Frequently Asked Questions – Chesterfield Dental Studio
Tooth Sealants in Chesterfield, MO
Patient Information
Dental Exams and Check-Ups
How Important is Oral Hygiene?
Oral hygiene is necessary for eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria builds to form plaque that can harden and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, and periodontal disease if it is not removed. A good dental care routine and regular check ups will keep your mouth healthy and prevent inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.
Why Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early so they can be fixed quickly and easily.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be examined, for we may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.
What Can I Expect From a Dental Exam?
At a typical dental exam, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or deposits, called tartar or calculus, that are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. An X-ray may be performed to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and to more closely identify any problems. We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth, and floss, as well as whether you use a toothpaste with fluoride. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health.
How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam?
The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.
More Useful Information:
Dental Insurance
Our commitment to accessible and affordable dental care for everyone is demonstrated through our flexible payment options. While we accept cash, credit cards, and checks, we prominently feature an in-office membership plan for your convenience. This is an excellent way to manage your dental expenses. Our office works with many major insurance plans, such as Cigna, Met Life, United Healthcare, and Aetna. Because coverage and network participation can vary by plan, we are always happy to help verify your network status. Please reach out to our office if you have any questions about your specific coverage.
Payment Options
Our commitment to accessible dental care is reflected in the flexible payment options we offer. Chesterfield Dental Studio accepts cash, credit cards, and checks, and we also offer Cherry Financing to help patients manage the cost of care with convenient payment options.
For patients without dental insurance, our in-office dental membership plan provides another way to make routine care more manageable. This plan is designed to help adults, children, and families receive quality dental care without relying on traditional insurance.
No Insurance? No Problem!
No dental benefits? Don’t worry, we have you covered.
At Chesterfield Dental Studio, we are committed to making quality dental care more accessible for patients and families. Our Dental Membership Plan is designed for patients without traditional insurance and offers a simple way to receive preventive care and savings on eligible dental services.
To learn more about plan details, benefits, and how to enroll, please visit our Dental Membership page.
Financial Policy
Patient Billing
For your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients, therefore payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us. Many times, a simple telephone call will clear any misunderstandings.
We will send you a monthly statement. Most insurance companies will respond within four to six weeks. Please call our office if your statement does not reflect your insurance payment within that time frame. Any remaining balance after your insurance has paid is your responsibility. Your prompt remittance is appreciated. We can make arrangements for a monthly payment plan but this must be done prior to the actual procedure.
Dental Anxiety & Phobia
Dental Anxiety is Not Uncommon
In fact, some studies show that up to 75% of Americans experience some level of dental related fear and 20% avoid dental care because of it. If you have a fear of dental work, we want you to know that making you feel comfortable and safe at our office is our first priority.
Dental Anxiety vs. Dental Phobia
Dental anxieties and phobias present themselves in a wide variety of ways, and specific fears vary from person to person. Dental anxiety may be mild to moderate, and often takes the form of a general sense of worry and apprehension when thinking about an upcoming procedure. Dental phobia is a more intense experience, with patients feeling an overwhelming, irrational fear of dental work. This can sometimes cause them to avoid care all together.
We Can Help!
Whatever your individual level of anxiety may be, our office is committed to making sure that your visit is as comfortable, quick and easy as possible. There are many solutions for dental anxiety, and we are ready to help.
Here are a few popular methods for easing anxiety in the dental office:
- Communication:
Informing us as to what you are afraid of is a great place to start. Often we can quell a fear simply by giving you correct or updated information. We will always keep you informed before, during and after your procedure, making sure that you understand what is going on and why we are doing it. - Calming Techniques:
Many patients find it helpful to practice controlled breathing or to find distraction inside the room. - Listening to Music:
With most procedures, the use of personal headphones and music is allowed. This is a great way to keep calm and pass the time while in the chair. - Taking Breaks:
Let us know if you would like to take a short break during your treatment by signaling with your left hand.