YOUR QUESTIONS
- Do you take new patients?
- Do you accept insurance?
- What can I expect on my first visit?
- What should I do if I have an emergency after the office is closed?
- Do you do cosmetic procedures?
- How do the doctors keep up to date on all of the current techniques and material?
- I don’t like to visit the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
- How can I have whiter teeth?
- What are dental implants?
- My gums bleed after I brush. Is there something to be concerned about?
1. Do you take new patients?
Absolutely! The highest compliment a patient can pay us is to refer our office to their family or friends.
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2. Do you accept insurance?
We are a fee for service practice, although we will be more than happy to assist you with your insurance needs. We can provide you insurance forms that you may attach to your claim form and submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Please review our financial section on our website for payment options.
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3. What can I expect on my first visit?
The first time you visit our office, we strive for two goals; one, to provide you with the most comfortable pleasant dental experience you’ve ever had; and two, to get to know you as thoroughly as possible. We suggest you allow at least 90 minutes for the appointment.
A separate appointment will be made for you with one of our hygienist, once the doctor can assess your gum tissue health. We’ll take whatever time is needed to learn about your medical history, dental health history, concerns in any areas of anxiety, and urgent problems. We’ll also do a comprehensive exam, observing and asking questions about everything from plain old tooth decay and periodontal disease, to warnings signs of clenching and grinding, oral cancer, bite misalignment, and even health issues and nutrition. While this may sound like a lot of information, we’re convinced that the better we know you, the more appropriately we can assess you health and help determine the best route of care for you.
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4. What should I do if I have an emergency after the office is closed?
Emergencies often do not coincide with regular office hours. Our office provides an emergency number for you to call to ensure that your emergency is handled as soon as possible.
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5. Do you do cosmetic procedures?
Dr. Howorth and Dr. Bartell have a number of ways to improve the look of your smile. We can arrange for a cosmetic consultation and a preview in your mouth of some of the possibilities that are available. We would be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your individual situation. It is always exciting to talk about a “new smile”.
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6. How do the doctors keep up to date on all of the current techniques and material?
Both Dr. Howorth and Dr. Bartell are committed to continuing education for themselves and their staff throughout the year. They subscribe to current industry journals along with being involved in a study group with their peers. The also belong to multiple distinguish dental organizations.
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7. I don’t like to visit the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
One of our top priorities is keeping our patients comfortable. The first step is to provide you with gentle treatment. For those who appreciate the opportunity to listen to special music we encourage you to bring your personal headphones/CD players to listen to during your visit. For others who may need help with physical relaxation, we offer the mild and safe relaxant method: nitrous oxide (laughing gas) the effects of which are fully reversible and allow the patient to operate normally by the conclusion of their visit.
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8. How can I have whiter teeth?
There are several ways you can have whiter teeth. We use an in house bleaching technique along with bleaching trays and material that you can take home. You can have custom trays made and a whitening material called “Opalescence”. This is a 15-20% solution of carbamide peroxide. This is just one of several whitening options available to you at our office. For example, some people who are not whitening product candidates, ask us to create their bright new smile through the use of bonding or porcelain veneers. Please see the related articles or ask at our office for more information about these procedures.
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9. What are dental implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a periodontist or an oral surgeon places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Once the implant is placed a waiting period needs to take place and then Dr. Howorth or Dr. Bartell call build upon the implant with a crown, bridge, partial or denture. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth.
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10. My gums bleed after I brush. Is there something to be concerned about?
Yes, you should be very concerned about bleeding gums, especially if you haven’t had an exam in a while. Bleeding gums may be a symptom of several problems, such as leaky fillings or gum disease. Healthy gums don’t bleed. While it may seem harmless, bleeding gums can cause a variety of serious health problems. If your gums are bleeding, call us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment so we can analyze the cause.
6013 Wedgwood Dr. • Fort Worth, Texas 76133 • Office: 817-346-6411 • info@bartelldds.com
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