A Commitment to Clear Communication
We want to provide all the information you need to understand our practice
and policies. So, we've compiled these answers to our most frequently
asked questions. Of course, if you have other questions or concerns not
addressed here, please contact us by phone or email and we'll be glad
to provide more information!
Dr. Bass and Dr. Hall subscribe to the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research
and development, devote over 60 hours annually to continuing education,
and are heavily involved in a number of professional organizations. They not only share their learning with their entire staff, but expect each
team member to pursue appropriate continuing education as well.
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Believe it or not, poor oral health is closely linked to poor physical
health. How so? Well, consider the big picture: your mouth is a key entryway
into the rest of the body and its systems. If the mouth has a chronic
infection or disease, then your entire body may be indirectly or directly
exposed to those bacteria. Furthermore, the resources needed for your
general health to function will be diverted to handle the chronic infection,
weakening the overall natural protection your other systems typically
enjoy.
And the results? Research documents connections between periodontal disease
and increased risk of heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness, diabetes
complications, pregnancy complications, and osteoporosis in women. What's
more, some studies indicate that those who lose all their natural teeth
may have a much shorter life span.
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The answer to this question is highly individualized, depending on your
particular level of periodontal health. When we first see you, we perform
a comprehensive oral examination to determine the exact extent of gum
disease, determine a treatment plan, and then estimate the length and
intervals of needed follow-up visits. The success of this treatment plan
will depend not only on keeping these appointments, but on your diligently
following our prescribed at-home care as well.
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Absolutely! In fact, our practice is predominantly based on referrals
from the many professional relationships we've formed throughout the community,
based on our hard work and excellent patient outcomes. We're also happy
to accept referrals from recommendations by our patients to their family
and friends!
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We are willing to work with any insurance company. This means that we'll
be happy to file your insurance for your reimbursement. However, we ask
that patients understand that due to the way insurance plans are structured,
there will likely be limitations as to how much of our work is covered
under their plan. Yet, we cannot allow their limitations to prevent us
from properly applying necessary treatments.
In any case, we're well-versed in the latest coverage trends, and are
more than happy to discuss the particulars of your plan with you prior
to any treatments you may undergo.
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We encourage our patients to have open, direct communication with Dr.
Bass and Dr. Hall. Therefore, they're available daily to answer your questions either
via e-mail (link from our site!) or voice mail. Depending on office traffic
and the complexity of your questions, they strive to respond within 24
hours.
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In all that we do, each member of our practice team maintains an unshakable
focus on caring for our patients with dedication to their best interests,
seeking to obtain the very best possible outcome for their particular
situation. This patient-centered focus is a natural outcome of our Christian
faith, which undergirds all that we do both professionally and personally.
It's our sincere desire that this focus result in your feeling comfortable,
welcome, and well-cared for throughout the time that you spend with us.
This dedication to excellence also means extra professional study for
each of us in our areas of specialization so that we can keep up with
the latest advances in our field and pass those benefits along to you.
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Bleeding gums, which is never a good sign, can be caused by plaque and/or
tartar build-up below the gum line, or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis
or periodontal disease.
If your problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods,
or occurs every time you brush, it's likely to be the result of some level
of gum disease, and we recommend you set up an evaluation appointment
with Dr. Bass or Dr. Hall. We specialize in helping patients arrest and successfully
treat all stages of gum disease, through the use of our excellent non-surgical
and surgical gum care procedures.
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We understand that many people have qualms about having their teeth worked
on so we strive to create a relaxing atmosphere. We all have a positive
attitude about our work that's hard to beat. Plus, our entire staff is
trained to be alert and aware of your concerns, so that we can make your
visit as comfortable as possible. Of course, for extreme anxiety and/or
complex procedures, we do offer nitrous, local anesthesia or oral sedation
as well.
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Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily
teeth brushing. Here's a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the
problem: twice daily brushing, daily flossing, tongue cleaning, regular
professional cleanings, and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable
dental appliances. However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem
persists, we can offer several solutions. First, we can provide a plastic
tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your
tongue and significantly alleviates odor. We will also recommend a specially-prepared
rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break the odor-causing sulfur
bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, if we suspect a systemic or internal
problem such as an infection or underlying condition, we may recommend
a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify and treat
the cause.
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A little regular flossing goes a long way and is truly critical for your
overall oral health. It loosens food particles in tight spaces that your
toothbrush cannot reach, it gets rid of plaque build-up just below the
gumline that toothbrushes alone cannot remove, and it helps increase healthy
circulation in 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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Yes! Simply click on the "Patient Forms" icon at the top of
this page, and download the appropriate printable forms you need. If you
don't have acrobat reader, you can also download the instant software
on that page as well. Then, just fill out the forms prior to your visit
and bring them with you for discussion.
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