F.A.Q.'s

Q: How often should I see a dentist?

A: Dr. Grasso and our hygienist will determine the number of dental cleanings needed to maintain optimal oral health and maintain hygiene. Two dental exams a year is the usual number of visits recommended for proper prevention and early detection of dental problems.

Q: What should I expect during my appointment?

A: Dr. Grasso will compile your medical and dental history during your first visit. We will then examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, take X-rays of your teeth as needed and complete a TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint) exam. Oral hygiene instructions will be provided along with suggestions to help you care for your teeth. Dr. Grasso will determine the best type of dental cleaning for your oral health, and we will then schedule you with a dental cleaning with our hygienist. We will provide an evaluation that will outline any existing dental problems and proposed treatment, if needed. During regular follow-up visits, we will examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, TMJ dysfunction, clean your teeth and evaluate for possible dental needs. We will discuss with you any existing dental problems, explain the options and coordinate your dental treatment, if necessary.

Q: What does “painless dentistry” mean?

A: Painless dentistry is a means of ensuring your total experience at our office is as stress-free and pain-free as possible. We will discuss treatment options that may require no local anesthetic and when possible, alleviate pain by the means most comfortable to you. To ease any anxieties, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and 3-D movie viewing.

Q: What if I have a dental emergency?

A: Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. We will be glad to work you into our schedule (within 24-48 hours). After hours, over the weekend and during holidays, please call our office to retrieve the doctors’ emergency contact number.

Q: Are payment plans available for my dental treatment?

A: Yes. We accept many types of dental insurance and will process your claim for you upon receipt of your co-payment. We offer a no-cost, low interest rate payment plan, in-house financing and we also accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

Q: Can the dentist whiten my teeth?

A: Bleaching tooth enamel removes and lightens staining of teeth caused by coffees, teas, smoking, foods and medications. We are proud to offer the latest and most current options in teeth bleaching. With teeth bleaching, we can lighten the enamel of your teeth 3-4 shades, giving you a more youthful, brighter and whiter smile. There are two types of bleaching that we offer.

• Home Bleaching – Custom bleaching splints are fabricated by Dr. Grasso, and a prescription strength bleaching kit (daywhite, nightwhite or opulescence) is delivered to you. This bleaching can be done at home on your own schedule. This take-home system is a 10-14 day treatment. Dr. Grasso will follow up with you to monitor and record your progress. Touch-up bleaching is usually necessary a few times a year.
• In-Chair Bleaching – Zoom is our in-office bleaching procedure. The in-office bleaching system is a 1-1 _ hours dental visit where direct application of bleach is applied to your teeth. At the end of your visit, you will have achieved a bright white smile, 4-5 shades lighter than your original shade. A take-home bleaching kit is included in the cost of this procedure.
  

Q: What if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth or teeth that do not respond to normal bleaching methods?

A: Chipped teeth, teeth that have been capped and discolored teeth that do not respond well to bleaching can be corrected with highly aesthetic restorations called porcelain veneers or chairside bonding. There are many options available and new advanced methods are constantly being introduced.