I never cease to be amazed at the transformation of people who regain a healthy, confident smile. It’s easy to be excited with them! The benefits they’ll come to realize are much more than an improved smile’s appearance.

A healthy mouth, free from persistent bad breath, plaque, tartar and periodontal problems and disease, is the foundation to a more confident smile. It also helps to lessen the constant dental repairs that many people endure as a result of an unhealthy oral environment.

If you’re frustrated by continual oral problems, overcoming these perceived obstacles may be easier than you realize.
•Cost: Granted, many dental treatments that require extended chair time and advanced skills can be quite the financial commitment. While I’ve never had a patient say their restored smile wasn’t worth every cent, those who forgo treatment due to cost are often missing the big picture. Spending large amounts on trips, cars, boats, etc. may give a temporary feeling of excitement, yet, the daily and longterm physical and psychological benefits of healthy smiles are priceless.
•Financing: When a patient makes the commitment to optimize their oral health or have dental implants, many inquire about financial options. We offer excellent payment plans, some with no down payment and no interest the first year. For those who prefer to pay without financing, our Financial Coordinator is a wiz at helping patients combine insurance and financing. Ask to meet with her after you have your treatment plan — you may be surprised how manageable our payment arrangements can be!
•Fear of discomfort: In this day and age, it’s sad that many adults still have dental fears. Today’s dentistry offers many comfort options and many practices use advanced technology, which optimizes comfort and shortens treatment and healing time. We offer sedation to help patients relax before and throughout treatment, typically erasing memory of the procedure afterward. I’m pleased that most patients who opt for sedation initially soon feel they don’t really need it. This comes from a relationship of trust and our commitment to making comfort a priority at every visit.
•Treatment time: Many procedures can be completed in just a few visits. Our advanced technology also helps lessen treatment time while increasing your level of comfort. Some patients prefer to combine several appointments into one or two long appointments. With the help of Oral Sedation, they are able to remain totally relaxed throughout and enjoy a quick recovery afterward.

Your smile plays a significant role in your appearance and overall health. Having a confident, healthy smile helps you avoid time and expense for repairs in the future. If you have questions, please call (828) 274-9440 to schedule a consultation so we can discuss treatment options. You may be closer to a healthy, worry-free smile than you know!

Occasionally, our front office receives calls from people who are calling different offices to check fees. While we all want to spend our money wisely, these types of comparisons don’t always give an ‘apples to apples’ accuracy.

Take, for example, the inquiry, “How much are Dental Implants?”  Is the caller wanting the cost of the implant and placement procedure? Or, does he want to know the added cost for the replacement tooth. And, since one implant can hold more than one tooth (in many cases), calculating the cost of three implants and three replacement teeth may be far more than is necessary, when one implant and a bridge of three teeth will suffice.

It’s also difficult to answer cost questions since no two mouths are alike and fees can vary according to the type of implant that’s best suited to the individual’s need. Or, for example, to learn the fees to repair a ‘gummy’ smile, the number of teeth involved will largely determine the rate. Although, veneers or crowns may be recommended as part of the treatment to improve or protect natural teeth. These fees are extra.

Another issue with cost comparison is even more concerning when people try to ‘shop’ for the ‘best price.’ While a dentist or specialist may have higher fees for certain procedures, there is often a good reason. Having your treatment provide a flattering, natural look and feel that gives exceptional longevity and does not compromise your bite alignment (which can eventually cause headaches, chipped teeth, sore jaws, etc.) is worth the extra for a dentist who is highly trained, skilled and experienced.

For example, a dentist who has taken a few weekend courses on placing one particular type of  dental implant may offer a terrific rate. However, doctors don’t ‘guarantee’ work since, once the patient is out their door, the dentist no longer has control over its care. With implants, when not selected or placed properly, failures (and therefore, removal) can occur. When implants have to be removed, the investment is down the drain.

Think of your dental investment like you would when selecting a new roof for your family’s home. Would you pick the cheapest company, realizing the materials and workmanship will likely be inferior? Be committed to finding the right dental professional to do the job to the highest standards. A healthy, appealing smile is an investment that’s worth the very best!

There are few things that add so much to your life than a healthy smile. Not only does the health of your mouth impact your overall health, having a great smile tends to boost self-confidence, self-esteem and causes people to smile more often, projecting a positive and upbeat individual.

When a patient decides they cannot afford needed dentistry because “my insurance won’t cover it,” it is the insurance company who is smiling. Insurance firms are profit-making companies. Their goal is to cover ‘basic necessities’ rather than what will enhance your long-term well-being.

For those who make their own decision on what they want, we offer excellent payment options. These enable patients to enjoy the benefits of a confident smile while making monthly payments that fit their budgets. Many of these options require no down payment and are interest free. Some treatments are also tax deductible.

Our goal is to help patients achieve the healthy smile they desire regardless of their insurance coverage. For those patients who know ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way,’ I frequently hear, “It’s the best investment I ever made!” once their new smile is part of their life.

To discuss payment options, call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation. Your new smile may be adding joy to your life soon!

Over the years, we’ve had a few patients who had a fear level so high that they couldn’t bring themselves to walk in our door. As a periodontal specialist, I know that many people with periodontal disease acquire it because their dental fears prevent them from regular dental care. Please know that we are experienced in caring for high-fear patients and have several options for comfort, including Oral Sedation.

Oral Sedation is in pill form, so no needles are used to administer the medication. It is safe and taken prior to the patient’s arrival at our office. This means they are typically very relaxed and comfortable by the time they arrive. Additionally, our staff members monitor sedated patients throughout their procedure. Oral Sedation also eliminates most memory of the visit and recovery is quick.

Occasionally, a patient leaves our care because their insurance becomes ‘out-of’-network,’ often due to a job change or policy adjustment. Our standard of care is such that not every insurance is sufficient for the high standards that referring Doctors and patients have come to know here. We have some patients who have out-of-network policies, yet prefer the care we provide versus others who are in-network. These patients merely pay for the portion not covered by their insurance and we file so any reimbursement is sent directly to them.

I’m proud to say I have had VERY few patients who’ve left because they were unhappy with something. In most cases, the patient never voiced a concern or expectation. While my staff and I try hard to address any issue to a patient’s satisfaction, I’ve come to know that you cannot please ALL the people ALL the time, no matter what you do.

If you have questions about any area that creates an obstacle in having care provided by us, please mention this. For those who have left and wish to return, please know our door is open. Your optimal dental health is our ultimate desire!