Thank you for choosing our office for your dental care. We hope you find our office to be a comfortable environment where you and your family feel confident in the dental care you receive. For new dental patients, we provide a $75 special, which includes an initial examination, a routine cleaning, and x-rays.
Your First Visit
At your first dental visit, we want to get to know you and your dental history, so we can develop a treatment plan that meets your needs. Please bring any available panoramic X-rays taken within the past six months and your dental insurance card, if you have one. This will help us estimate your costs.
Your First Dental Exam
Your first dental exam will take about an hour. Your dentist will do a complete checkup, and will usually involve taking X-rays and cleaning your teeth. Dental X-rays help your dentist see problems with your teeth, gums, bite, or jaw, as well as signs of oral cancer or dental disease. This full exam will help your dentist assess any dental problems you have and recommend treatments. Please ask questions. We want to talk to you about your dental care.
Appointments
Your appointments are essential for your treatment, as they allow you to meet with the doctor and receive care without interruption. To ensure that everyone has a fair chance to be seen, please arrive on time for your appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late, we may need to reschedule. To cancel an appointment, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice. We understand that unexpected events can happen, but we appreciate your cooperation in respecting everyone’s time.
Insurance
At our office, we’re dedicated to helping you get the most from your insurance. However, due to the complexity of insurance contracts, we can only estimate your coverage in good faith and cannot guarantee it. Please let us know if your insurance coverage changes. Your estimated patient portion is due at the time of service. As a courtesy, we will bill insurance companies for services. However, if claims are not paid within 60 days, you are responsible for the balance. Our friendly staff is always available to answer your questions.
We strive to provide affordable, high-quality care that fits your budget. Your treatment plan will include a detailed breakdown of all fees, and we will inform you of all costs before treatment begins. We offer a variety of payment options to meet your needs.
Open Communication
At Howes Family Dentistry, we believe that open communication is essential for good dental care. We will always be honest and upfront with you about your diagnosis, treatment options, and any potential risks or complications. We will also discuss any alternative treatments that may be available, and we will refer you to a specialist if necessary. Our goal is to help you keep your smile beautiful and your teeth, gums, and jaw joints healthy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How often should I see a dentist?
A. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and a professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year.
Q. What do I do if I have a dental emergency?
A. Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. If you have a dental emergency during regular business hours, we will be glad to work you into our schedule. After hours, over the weekend, and during holidays, please call our office for the doctor’s emergency contact number.
Q. What kind of toothbrush should I use?
A. Adults should use a small-to-medium size toothbrush with soft-to-medium bristles. The head of the brush needs to be small enough to brush all areas of the mouth thoroughly, specifically the back of the mouth, which can be hard to reach. Children should use small toothbrushes with soft bristles. People with sensitive teeth can benefit from using gentle, soft-bristled toothbrushes.
Q. How often should I replace my toothbrush?
A. The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your brush every 3 to 4 months. With each use, the bristles become worn and cleaning effectiveness decreases. Depending on your oral health, you may need to replace your brush sooner. Typically, children’s toothbrushes need to be replaced more regularly than adults.
Q. Is a powered toothbrush more effective than a manual toothbrush?
A. Generally, manual toothbrushes are just as effective as powered toothbrushes. Children may find brushing with a powered toothbrush more exciting. If you have difficulty using a manual toothbrush, a powered toothbrush may be much more comfortable and easier to use.
Q. Should I brush or floss first?
A. As long as you brush and floss thoroughly, it does not matter if you brush then floss or floss then brush. However, flossing before brushing enables the fluoride in your toothpaste to better reach the areas between the teeth.
Q. Is one type of toothpaste better than the others?
A. No. However, we recommend you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride and carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which means it has been assessed for safety and effectiveness. Studies consistently show that fluoride helps strengthen and rebuild tooth structure, and helps prevent dental decay.
Q. Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?
A. Yes. We accept most major credit cards and many types of dental insurance. We will process your insurance claim for you upon receipt of your co-payment.
Advanced Dental Care
At our office, we ensure that patients receive the most advanced dental care.
Deeply Committed
With patient care as our top priority, this is our commitment to you.
Highly Skilled
We are devoted to new treatments, technologies, and excellent patient care.