Frequently Asked Questions
General Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of questions should I ask when looking for a new dentist?
Most people don’t know that selecting the right dentist is a matter of looking for the right credentials. Since most of the advanced and high-tech dentistry is not taught in Dental Schools, it is important to make sure that the dentist you select is fully up to date and qualified to perform the newly innovated procedures. Both Dr. Ronkin and Dr. Shwartzman frequently attend The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, where they are taught hands-on clinical procedures of the highest level allowing them to deliver the best patient-based care in the field. LVI is considered to be the Nordstrom of dentistry where patients can expect the 5-star service along with quality that will maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime, so when looking for a new dentist, look for the LVI difference.
I don't want anyone to know that I had my teeth done; I want my smile to look natural.
Using the latest technology and the most supreme materials, the Dream Smile Dental cosmetic specialists take all factors into consideration when creating your perfect smile. The structuring of your smile is based on your lifestyle, facial proportions, gender, age, complexion, hair and eye color. Our patients are often asked if they’ve changed their hairstyle or got new contact lenses. Your smile will look so natural, no one will be able to pinpoint what exactly is different in your new look.
How long will it take to get my new natural looking smile?
Depending on what the Cosmetic Dentist decides is the best option for you, your new smile can be delivered in as little as 2-3 visits. The process of veneers or crowns is similar in that the doctor preps your teeth by taking an impression of your bite and adjusting the tooth structure slightly to assure an accurate fit for the final product. The impressions are then sent to one of the most advanced laboratories in Massachusetts for the creation of your new crowns or veneers. In the meantime, the dentist puts temporary crowns or veneers on your teeth and in the next visit, delivers the customized final product for your new, healthy and natural looking smile.
How long will my temporaries last?
Although the temporaries will make you look like you already have your new smile, they are not meant to last for longer than the dentist recommends. If left on too long, temporaries will ware, break and even damage your teeth. It is important to come back for you delivery appointment to receive the permanent crowns or veneers and leave with your strong, and beautiful new smile.
Does every crown procedure require a root canal?
Not necessarily. A crown may require a root canal only if the nerve of the tooth has been in some way compromised or damaged.
Does every root canal procedure require a follow up appointment?
Yes. It is very important to restore a tooth that has had a root canal treatment because it is more vulnerable to external forces that may bring back the infection or cause the tooth to crack. It is best to consult your dentist as to what type of restorative appointment the root canal treatment will need.
Will I be in pain during or after the root canal?
You will be fully numb and not feel anything during the root canal treatment. After the treatment, it is rare that a patient is in pain, but in some extreme cases there may be some discomfort in which case your dentist will prescribe something for the pain.
Is it ok to wait on a root canal treatment if I feel no pain?
No. It is never ok to wait on any dental treatment, especially a root canal. If your dentist has told you that you require a root canal, it must be done as soon as possible in order to prevent from the infection spreading further and possibly causing a fatal situation.
What procedures does insurance cover?
Every insurance plan is differently set up and therefore cover various procedures according to their fee schedule. We work with most insurance plans and to find out what your plan specifically will cover in our office, it is best to call and speak to one of our account managers.
Will a crown look like my own tooth?
Yes. All-porcelain crowns are made of a white material that is identical to the color of your tooth. No one will even know that the tooth has a crown on it.
Hygiene Frequently Asked Questions
It's been recommended that I use an electric tooth brush, but I've been using a manual forever. Is there really a difference?
Here at Dream Smile, we recommend the Sonicare Flexcare toothbrush because of its clinical studies that show that it’s far superior to manual toothbrushes. In fact, ninety-nine percent of the time, your dentist or hygienist can tell, just by looking in your mouth, whether you use a manual or electric. Sonicare states that their brushes are inspired by dental equipment. Its motion creates a “high-velocity dynamic fluid cleaning action” that is able to dislodge plaque under the gum line when used properly. The Sonicare also has a built-in two-minute timer, so that patients are more aware of how long they should be brushing for. The electric toothbrush does the work for you, just by applying a light touch to the tooth surface. The electric brush heads, just as manual brushes, need to be changed every three months, not six as previously thought.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal Disease is a bacterial infection in the supporting structures surrounding your teeth, including bone and gums. Periodontal Disease is caused by plaque and bacteria, and the longer the disease goes undetected, the greater the risk of tooth loss. Being diagnosed with Periodontal Disease indicates that there has been a loss of bone or attachment surrounding your teeth which could ultimately, without treatment, lead to loss of the tooth. Periodontal Disease does not just affect your teeth, however. Research has shown the disease to be correlated with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even pre-term labor. There is no cure for the disease, but we can help you maintain your current condition with individualized therapies to prevent it from getting worse.
What are the warning signs for periodontal disease?
Statistics show that 3 out of 4 Americans have Periodontal Disease, which is the greatest reason why adults lose their permanent teeth. Many of these adults are unaware they have it. Symptoms can include bleeding or tender gums, bad taste or oral malodor, but often can have no symptoms at all. We want our patients to be well educated on their oral health which is why we offer annual periodontal examinations with one of our hygienists, so we’re able to detect and treat the disease in it’s earliest stage.
My hygienist wants to see me every three months instead of six. Is there a reason for this?
Not everyone takes the same doses of medication, similarly, hygiene appointments need to be individualized for each patient as well. Patients aren’t all at the same risk of developing disease, therefore, many patients need to be seen by their hygienist more often. People have different needs and some people need to be seen every three months, just as others need to be seen every six months. Each and every day new research is showing us more correlations between oral health and general systemic health, so now, more than ever, we need to take initiative to maintain good oral health. Appointments with your hygienists are no longer considered to be just for aesthetic reasons, or to “clean the junk off your teeth”, rather to check for cavities, monitor for evidence of disease, perform oral cancer screenings, and offer patient education.
I feel like every time I have a cleaning, x-rays are taken. Is this necessary, because I'm concerned about high levels of radiation?
We use digital radiography, which has significantly less radiation than the paper system still used today by many offices. A series of radiographs can detect cavities, Periodontal Disease, abscesses, and areas of decay surrounding restorations that are not visible clinically. Early detection of disease through x-rays can potentially save the patient unnecessary pain, money and time. Our goal is for you to have a beautiful, healthy smile and keep each tooth in your mouth forever. With regular hygiene appointments, x-rays, and proper home care, it’s easily attainable.
What is fluoride and what are its uses?
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in all water sources, even the oceans. Fluoride is effective in preventing and reversing the early signs of dental caries (tooth decay). Researchers have shown that there are several ways through which fluoride achieves its decay-preventive effects. It makes the tooth structure stronger, so teeth are more resistant to acid attacks. Acid is formed when the bacteria in plaque break down sugars and carbohydrates from the diet. Repeated acid attacks break down the tooth, which causes cavities. Fluoride also acts to repair, or remineralize, areas in which acid attacks have already begun. The remineralization effect of fluoride is important because it reverses the early decay process as well as creating a tooth surface that is more resistant to decay.
In addition, because older Americans are now keeping their teeth longer, fluoride will continue to be important for preventing tooth decay in this age group. Older Americans are especially susceptible to tooth decay because of exposed root surfaces and mouth dryness that may result from many medications.
Sleep Apnea Frequently Asked Questions
Does dental insurance or medical insurance cover the sleep apnea appliance?
The sleep apnea appliance is considered medical treatment and dental insurance will not cover treatment however most medical policies will consider paying for the appliance at a dental office.
Do you participate with my medical insurance?
As a dental provider, we are contracted with dental policies only. Medical insurances create barriers for dental providers and usually only have medical physicians as participating providers. However, since most medical professionals are not trained in the fabrication and treatment of sleep apnea appliances, medical insurances will usually cover the appliance even though we are not in their network of providers.
How do I get my insurance to cover treatment if you do not participate?
If your medical insurance policy is not an HMO plan, we are usually able to obtain benefits from your medical carrier if you meet their guidelines for treatment. We may also be able to request a “network insufficiency” which means if your medical policy does not have any contracted providers for the service, they will provide coverage at the same rate as they would for the in-network provider. If you have an HMO policy, which does not allow members to see a physician out of their network, we may request a “gap waiver”. If approved, this would allow you to be seen out of the HMO network since there are no providers in the network that perform this service.
How much does my medical insurance cover?
Medical policies vary depending on the insurance company and plans. They also set forth guidelines as to what a patient’s clinical indications should be for the appliance to be considered under the medical policy. This is called “medical necessity”. At the initial consult, we will evaluate your signs and symptoms to make sure you are a candidate for the treatment and that you meet your insurance policy’s guidelines. At the time of the consultation, we will discuss how your medical insurance policy covers the sleep apnea treatment.
What do I have to do to get the waivers and reimbursement from my insurance?
Our office will contact your insurance to obtain all your benefits information and request any waivers if necessary. We will also submit all claims proving medical necessity to your insurance carrier. Our goal is to get the maximum reimbursement from your plan.
X-Ray Frequently Asked Questions
Our Patients Often Ask If They Should Be Worried About X-ray Exposure?
Dental X-ray exposure is so minimal that taking a flight from New York to LA exposes you to more radiation than taking a dental x-ray. Dream Smile Dental uses a digital system which is very modern and has minimal radiation exposure.
We Use The Most Advanced Dental Equipment
Comfort for the patient
Dream Smile Dental in Canton, MA is one of the few dental offices to have the Planmeca ProMax 3D Max machine, a three dimensional imaging system which takes the highest quality x-rays without intra oral sensors. Patients are asked to bite down on a small tab and the machine moves around the patient’s head to capture the x-ray image in less than 15 seconds using 75% less radiation than most digital x-ray systems.
A more accurate diagnosis
The clarity and precision of the panoramic image, which is what had replaced the necessity of 18 small x-rays, vividly outlines areas of decay.
A cephalometric film shows an x-ray image of the entire skull which is used in orthodontic treatment and is very helpful in measuring the airway.
Measurement of the airway, paired with the use of 3D jaw scan helps pinpoint the proper position of the jaw. This is helpful because if dental restorations such as crowns, bridges and veneers are placed while the patient’s jaw is in the correct position, it can relieve TMJ symptoms such as headaches, jaw pain, neck and back pain, ringing in the ears and tingling of the fingers.
A three dimensional scan of the entire jaw is also used to accurately simulate an implant. The dentist can measure depth, evaluate the bone quality and prepare for exact implant placement. This increases the success of the implant because almost all factors of surgery are precisely predicted and planned for.
I’ve been coming here for a year now and definitely a place I’d recommend. Venessa was my assistant today, she had great communication and took care of my braces for me well.
Stacey is a gem, Sandy by her side equally as valuable to the practice. The whole team is pleasant and professional.
Having been a patient at Dream Smile Dental since their practice began some 25+ years ago, my own smile continues proudly. Everyone contributes to providing a welcoming and pleasant experience. The level of care is excellent.
*If your request is a dental emergency, please call the office. New patient offer not valid for emergency appointments.