Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Ledgewood, NJ
Your Dentistry Questions Answered
As a hometown dental office that prides itself on timely, patient-focused care, we want to help you and your family better understand what we offer and how we operate. Below is a list of questions and answers that we hope will provide greater clarity when it comes to your oral health and how we can help.
How often should I see a dentist?
We adhere to the recommendation of the American Dental Association that individuals of all ages should plan to visit the dentist every six months for regular dental checkups and cleanings. If additional visits are necessary, we will discuss this with you during your appointment. It is during these visits that we can carefully check for signs of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer as well as remove any bacteria that pose a threat to your oral and overall health.
Is there hope for me if my smile is badly damaged and decayed?
Yes! When scheduling an appointment with Dr. McCleaster, he will examine your smile and discuss your individual goals. Depending on the severity of your damage and decay, he may be able to offer customized dental crowns, bridges, or even dentures. However, if you require more extensive care to improve the health and look of your smile, he may recommend a full-mouth reconstruction, which combines multiple services into one, streamlined treatment plan.
Can I straighten my teeth without metal braces?
Traditional metal braces are not the only solution available. Instead, you can opt for clear aligners if you prefer a more subtle form of orthodontic treatment. At our dental office, we are pleased to provide ClearCorrect, which is designed to gently shift teeth into proper alignment in less time than regular braces (typically 12-18 months as opposed to 2-3 years).
My tooth pain went away on its own. Should I still see a dentist?
Yes, you should still plan to come in for an appointment. Pain is only one symptom that you may or may not experience. More serious issues may exist in an area of the mouth you cannot see. Taking digital X-rays and carefully examining your smile will allow us to determine if the problem is more severe or if you are free to return home and resume normal activity. Forgoing a dental emergency appointment simply because the pain is no longer an issue is not a wise idea. If there is a problem, it will only worsen, resulting in costlier treatment being needed to fix the issue.
I am missing a tooth. What are my options?
Tooth loss can be problematic, especially when it comes to eating, speaking, or smiling. Dr. McCleaster, however, can offer three unique options: dentures (full or partial), dental bridges, or dental implants. Each has its own unique advantages but replacing your missing teeth with permanent prosthetics will provide greater stability, functionality, and longevity. Although we do not currently place posts in-house, we do provide implant restoration, ensuring your new crown, bridge, or denture looks and feels completely natural.
Will you accept my dental insurance?
We are happy to work with your insurance no matter which carrier you have. Our team will help to maximize your benefits so you save the most money each time you visit. We’ll also file any paperwork and claims.
If I don’t have dental insurance, how can I make sure my care is affordable?
We are pleased to partner with CareCredit. As a third-party financing company, they offer the opportunity to apply for a low or zero-interest payment plan that adheres to your budget and timeline. Instead of worrying about how much you’ll be expected to pay at the start of treatment, you can break up the cost and pay it over time.