Faqs
At Southpoint Quality Dental we are dedicated to keeping patients, current and potential, as informed as possible when it comes to the process involved in their dental treatment. Whether it is in regards to treatment options, financing, or even scheduling, we strive to answer any questions that may arise. We hope that by answering these questions, we can help you feel comfortable every step of the way with Southpoint Quality Dental. For your convenience, we have listed answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we encounter. If you have any questions that aren’t addressed on this page, please contact our Fredericksburg office and one of our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.
Southpoint Quality Dental recommends a bare minimum of two visits per year. This visits allow us to provide a full professional cleaning as well as a checkup to determine any necessary preventative measures. This recommendation is the same as the governing body of the dental profession, American Dental Association (ADA), whom also recommends visiting a dentist at least twice every year.
During your first visit to Southpoint Quality Dental, one of our friendly staff will compile a complete record of your dental and medical history. Once your history is complete, we will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums, take X-Rays if necessary, screen for oral cancers, and complete a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) exam. After this exam, a course of recommended treatment will be determined. During follow up visits, the periodic exam will be completed as well as cleanings.
As indicated by the name, painless dentistry refers to the method of minimizing both stress and pain during your dental visit. On top of local anesthetics, Southpoint Quality Dental offers sedation dentistry, which allows us to minimize pain and stress with a variety of methods. We will only use methods that you are explicitly comfortable with.
If you experience a dental emergency during normal business hours, call the Southpoint Quality Dental office immediately and we will fit you into our schedule. In the case of an emergency that occurs outside of normal business hours or during a day that our office is not open, call the office for an emergency contact number.
If you have dental insurance, Southpoint Quality Dental will process your claim once you have submitted your co-payment. Additionally, we do offer payment plans assessed with low interest and accept most major credit cards.
Yes, there are a variety of ways Southpoint Quality Dental can whiten your teeth. One method is to whiten your teeth while you are in the office. This type of visit usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and allows you to relax the duration of the treatment. Another option is overnight bleaching. With this method, we will construct a mold of your teeth by taking impressions of your bite. You will fill this mold with a small amount of bleaching gel and wear the mold overnight. This will take approximately two weeks.
The ADA recommends that you only use over the counter bleaching products under the supervision of a dentist. There may be underlying problems that are exacerbated by bleaching products, so please have an examination and diagnosis of the cause of the tooth discoloration before you begin using any bleaching products.
There are a number of treatment options that can assist with these issues. One such treatment is porcelain veneers. These veneers look like your natural teeth and are attached permanently to your existing teeth. They can also be used to fill any gaps in your smile. Another option is to utilize composite bonding. This material is made of hard plastic that can be shaped to correct shape problems or fill in gaps. Both of these treatments use material that is color matched to your teeth.