FAQ

Q. How often should I see a dentist?

A. Along with the American Dental Association's guidelines, Dr. Sara recommends visiting our office twice a year for cleanings and checkups.

Q. What should I expect during my appointment?

A: After our friendly staff gathers your medical and dental history, Dr. Sara will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums and screen you for oral cancer. If necessary, we will take X-rays of your teeth and also complete a TMJ exam. We will clean your teeth and discuss any existing dental problems and treatment recommendations with you. And as always, we are happy to answer any questions you may have! For more information see our First Visit section.

Q: What type of dentistry does Dr. Sara perform?

A: While we generally focus on preventative dentistry, Dr. Sara is also highly qualified in restorative and cosmetic dentistry and would be happy to discuss any of these options with you!

Q. Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?

A: Yes! We have CareCredit traditional financing and 12 months, same as cash. We gladly file insurance claims and are a preferred provider with Delta Premier and Anthem. We extend discounts to senior citizens and accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
For more information visit our Financial & Insurance Section.

Q. What is the difference between antiseptic and fluoride rinse?

A: Both play an important role in your oral health. Antiseptic is more for killing a variety of germs in the mouth, while a fluoride rinse is used more for actually strengthening and protecting the teeth. I might recommend either or both depending on your circumstances.

Q. How often should I be brushing/flossing?

A: Twice a day. At night should be brush, floss and antiseptic rinse (depending on your age). Morning should be brush, and antiseptic rinse. Brush after meals during the day if convenient.

Q. What can I do for sensitive teeth?

A: Several products are available and diagnosis is required before recommending treatment. But some things I typically recommend are Sensodyne toothpaste, discontinue all whitening products, and sometimes a fluoride rinse will help.

Q. What are my options if I'd like to fill the space in my teeth?

A: Again, an exam and diagnosis is required. But some options we may consider include direct bonding, which is tooth colored material that we apply to the tooth, porcelain veneer, which is a thin layer of porcelain applied to the front of the tooth, orthodontics or braces, or a bridge, a partial or implants, which would be used if you are missing a tooth or teeth.

Q. Why do I build up tartar behind my lower front teeth so fast?

A: Too much significance is placed on brushing the upper teeth, which are easier to reach. Thus, this area is often neglected. Plaque is more likely to hide in this region of the mouth. When plaque is not removed, it can harden, turning into tartar.

Q. Should I brush or floss first?

A: Brush first, then floss.

Q. Why do I need x-rays every year?

A: There are things that can be seen on x-rays that cannot be seen with the naked eye. We follow the ADA guidelines and get regular x-rays to diagnose any required treatment in its early stages.

Q. Is it normal to have sensitivity when you have your teeth whitened?

A: Yes. Most people do. If sensitivity persists for a week after you stop treatment, please call the office.

Q. Which toothpaste do you recommend?

A: Any ADA approved toothpaste is fine. We distribute Colgate Total at cleanings.

Q. What causes gum recession?

A: Many things can cause recession, including genetics, aging, or just brushing too hard and a myriad of other issues. Ask me about it next time you are in.

Q. How long has this office been here?

A: Dr. Sara graduated dental school in 1996, and opened this office in 2002.

Q. Will Dr. Sara hurt me?

A: Dr. Sara is very skilled at minimizing discomfort. Some procedures are more involved than others, but one of Dr. Sara's skills is her ability to be gentle.

Q. How long does an appointment take?

A: Different procedures require different amounts of time. We are very precise in our scheduling and place a very high priority in getting patients in and out on time. A typical cleaning appointment is one hour, but whatever we tell you about your particular appointment is usually pretty close.

Q. Do tooth colored fillings last longer than silver fillings?

A: Silver fillings do not have much aesthetic appeal to the patient and can even cause damage to your tooth years down the road. After much research, some new tooth-colored materials have been developed that are stronger, longer lasting and more aesthetically pleasing to patients.

Q. Does bleaching affect your teeth?

A: When you are using bleaching solution, teeth can become sensitive. However, it is temporary and should lessen once the treatment is finished. If you have any concerns about side effects, you should discuss them with Dr. Sara.

Q. How can I whiten my smile?

A: There are several methods of whitening. The two most common methods are in office whitening such as Zoom!, which we do in our office, or taking home bleach trays that we will make for you. Some patients opt for a permanent solution such as porcelain veneers, while others prefer to try some over the counter products such as Crest White Strips.

Q. Do I need to have my silver fillings replaced?

A: Consistent pressure from chewing, grinding or clenching can cause silver fillings to wear away, chip or crack. Dr. Sara can conduct a thorough examination of the filling to see if it needs to be replaced.

Q. Am I going to be sore?

Different procedures can cause different amounts of discomfort. Most discomfort is minimal, and doesn't last long. We will talk you through your options.

Q. How much will this cost?

A: We will always provide you a detailed estimate, including your portion after insurance, before a procedure. We also have a number of ways of making payments, so your individual financial situation doesn't get in the way of care you need.

Q. Are x-rays necessary?

A: Absolutely. I get asked this a lot, and there are things that I cannot see with the naked eye, including between teeth, where a lot of decay begins to form. Regular x-rays are critical to get the care you deserve.

Q. How long have you been doing this?

A: Dr. Sara started working for her dad, who is an orthodontist, over 20 years ago. She obtained her DDS from Indiana University in 1996, and has had her own practice since 2002.

Q. How long can I let a filling go before something happens?

That depends. I've never seen one get better. So the longer you go, the worse it's going to be. And how long that is, depends on how it looks when we see it. The larger a filling is, the more it costs. And, if it goes long enough, it can get into the nerve and need a root canal, which can be very expensive.

Generally speaking, the sooner a cavity is treated, the better.

Q. Why don't you do silver fillings?

A: There are some clinical things about tooth colored fillings that I prefer over silver, but I mostly like the way they look. While they have proven to be very durable, I like my patients to be happy with their smile. These tooth colored fillings cannot be seen when you smile or laugh.

They are a little more expensive for me, a little more expensive for you, and require much more training and skill to do. But considering you're going to have them in your mouth for a long time, I think it's worth it.

Q. What exactly is anxiety control?

A: Some patients, for a variety of reasons, are apprehensive about coming to the dentist. For these patients we offer nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas). For more severe cases of nerves, we have some other treatment options.

Q. How old should a child be for his first cleaning?

A: Brushing should start when they get their first tooth, and their first cleaning should be around 2 ½. This does two things. First it gets their teeth cleaned. Second, it gets them used to coming to the dentist.

Q. What does 'in and out of network" benefits mean?...how does that work?

A: The term "in-network" refers to a physician within the service provider's or group scope of coverage. Out-of-network refers to a physician not covered under the provider's plan. Patients choose in-network care or out-of-network care when they make their dental appointment and usually incur higher out-of-pocket fees for out-of-network care.

Q. What are my financial options?

A: Because dental problems typically get more expensive the longer they are left untreated, we want to make you care affordable now. To do this we offer payment in cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover, and we also offer short-term interest free financing (up to 12 months), and long term financing with interest.

Q. Do you do extractions?

A: Dr. Sara does some extractions. But most are referred to an oral surgeon who specialized in extractions.

Q. Is Dr. Sara accepting new patients?

A: Dr. Sara leaves time in her day for emergencies for existing patients, and new patients. She should be able to accommodate your appointment request in a reasonable amount of time.

Q. Do you accept Medicaid/Hoosier Healthwise?

A: No.

Q. When can I eat or drink (after a restorative procedure)?

A: Post-operative instructions will vary depending on the restorative procedure performed. It is important to follow Dr. Sara's guidelines to ensure successful treatment.

Q. Can anyone get an implant?

A: No. There are a variety of things that can prevent you from being a candidate for implants. Ask me next time you are in.

Q. Are alloy fillings bad for your health?

A: The ADA says no. There has been much written and discussed on this topic, but the American Dental Association has done extensive studies, and says they are safe.

Q. How long does the anesthetic last?

A: It depends on a number of factors. Not usually longer than two hours or so.

Q. Do you have laughing gas?

A: Yes.

Q. Is she any good?

A: She is the best. Ask anybody.

Q. How important is fluoride?

A: In my opinion, it is very important. It should be used in very small doses in children, which I can show you next time you are in, but the responsible use of fluoride will help you have healthier teeth.

Q. When should I use fluoride on children's teeth?

A: Every child is different, but I typically suggest fluoride toothpaste be used starting at about age 2, or whenever your child can spit. It's important not to use much, and not to let the child swallow.