Frequently Asked Questions . . . . .
Q. What makes you different than any other dental practice in Raleigh that I can visit?
A. Our number one goal is to be the most consumer friendly practice in Raleigh. To do this, we will always strive to exceed your expectations at every visit. It starts with a sincerely interested person greeting you when you call, then having a personal introduction when you arrive. We make sure your 100% comfortable with every procedure we propose. We take care of the little things that can make a difference in our patients day; like refreshments in the reception area, music to listen to and even blankets should you get chilly while you are here. We build time into our schedule for personal conversations with you that result in a powerful rapport and trust, allowing you to take confidence in the excellent dentistry that we offer. We are trained in caring not only about your teeth but who you are, what your desires and needs are and how you like to be treated. Dr. Martin's dentistry is second to none for those addressing comfort, life-ling maintenance and or the most elaborate cosmetic issues. We could try to describe the difference all day, but we'd love more than anything to show you!
Q. I called your office for a cleaning and was told that I would have to have x-rays and an exam. I don't think I need all that since my teeth were fine last time. Why can't I get just a cleaning?
A. There are several types of "cleanings" available, all different in nature as well as cost. If Dr. Martin has not thoroughly examined your mouth prior to the hygienist cleaning your teeth, you can't be sure you received the proper treatment. Therefore, if the dentist where to allow the hygienist to clean prior to diagnosis or used another dentist's findings without verifying the results of her own exam, she could put both the patient & herself at risk. You may thinking that you need a simply cleaning because that's all you've ever had and you're not experiencing any other problems. Often, the reality is other problems may exist that were previously undetected or of which you were simply not aware due to the painless nature of early or moderate periodontal disease.
Q. What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
A. Call our regular office phone number at any time. If the office is closed, Dr. Martin's cell phone number is available for you to call. She will return your phone call as soon as possible and attend to any immediate concerns that you may have.
Q. Do you accept referrals?
A. YES! We love referrals. Wonderful people refer wonderful people, so we look forward to treating your friends with the same expert care we extend to you.
Q. Which insurance plans do you accept?
A. Our office is very up to date on insurance. As a matter of fact, we can look up your insurance provider by employers name. We are part of Delta Dental's network, however, we find almost all of the time, you still have the ability to choose your own dentist no matter who your insurance carrier is. We'll do our best to maximize your benefits. We will submit your claims for you and even help argue your case if the claim is ever disputed. In addition to filing your claims for you, we will initially ask you only for your estimated co-payment before starting the procedure. Please understand that this is only an estimate and is based upon the information available to us. Once your carrier has paid the claim, any difference will be due upon receipt of our statement.
Q. What is your policy regarding canceling an appointment?
A. In order to maintain a well-run office, we appreciate as much notice as possible for appointment cancellations. This enables us to work on other patients who need to be seen. A minimum of 2 business days notice is requested.
Q. What different payment options are available?
A. We consider our relationship with you to be of primary importance and will always make recommendations based on what we believe is the very best treatment for you regardless of your insurance coverage or financial situation. We accept cash, personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover and payment is expected in full at the time of your appointment unless a arrangements have been made prior to treatment. For your comfort and convenience, we offer a wide range of financing options and welcome your suggestions and questions.
- Discounts for pre-treatment payment in full
- Care Credit Financing offering 12 months interest free or extended payments up to 60 months (subject to approval)
- Pay-As-You-Go Plans
- Gradual Treatment Plans
- In Office Financing
Q. What is Care Credit?
A. CareCredit helps you get the dental treatment you need or want with payment options made easier. With Care Credit you can start your dental care immediately, pay over time with low monthly payments, pay for treatment for yourself or family members and receive no interest if paid in full within 12 months. Care Credit helps you manage your family's out of pocket expenses. The Care Credit health-care card can be used as often as you want as more than 150,000 enrolled health-care practices for yourself, your family, even those other very special family members - your pets. Care Credit can also be used for co-payments and deductibles if you have dental insurance. Care Credit helps you get the care now, without delaying and provides payment options that make the most sense for you.
Q. Do you see children?
A. Yes, we love kids!! We recommend that children begin regular check-up visits to the dentist at age three. At this age they are usually mature enough not to be overwhelmed by all of the dental equipment, they can better understand what is happening during their visit and all of their baby teeth have come through.
Q. How do I know when it's time to come in for a checkup?
A. We work diligently to ensure you always know what the next steps are. Your hygienist will help you understand what interval is needed to keep your mouth healthy. We'll schedule your next appointment before you leave. We will also send you a card, give you a call, email or even a text message when you are due for your next visit. Please note that, especially if you've never been into our office, the American Dental Association says most people need to see a dentist three times a year. Make an appointment today and we'll help you figure out what schedule is best for you.
Q. I have some old silver fillings which are beginning to look bad. What can be done to improve them?
A. Silver amalgam filings, which are composed of 50% mercury and 50% silver alloy eventually need to be replaced. It may surprise you to know that the average lifespan of a silver filling is five to eight years. Your dentist can tell you when they appear to NEED to be replaced due to leakage, breakdown or recurrent decay. If your concern is strictly COSMETIC, there are many new methods available to replace the fillings with beautiful, functional long lasting restorations. Such things as while filling materials, porcelain inlays, crowns and veneers may be used to give you the smile you are seeking.
Q. I am missing several teeth. A friend told me that she recently had implants to replace her missing teeth and is very happy. What are implants?
A. Dental implants are a wonderful way to replace missing teeth when certain conditions exist. Such things as your overall general health and the length of time you have been missing your teeth must be considered. After your dentist does a thorough examination and treatment plan the surgical phase of treatment takes place where we put the implant(s), the artificial root(s) into the jaw. When healing is complete, usually after 4-6 months, the tooth or bridge can be placed on top of the healed implant(s). Call the office today to schedule an exam, where Dr. Martin will let you know if you are a good candidate for implants.
Q. If I have a problem, concern or complication following dental treatment can I get in touch with you if it's after hours?
A. Yes! One of our staff members is always available to answer your calls Monday through Friday from 7am until 7pm. If you are need someone outside of these hours call our regular office phone number (919.847.0902), if you get our after hours recording, Dr. Martin's cell phone number will be given to you in-case of an emergency. Dr. Martin will return your phone call as soon as possible and attend to any immediate concerns that you may have.
Q. Why can't I wait until my insurance pays their benefits before I pay my out-of-pocket expense?
A. When we provide treatment for your or your family, we immediately incur expenses related to that treatment such as labor, materials or lab fees. We require you pay the estimated portion (based on your insurance benefits) at that visit, as it may take up to sixty days to receive the balance from your insurance company. It would not be fiscally sound in a practice to wait 60 to 90 days when our expenses are not only immediate, but the service has been provided. In cases where your insurance pays more than the estimated portion, you will receive either a credit or a refund check. If your insurance pays less than expected, you will be billed for the difference and you will need to contact the provider directly to determine why they did not pay what was estimated. We bill your insurance as a convenience and service to our patient, not as an obligation. Remember, your insurance is a contract between you and the provider. Our fees and collection policies are not in any way associated, related or subject to the timeliness or amount of your insurance reimbursement.
Q. Why is it necessary to put a crown on my tooth after a root canal? Do I have to have it done right away?
A. After a root canal the inside of the tooth has been hollowed out so there is less supporting tooth structure and as a result the tooth is not as strong. Placing a crown on the tooth provides a "retaining wall" on the five sides of the tooth so that it can't split or break, which would require extraction. This procedure should be done as soon as possible after the root canal so that the chances of tooth breakage are minimized. Failure to do so increases your chances of early tooth loss, not because the root canal didn't work, but because the follow up crown was not done. In some instances your dentist may not require you to have a crown placed on the tooth. Those might include an already existing crown that is adequate or a tooth that is in a relatively low area of stress and therefore is less likely to break.
Q. I really do not like the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax during my visit.
A. We make every effort to make your visit as soothing and relaxing as a trip to the dentist can be. Nitrous oxide can be administered safely and comfortable to you for any appointment here from cleanings to root canals to implants. For some of our most nervous patients, anti-anxiety medication is available. our friendly dental staff is always here to serve you and make you comfortable. Talk to us about your anxiety and we will be extra sensitive to your needs as appropriate.
Q. What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
A. There are so many different ways we put your safety first: using gloves, masks and glasses; ensuring sterilization and disinfection of all instruments and counters; testing our sterilizer weekly to make sure it meets all hospital level standards and more. Each room is cleaned between patients and all proper sterilization procedures are carried out and monitored in meticulous fashion. Rest easy at Village Dental at Greystone - we're taking care of you probably better than you'll ever know!
Q. Why do I need perio maintenance? Can't I just get my teeth cleaned?
A. The word prophy or prophylaxis cleaning means prevention. Prophylaxis appointments, or cleanings, focus on preventing disease sure as infection, bone loss, gum loss, etc. Perio-Maintenance means we've gone from a clean/healthy state (where only prevention is needed) into a deeper state, causing a need to really address the health issues within your mouth beyond the prevention level of care. Periodontal maintenance involves going 360 degrees around each tooth. There's a difference between preventive cleanings and periodontal maintenance. But, trust us on this one: both are important and we'll always only recommend what you really need.
919-847-0902
