Frequently Asked Questions
Your Guide to Saint Paul Dental Center
Our patients at St. Paul Dental Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, often come to us with common questions and concerns. For your convenience, we've posted some of them here with the answers. If you have a question that we haven't answered, please feel free to call us at (651) 227-6646 to find out more.
Do you accept dental insurance?
We accept most types of dental insurance. Our business staff will assist you in submitting claims to both dental and medical insurance for reimbursement. Make sure you bring all insurance cards and information regarding insurance submission to your appointment. We have found that some medical plans do cover dental implants. We can help patients who have flexible spending accounts maximize their benefits.
How can I make an appointment?
Appointments can be made anytime during regular hours, in person or by phone. Please call us at (651) 227-6646. If you cannot keep your appointment, we would appreciate at least 48 hours notice so that this time may be offered to others. We take great pride in seeing our patients on time, and every effort will be made to honor your appointment time.
What about emergencies?
We have a dentist available 24 hours a day, every day of the year for emergency situations. We feel it is important to contact a doctor when you have an emergency. When you call the office after hours, you will be instructed on what to do.
Is everything sterilized?
Yes. Our staff is highly trained in the proper methods of instrument sterilization and disinfection of operatory surfaces. All instruments and hand pieces are sterilized. Instruments that can withstand high temperatures are sterilized in a heat pressure autoclave. Plastic instruments that can't be heated are sterilized in chemical solutions. These methods of sterilization kill the viruses and microscopic organisms capable of transmitting diseases, including HIV.
Dental Implants — What are they?
Dental implants have become a choice treatment option for many patients who are missing one or more teeth. A dental implant is a replacement tooth "root" constructed of medical grade titanium. Dental implants are extremely stable, strong and natural looking. Patients with dental implants are able to eat, smile and laugh without fear or embarrassment that their denture may slip or click, or that their bridge will trap food.
What will happen when I get a dental implant?
The implant is inserted into the jawbone in the area of a missing tooth, and a "crown" is constructed to act as the visible portion of the tooth. Dental implant surgery is generally less painful than having a tooth surgically extracted. We will place the implant into the jawbone and then cover it with gum tissue, allowing it to heal and "osseointegrate," meaning that it will bond to the surrounding bone in the next two to four months.
While the healing process takes place, the patient wears a temporary replacement tooth. Once the implant has bonded to the surrounding bone, we will uncover it and attach a post to the implant protruding through the gum. At this point, we can build a permanent crown for the tooth. The final result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels and acts like a natural tooth.
With implant dentistry, can I have all of my care in one dental office versus having to go to two dental offices?
We provide complete surgical and restorative care in implant dentistry here at St. Paul Dental Center. Patients appreciate the convenience of having their entire implant treatment performed in one office.
With implant dentistry, how long will it take before I feel good again?
Implant surgery is considered minor surgery. We perform implant surgery right here in our office on an outpatient basis. In most cases, you can drive home and eat supper that night, and go to work the next day.
I've always dreamed of having whiter teeth. Can you help me?
Yes, in fact we've noticed that all of our patients want whiter teeth and have concluded it's a universal desire. Tooth whitening removes stains from the teeth caused by coffee, teas, tobacco, food and tartar. We've been using tooth whiteners for years and have never seen any adverse effect on teeth or gum tissue. With our tooth whitening procedure, we can help your teeth become up to nine shades lighter.
My friend just told me about a Smile Makeover. What exactly is that?
Cosmetic dentistry is the art and science of designing wonderful smiles. It involves all aspects of general dentistry with a special emphasis on individual teeth and their overall harmony and balance in your smile. Look carefully at your smile. If you feel it could be better, consider having a smile makeover.
A beautiful smile can increase your confidence and self-esteem, giving you an edge in your everyday activities by improving your professional and personal image. In short, a smile makeover is a complete reconstruction of your smile, from the inside out with a comprehensive analysis and redesign of your gum tissue and teeth.
How can I replace missing teeth?
A complete set of teeth improves your confidence and self-esteem, but it also increases the longevity of your natural teeth by removing stress placed on them. We have several procedures to help replace missing teeth, including implants, bridges, natural-looking partial or full dentures. It is not necessary to live with missing teeth any longer.
What about financing the dental procedure?
Our financial policy allows us to provide you with the best treatment available and does not limit your health to just what your plan covers. We will be happy to submit your insurance paperwork for you at the time of treatment. If you have any questions about your insurance, please feel free to call (651) 227-6646 for more information.
We offer several payment options for your convenience. We accept cash, checks, Visa and MasterCard. We also offer payment plans that match treatment plans with comfortable monthly payments.
Links
American Dental Association
Minnesota Dental Association
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
International Congress of Oral Implantology
American Association of Osseointegration
St. Paul District Dental Society
American Academy of Periodontology
