Frequently Asked Questions
- Does your office use lasers?
- What are my options to replace missing teeth?
- What is a digital X-ray, and how is it different from traditional X-rays?
- I avoid dental visits because of anxiety…is this normal? Can you help?
- Do you offer smile previews?
- What is smile design?
- How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?
- Do you accept referrals?
- What does my dental insurance cover?
- What payment options do you accept?
Does your office use lasers?
We use many kinds of lasers for precise, comfortable dentistry. DIAGNOdent is our cavity-detection laser. We will use it instead of a traditional dental hook to scan teeth for decay and areas prone to decay.
Our soft-tissue laser allows us to treat gum disease, perform crown lengthening and gum lifts, treat cold sores, and do biopsies. You will not need stitches after laser surgery, and bleeding is minimal. Most patients recover more quickly after laser surgery than they do following traditional surgery.
What are my options to replace missing teeth?
We offer bridgework, partials, full dentures, and dental implants to replace missing teeth. Learn more about these services on our Services page, then call for a consultation. With digital X-rays, intraoral photos, and a thorough assessment of your mouth, Dr. Hill can help you decide which replacement option is best for you.
What is a digital X-ray, and how is it different from traditional X-rays?
When compared to traditional radiography, digital X-rays emit about 80% less radiation. Detailed images are immediately available for view on a chairside monitor in a treatment room. We can transfer digital X-rays and photographs quickly via the Internet to insurance companies and specialists, as well. Digital X-rays require no hazardous developing chemicals, so they are earth friendly.
I avoid dental visits because of anxiety…is this normal? Can you help?
Many people fear dental visits. We understand dental anxiety and offer sedation dentistry to help you overcome your stress. With oral conscious sedation, we can help you gain full peace of mind so that you can receive the dental work you need – and deserve.
Do you offer smile previews?
Yes, we may use our digital imaging software to create a preview of your new smile. Dr. Hill may also create a wax up, which is a model of your smile altered to show the proposed effects of specific therapies.
What is smile design?
Smile design dentistry requires an initial consultation in which we will discuss your goals, preferences, and options for care. Generally speaking, we may suggest porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, all-white restorations, and/or replacement teeth. Invisalign clear braces may also be involved. After your comprehensive evaluation and consultation, we will present a smile makeover plan for your review. We offer digital imaging for smile previews, as well.
How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?
Depending on your unique case, we may suggest porcelain veneers or Invisalign clear braces. Read more about these procedures in our Dental Services area.
Do you accept referrals?
Yes, and thank you for your confidence. We appreciate your referrals and promise to extend the same comprehensive, caring service to your friends, family, and coworkers that we give you every time you visit.
What does my dental insurance cover?
Dental insurance is diverse. Some policies cover only a small percentage of fees, while others cover 50% or greater. The more you or your employer pays for premiums, the better the coverage, in most cases. Generally, dental insurance covers some restorative and preventive procedures. Cosmetic dentistry is not usually covered. We accept CareCredit, CitiHealth and Springstone third-party financing to make cosmetic dentistry affordable for our patients. If you have questions, call our St. Louis dental office. We will be happy to tell you what your insurance will cover.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards. Third-party financing is available through CareCredit, Springstone and CitiHealth, often at low or no interest for qualified applicants. Please see their websites for details. In addition, we accept most dental insurance plans and will gladly file your claim for you.
