Common Concerns

Clear Communication.

We'd like to provide convenient answers to your questions or concerns about our policies and procedures, via these frequently asked questions. However, if you have questions not addressed here, please contact us via email or phone and we'll be glad to talk them over with you.

• Do you accept my insurance plan?
• What different payment options do you provide?
• How can I have whiter teeth?
• What makes you different than any other dental practice I could visit?
• I don't like drills. Are there any other options?
• Is it bad if my gums bleed after I brush my teeth?
• I really don't like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
• Crowns, Onlays, Inlays, and Veneers.where can I learn more about these procedure?
• I'm a new patient and I know there are probably forms to fill out prior to my visit with Dr. Whittington. How can I get copies of these to fill out in advance?
• Do you accept referrals?
• What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?

Do you accept my insurance plan?

Our office is willing to work with any insurance company. This means that we will be happy to file your insurance for you, and will accept payment from them as well. However, we ask that patients understand up front the limitations of their own coverage, and take responsibility for their portion of the bill not covered by insurance. We are not contracted with any insurance company as a selected provider or PPO. So be certain you have the right to choose your own dentist. Many managed care insurance companies make you choose your dentist from their list. In any case, we're well-versed in the latest coverage trends, and are more than happy to discuss the particulars of your plan with you prior to any treatments you may undergo.

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What different payment options do you provide?

We accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards. Your insurance copay is due at the time of your visit, but we'll be happy to help you structure a payment plan after that time to pay out any remaining charges.

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How can I have whiter teeth?

At our office, we offer both a one-hour in-office whitening procedure, and an at-home whitening system, both from Rembrandt®. If you're interested in finding out how this procedure could help you obtain a brighter, lighter smile, Dr. Whittington will first evaluate your potential based on the current color of your teeth, and the causes of any discoloration. Once you and the doctor have decided on the most appropriate method, we'll simply take you through the process. With our one-hour in-office system, most patients can expect to end up with teeth approximately 8 shades brighter on the dental shade chart; the at-home system may have similar results, but may take 4 to 6 weeks.

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What makes you different than any other dental practice I could visit?

We're convinced that when you're dealing with dental science and the structural/esthetic complexities of the human mouth, practice really does make (almost!) perfect. For example, while nearly everyone offers 'Cosmetic Dentistry', not everyone has the expertise attained from over 20 years of experience applying the very latest materials and methods. Or, consider how that level of experience improves our ability to perform the many complex aspects of Implant Dentistry. Whereas many dentists can oversee the process for you, sending you to a special surgeon for the implant itself, then completing the restoration afterwards.at our office, we actually carry out the entire series of steps right here, with over two decades of expertise behind us.

All told, Dr. Whittington's many years of practice, professionalism, and persistent learning enable us to confidently offer you true excellence in every aspect of your dental care.

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I don't like drills. Are there any other options?

Fortunately for patients like you, there is a relatively new filling preparation technique known as "Laser Dentistry", which both removes decay and prepares teeth for a restoration (filling). Dr. Whittington simply cleans out and prepares the site to be filled by sending a light beam with water and air that erases the decay. Laser dentistry is quick, relatively painless, and avoids sacrificing tooth structure.

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Is it bad if my gums bleed after I brush my teeth?

Bleeding gums are definitely something to be concerned about! Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough, 'scrubbing' instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. Most of the time, we find chronic gum disease to be the culprit. Your best and safest solution is to contact our office for an evaluation appointment.

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I really don't like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?

We understand how anxious many people can be about visiting the dentist. That's why we strive to create a relaxing atmosphere, and offer relaxation and anti-anxiety aids for individual levels of concern. For example, before any procedure, we take the time to get to know you, understand your concerns, and help alleviate them. We also have personal headphones available for every treatment room, to help you relax. As necessary, we offer 3 levels of sedation. If you need only to take the edge off of the procedure, we will administer nitrous oxide with oxygen. If you need more, we can add a prescription sedative to take prior to the appointment. If you want the visit to be totally pain free and not even remember parts of your visit, we offer intravenous sedation. When you come in for your evaluation, just let us know how you're feeling, and we'll work together with you to put you completely at ease.

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Crowns, Onlays, Inlays, and Veneers.where can I learn more about these procedure?

With today's technology, materials, and advanced techniques, we have many options for restoring weak, broken, chipped, discolored, and/or crooked teeth.bringing them back to their original shape and function. For example, we can apply an all-porcelain crown, somewhat like a 'cap', that covers the entire outside of the problem tooth. Crowns are also helpful to cover large areas of decay after they've been filled. Or, for large decayed or damaged surface chewing areas requiring restoration, we can apply a protective covering/filling or "onlay" made of either precious metal, or composite resin material, thereby adding strength and preventing decay. If you need fillings, we can use porcelain 'inlays' instead of silver amalgam. actually strengthening the tooth and protecting it against further fracture. Similarly, we can restore cracked, discolored, crooked or otherwise unattractive front teeth to pretty, natural shapes and shades by applying paper-thin porcelain veneers to the fronts.

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I'm a new patient and I know there are probably forms to fill out prior to my visit with Dr. Whittington. How can I get copies of these to fill out in advance?

Simply click on the "New Patient Forms" link on the side of this page, and we'll be happy to provide you with the forms you'll need ahead of time. If your computer has Adobe Acrobat, you can download the forms directly to your printer. If not, you can download Adobe Acrobat from our link first. If you don't have access to a computer, we can fax or mail the forms to you. Don't worry though, if you don't get the forms prior to the appointment you can simply come in a few minutes early to fill them out.

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Do you accept referrals?

You are measured by what your friends and family have to say about you. Since we consider our patients friends and family, we are extremely happy when they refer new patients to us. We also want our new friends to receive the same gentle and understanding care, so they will refer friends and family. If new patients have copies of their records and x-rays, we can do more accurate assessments of their needs when they come in.

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What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?

In case of a true dental emergency, please call our office number as printed on our business card or in the phone book. You may reach Dr. Whittington directly, if not, leave a message as to the nature of your condition. We will return the call as soon as possible, providing as much helpful information as possible over the phone and arranging to see you in person as needed.

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