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Comments and Questions for the Doctor
Please let us know your questions, comments, and suggestions. We look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you show
me what my smile might look like BEFORE I agree to proposed dental
procedures?
Yes! We take photos of your teeth and
use a special camera to alter the image so you can actually see a preview
of what cosmetic changes we can do to your teeth and gums.
At what age
should my children first see the Dr. Sapp?
Parents should use gauze to clean a
baby's gums from birth until teeth emerge. Generally, when your baby's
teeth first appear, you can at least start bringing the baby to your
own dental appointment. Then, we like to see children at age four or
five for their own cleaning appointments.
Do you accept
referrals?
Of course! The best compliment you can
give us is to refer people to our patient family! We welcome the opportunity
to serve you at such a level you will definitely want to spread the
word, and we know you will trust us with your referred friends as well!
How do your
financial and insurance arrangements work?
It's very important that you know early in the process what your investment in good dental care will be. The dentist should ask you about your concept of the cost of treatment and you should have an idea of what you can spend. This avoids embarrassing moments later and keeps everyone on the same page.
How can I safely
whiten my teeth?
We offer in-office whitening which takes
about an hour and a half per office visit and usually offers immediate
results. We also offer a take-home whitening option.
What do you
think about the white strips being advertised these days?
While they will whiten your teeth some,
they are not nearly as potent or effective as the solutions we offer
in the practice and even in our take-home options. It will not hurt
your teeth so I do not advise against it, but if you are seriously
concerned about the color of your teeth, let us help you!
What makes you
different than any other dental practice I can visit?
Dr. Sapp and his team are focused
on patients and predicatable results. This focus permeates every aspect of the practice. Much of the anxiety of the dental experience comes from a lack of knowledge and a lack of confidence. Through good listening and communication skills, Dr. Sapp and his team provide an environment where people can relax in full knowledge of what to expect
My gums bleed
after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Yes. Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding
is a sign of inflammation which is the body's response to irritation
caused by tarter, food particles, bacteria or possibly some other pathological
problem such as gum disease. Make an appointment today and we will help you.
I really do
not like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help
me relax?
Congratulations - you are the first
person we have ever heard express that feeling! No, not really. Obviously,
many people have hesitation about dental work. Our friendly atmosphere
and relaxed manner are sure to put you at ease, but in extreme situations,
we will provide oral sedation to make sure you can be comfortable while
your mouth is made and kept healthy.
Do I have to
floss every day?
Is it really that important? Yes, it
is VERY important because the area between your teeth is sheltered
from the wear and chewing forces that occur in the rest of your mouth.
So, plaque and bacteria build up there quickly, and germs get worse
and more vicious as they destroy the health of your teeth and gums.
Which toothbrush
should I use and how often should I replace it? Aren't hard bristles
better?
The best toothbrush is one with soft,
rounded bristles. You should replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
Also remember to replace your toothbrush after you have been ill.
What type of
toothpaste do you recommend?
Brush your teeth at least twice a day
with toothpaste that is fluoride-based. Make sure the American Dental
Association (ADA) seal of acceptance is also associated with the chosen
toothpaste.
What type of
floss should I use?
Both waxed and unwaxed flosses effectively remove plaque and food, so just choose what you are most comfortable using. Many of my patients like flavored flosses.
I have never had a cavity. Why do I need to visit my dentist regularly?
We look for more than just decay during
oral exams. We check for early signs of gum disease, oral cancer and
other problems.
Are X-rays necessary?
Not all problems are visible to the
naked eye. X-rays provide early detection of decay between teeth, or
damage to the bone caused by gum disease and other problems. This prevents
extensive damage and expensive treatments. We are judicious in the
use of X-rays, and provide maximum protection to reduce the radiation
to which you are exposed to negligible levels. If you are pregnant,
or you think you may be, we may be able to delay X-rays until after
your baby is born.
What is tartar?
Tartar (or calculus) is crusty, mineralized
plaque that is yellow or brown in color. It can contribute to gum disease.
While tartar control toothpastes help, it can only be effectively removed
by your dental professional.
What should
I do if I chip a tooth or one is knocked out?
If a tooth is chipped, clean the injured
tooth with warm water. Come see us as soon as possible and bring any
broken pieces with you so we can try to bond them back onto your tooth.
If a tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown (or top), not the
more delicate root, and rinse it off. Then place the tooth in milk,
or wrap it in a damp cloth. If you get to the dentist within a half-hour,
there is a 90% chance the tooth can be replanted!
I just received
dental treatment (filling, crown or root canal). Do I need to do
anything special?
We try to make sure you are aware of
everything you need to do before you leave the office, but just as
a refresher, here are the basic reminders. For fillings and crowns,
avoid drinking hot liquids or eating chewy foods until the numbness
of your anesthesia wears off (it may last as long as four hours). This
will prevent you from accidentally burning your mouth with a hot drink
or biting your cheek or tongue. Afterward you may drink or eat anything
you want.
You might also experience a mild sensitivity
to heat and cold in the repaired tooth, but this usually disappears
within a few days. For root canals, the tissue surrounding your tooth
may become inflamed, and your tooth may be tender. Over-the-counter
pain treatment can help ease discomfort. Teeth that undergo root canal
treatment can also become discolored and may require bleaching, bonding or a crown.
Do I need to
clean any differently around my crown?
Yes. You need to be particularly vigilant
about brushing and flossing along the edges of your crown. Trapped
food and plaque can build up around the gum line and adjacent teeth,
which can then lead to gum disease or decay.
Why should I have a root canal? Can't you just remove my damaged tooth?
You are much better off retaining as
many of your natural teeth as possible. When teeth are extracted and
not replaced, adjacent teeth near the empty space begin to shift. This
can affect your chewing ability, cause your mouth to sink in, your
face to change appearance and even allow plaque to build up more easily.
Also, if teeth are not replaced, bridges may be more expensive than
root canals.
What should
I do if I lose a filling or crown?
Call and schedule an appointment immediately.
Do not put the filling or crown back on the tooth. Doing that could
cause damage or you may even swallow it. Just bring it with you to
the dentist. In the interim, keep the area clean by performing your
normal routine of brushing and flossing.