the condition may or may not require attention, depending on
the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the
following: improper, rough, ‘scrubbing’ instead of gentle,
circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead
of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum
sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If this problem
persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods or occurs every
time you brush, contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment.
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Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?
A little regular flossing goes a long way, and is truly critical for
your overall oral health. It loosens food particles in tight spaces your
toothbrush cannot reach; it gets rid of plaque buildup toothbrushes
alone cannot remove; and it exercises your gum tissues. All of which
is necessary to avoid gum disease. So, just think of daily flossing as
the finishing touch after brushing -insurance for your smile's future.
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I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want
to wear braces. What would you recommend?
Dr. Dixon has a number of ways to improve the look of your front
teeth without the use of unsightly 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, uniform look. In other cases,
it may be necessary to attach ‘invisible’ braces behind the
front teeth. We would be happy to talk with you further about the option
that best suits your individual situation.
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