your questions

The following are answers to some of the questions we are asked most often. If you need more information about any of the topics below or have questions about anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask.

• How does the doctor keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
  

  Dr. Icenhower subscribes to the latest industry journals to keep up to date on research and development in the dental industry. He also takes time on a regular basis for continuing education and ensures his staff does the same. As a practice, we feel it is our responsibility to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available.

• How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
  

  An average healthy adult typically benefits from a professional cleaning and checkup every six months. Twice daily brushing and flossing go a long way towards maintaining a healthy mouth but only a trained dental professional can remove built up tartar, check for signs of tooth damage, and detect the early stages of gum disease. This kind of “preventive maintenance” can help to reduce the need for more complicated and costly procedures.

• Do you accept referrals?
  

  We are happy to accept referrals from other dental offices. Also, many of our patients refer us to their family and friends. We view referrals as a testimony to our patients’ positive experiences.

• Do you accept my insurance plan?
  

  Our office accepts ALL of the major insurance plans (including the major discount and dental plans). We are well-versed in the latest coverage trends and are more than happy to discuss your plans coverage prior to any treatments you may undergo.

• Will I be charged if I need to cancel an appointment?
  

  In order to maintain a well-run office, we request all appointment cancellations be made at least 24 hours ahead of time. This ensures you will avoid being billed for our time and preparation; it also enables us to work in other patients’ emergency visits.

• What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
  

  In case of a true dental emergency, please contact our office voice mail and let us know the nature of your condition. We will return your call as soon as possible, give you helpful information over the phone, and then determine if you need to be seen immediately.

• What different payment options do you provide?
  

  We accept cash, personal checks and all major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Your insurance plan co-pay is due at the time of your visit. We offer no interest dental financing through companies such as Capital One and Aetna. We are happy to provide you with information about these financing options.

• What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
  

  Our team is well trained in state-of-the-art sterilization techniques designed to ensure patient safety. In addition to wearing gloves and facemasks to prevent passing germs, we use a specialized sterilization center and a water filtration system that guarantees a fresh water source for each patient.

• My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
  

  Bleeding gums following brushing may alarm you. However, the condition may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough, ‘scrubbing’ instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If this problem occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment.

• I brush every day, but my breath is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?
  

  Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily brushing. Here is a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem: twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and tongue cleaning; regular professional cleanings, and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances. However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, we can offer several solutions.

  First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue and significantly alleviates odor. Or, we can recommend a specially-prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, we may also suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, in which case we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.