FAQ

We get it. Finding a new dentist can be unnerving. To set your mind at ease, here are some of the questions we get every day when people call seeking a new dentist. If you have other questions or would like to follow up with some of the answers we’ve given here, just give us a call. We’re happy to help!

Always have a great experience here. They always take great care of my teeth. 10/10 every time.

Nick D.

Which type of toothbrush should I use?

The brand of the toothbrush is not as critical as the type of bristle and the size of the head. A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums, and a small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums. It’s unnecessary to “scrub” the teeth as long as you are brushing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings.

Is one toothpaste better than others?

Generally, no. However, it’s advisable to use a fluoride containing toothpaste to decrease the incidence of dental decay. We recommend our patients use what tastes good to them as long as it contains fluoride.

How often should I floss?

Flossing of the teeth once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy. Bacteria regenerate every 26 hours, so no matter when you floss, try to floss at about the same time every day. For tips on flossing technique, check with your hygienist. As long as you’re flossing, you might as well be flossing properly.

What's the difference between a 'crown' and a 'cap?'

These are restorations to repair a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth after removing old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and all decay. The restoration material is made of gold, porcelain, composites, or even stainless steel. Dentists refer to all of these restorations as “crowns.” However, patients often refer to the tooth-colored ones as “caps” and the gold or stainless steel ones as “crowns.”

What's the difference between a 'bridge' and a 'partial denture?'

Both bridges and partial dentures replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures.

What about 'silver' fillings versus 'white' fillings?

Although the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there is no health reason not to use amalgam (silver fillings), more patients today are requesting “white” or tooth-colored composite fillings. We also prefer tooth-colored fillings because they “bond” to the tooth structure and therefore help strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. White fillings are also usually less sensitive to temperature, and they also look better. However, “white” fillings cannot be used in every situation, and if a tooth is very badly broken-down, a crown will usually be necessary and provide better overall satisfaction for the patient.

Do I need to have a root canal just because I have to have a crown?

No. While most teeth which have had root canal treatments do need crowns to strengthen the teeth and to return the teeth to normal form and function, not every tooth needing a crown also needs to have a root canal.

Do you take my insurance?

We are in network with many PPO’s and traditional insurances. Please understand that we do not work for an insurance company. Rather, we work 100% for our patients. We feel that insurance can be a great benefit for many patients and want you to know that we will do everything in our power to ensure you get every benefit allotted in your insurance contract. However, the treatment we recommend and the fees we charge will always be based on your individual needs, not your insurance coverage. We strongly encourage you to be familiar with your own insurance and the dental benefits you have.

What should I expect on my first visit to your office?

A friendly staff, a welcoming office environment, and a gentle dentist experienced with patients who are scared of the dentist!

You are always welcome to visit our office for a tour prior to scheduling an appointment.

What if I don't have dental insurance?

No dental insurance? No problem. Many of our patients have no dental insurance and find it’s not a limiting factor. We have several options that our patients like:

SmileMore Dental Savings Plan. This popular plan is our own version of in-house membership for those patients who have no dental insurance. It’s better than dental insurance in our opinion. The premium is very low ($69) and paid only once per year. With that membership, you receive a 20% discount on all dental procedures that we do in-office and a 15% discount on almost everything we have to send out to a dental lab. Best of all, there is no maximum, no deductible, and nothing is denied. If Dr. Gambetta recommends it, it’s covered.

CareCredit. This is a great option for patients both with dental insurance and with no dental insurance. CareCredit helps you cover your dental expenses right away and oftentimes with a payment plan that is interest-free.

Pay as you go. Some patients prefer to pay for their dental treatment as they go along. For example, if a procedure has several appointments associated with it, some patients pay for a portion of their treatment at each visit.

Pre-pay. Some patients prefer to pre-pay for their treatment before they get started. We are flexible and can work with you however is most comfortable for you.

Having no dental insurance should never be a limiting factor in maintaining and improving your oral health. Give us a call. We’d love to talk with you about your options.

Do you take walk-in patients?

Yes! We know that life is oftentimes unplanned. If you have an emergency and are in the area, please stop by. Dr. Gambetta is committed to seeing emergencies the same day they happen, if possible. Please be patient if you stop in, however. We will do our best to fit you in around our already scheduled patients. It’s always preferable to call to minimize your wait, but we will absolutely try to fit you in if you walk in. Learn more about dental emergencies here.

What kind of warranties do you offer?

The long-term success of the dental treatment we provide for you depends upon your continuing home care of your teeth and gums, regular professional exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. The treatment recommended by us for you and the frequency of professional recare visits depends on your individual condition. Those visits may be every 2, 3, 4, or even 6 months apart, depending on your oral health. You must keep the prescribed regular recall appointments and complete recommended treatment in our office, or this dental warranty is null and void (minimum every 6 months).

Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings: If a composite restoration is the recommended treatment of choice, we will replace or repair our work in the event of failure for a period of 2 years. If the tooth breaks and requires a crown or onlay, we will credit the cost of the filling toward the crown or onlay.

Root Canals: Root canal treatment is about 96% successful. They do occasionally fail. If you lose your tooth within 3 years due to failure of the root canal, we will refund the root canal fee or apply it as a credit toward a replacement tooth.

Crowns, Bridges, Inlays, Onlays, and Porcelain Facings: We will warranty these comprehensive procedures for a full 5 years. We will replace or repair them at no charge during this five-year period if they break or decay with normal use. (This does not include accidents that could also break normal healthy teeth.)

Dentures and Partial Dentures: We will warranty dentures and partials for a period of 3 years if a tooth chips or breaks, or a flange breaks under normal use. This warranty does not cover accidents such as dropping your denture. Full upper and lower denture patients must be seen every 12 months.

I need urgent dental care. Do you take emergency patients?

If you are having pain and need to be seen immediately, call us before it gets worse! Emergencies like toothaches, a chipped tooth, a crown that fell out, or a tooth that gets knocked out happen – and we’re here to provide that urgent dental care.