FAQ
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Introduction
Our team of doctors and staff is committed to ensuring that you have a comfortable visit and leave with results you can confidently share. Our administrative team is also here to assist with any questions you may have regarding scheduling, financial policies, or insurance, helping to streamline the process for you.
First Visit
Your initial appointment includes a consultation to discuss your diagnosis and treatment. Surgery may be performed the same day, or a follow-up appointment may be needed for complex cases.
Bring:
- Surgical referral slip and any relevant x-rays
- List of current medications
- Completed insurance forms (if applicable)
Important: Patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
For surgeries with IV anesthesia, fast for 8 hours and arrange for an adult driver. Inform us of any medical conditions or medications that may affect surgery.
If you have x-rays, bring them or have them sent to our office. Additional films can be taken here if needed.
Scheduling
We will make every effort to schedule your appointment as soon as possible. If you are experiencing pain or have an emergency, we will prioritize seeing you on the same day.
While we aim to keep appointments on schedule, the variety of dental services we offer may sometimes require more time for certain procedures. Additionally, emergency cases can occasionally lead to delays. We truly appreciate your understanding and patience during these times.
For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 359-4433 or fax us at (718) 463-6624.
Patient Billing
For your convenience, we accept all forms of payment. We strive to provide the best care at the most reasonable cost, so payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If you have any questions about your account, please contact us at (718) 359-4433 or fax us at (718) 463-6624. Often, a quick phone call can resolve any misunderstandings.
Please note, you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office, regardless of your insurance coverage.
Insurance
At Fine Art Dental, we are committed to offering you exceptional care along with flexible financial options. We work closely with you to ensure that you receive the maximum insurance reimbursement for eligible procedures. If you have any questions or encounter any issues, our knowledgeable and up-to-date staff is here to assist you. You can reach them at our Flushing office at (718) 359-4433 or fax us at (718) 463-6624.
If you have any inquiries or concerns about your first visit, don’t hesitate to call.
Please remember to bring your insurance information with you to the consultation to help us streamline the reimbursement process.
Infection Control
Infection control and universal precautions are essential for protecting both our patients and staff. Everyone benefits from rigorous protocols, including you, your dentist, and our dental team. Trust is the foundation of a safe dental practice, and we encourage you to ask about our procedures for peace of mind.
Our team follows guidelines from federal agencies, including the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These procedures include:
- Disinfectant hand soap
- Gloves and face masks
- Chemical disinfection of surfaces
- Sterilization of all equipment before each use
- Use of disposable materials
We sterilize all reusable equipment, such as dental handpieces, using a top-of-the-line autoclave, which kills bacteria and viruses with steam, heat, and pressure.
The best defense against disease is knowledge. The more you understand our procedures, the more comfortable and informed you will feel in making decisions about your care.
Our Technology
Precision Dentistry
When you visit our office, you can trust that our team uses the latest technology to enhance both the quality and accuracy of your dental care.
- High-Power Microscopes: We use advanced microscopes to ensure precision in every procedure.
- Microsurgical Approach: Dentistry is a form of micro-surgery. By utilizing a microscope similar to those used by ophthalmologists, we can achieve the perfect fit and finish for restorations. This level of precision is unattainable with the naked eye.
- Reduced Glare: The microscope also directs light onto the teeth, minimizing glare for better visibility during detailed work.
- Electric Handpieces: Unlike traditional air-driven handpieces that may cause vibrations and noise, we use electric handpieces for greater precision. This results in a more accurate fit for crowns, veneers, and fillings, ensuring more comfort with less vibration.
Digital Imaging
We carefully select the timing and type of radiographs we take, always following strict guidelines. Radiographs help us detect things that are invisible to the naked eye, such as:
- Cavities: Detect cavities between teeth that would otherwise go unnoticed.
- Bone Health: Assess the condition of your jawbone and surrounding tissue.
- Root & Nerve Health: Examine the roots and nerves of your teeth to identify potential issues like cysts, tumors, or trauma.
Benefits of Digital Imaging:
- Minimal Exposure: Digital radiographs have a significantly lower radiation exposure—about 50% less compared to traditional methods.
- Clearer Images: We can get better images to spot cavities and other issues faster.
- Efficient Communication: Images are stored digitally and can be quickly shared with specialists or insurance companies.
Digital X-Rays
- Higher Precision: Digital X-rays offer clearer images that we can view directly on a computer screen, rather than using traditional film.
- Reduced Radiation: Digital X-rays reduce your radiation exposure to only 1/6th of what traditional X-rays would emit.
Intraoral Camera
Our younger patients, in particular, are familiar with modern technology and appreciate the clarity it brings. Here’s how the intraoral camera benefits you:
- Small and Precise: This tiny camera captures detailed, clear images of your teeth, gums, and mouth, enhancing diagnosis accuracy.
- Better Diagnosis: It helps us identify problems such as tooth decay, cracked fillings, broken teeth, and signs of gum disease.
- Efficient Treatment Planning: With clear, enlarged images, we can create an effective and timely treatment plan.
- Permanent Records: Intraoral cameras allow us to save images for future reference, ensuring you always have a record of your dental history. These images can be shared with other specialists or insurance companies.
By utilizing these advanced technologies, we provide precise and efficient care that is tailored to your needs.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is a colorless, sweet-smelling, non-irritating gas that is safe to inhale.
It has been a common choice for sedation in dentistry for many years. Typically, patients receive a mix of 50-70% oxygen and no less than 30% nitrous oxide.
While breathing on their own, patients can maintain control over their bodily functions.
Some patients may experience mild memory loss or fall asleep, not recalling everything that happened during their appointment.
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide:
- The level of sedation can be adjusted at any time to increase or decrease its effects.
- There are no lingering aftereffects, such as a “hangover.”
- Inhalation sedation is safe and doesn’t cause side effects on vital organs like the heart and lungs.
- It helps reduce gagging effectively.
- It acts quickly, reaching the brain within 20 seconds and starting to work in as little as 2-3 minutes for relaxation and pain relief.
Reasons to Avoid Nitrous Oxide:
Nitrous Oxide should not be used by individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although there are no significant contraindications, it may be unsuitable for those with emphysema, severe chest issues, multiple sclerosis (M.S.), a cold, or breathing difficulties.
If you’re unsure, ask your dentist for a “5-minute trial” to test how you feel with this type of sedation before continuing.
Post-Treatment Care
After Cosmetic Reconstruction:
It may take some time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite or position of the teeth changes, the brain requires several days to adjust to the new position or thickness of the teeth.
You may experience hot and cold sensitivity as your teeth heal after the removal of tooth structure. Your gums could also be sore for a few days, but warm saltwater rinses (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day can help reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin), taken every 3-4 hours should ease any residual discomfort.
It’s normal if your speech is slightly affected in the first few days. You’ll soon adapt and speak normally. You may also notice increased salivation due to the new size and shape of your teeth, but this will return to normal after about a week.
Daily brushing and flossing are essential to ensure the long-term success of your new dental work. Plaque removal is critical, and regular cleanings are important.
Be cautious with hard or sticky foods that can crack, chip, or damage your new teeth. These include foods like beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils. Smoking can stain your new teeth, so it’s best to avoid it. Also, try to minimize or avoid foods that stain, such as coffee, red wine, tea, and berries.
If you play sports, let us know so we can create a custom mouthguard. Additionally, if you grind your teeth at night, make sure to wear the night guard provided to protect your teeth. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile may take time, and if you have any concerns, feel free to reach out.
After Crown and Bridge Appointments:
Crowns and bridges typically require two or three appointments. During the first visit, your teeth will be prepared, and molds will be taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restorations are being made.
Since the teeth are anesthetized, you may experience numbness in your lips, tongue, and roof of the mouth. Avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until the numbness wears off completely.
Occasionally, a temporary crown may come off. If this happens, bring it to your next appointment so we can re-cement it. Keeping the temporary crown in place is important to prevent other teeth from shifting, which could compromise the fit of your final restoration.
To keep the temporary crowns in place:
- Avoid sticky foods (like gum) and hard foods.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth when possible.
- Brush as usual, but floss carefully without pulling up on the floss, which may dislodge the temporary.
Some temperature or pressure sensitivity is normal after each appointment, but this should subside a few weeks after the final restoration is placed. You may use mild pain medication as directed to manage discomfort.
After Tooth Extraction:
After a tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after your appointment. If bleeding continues, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. Repeat this process if necessary.
Once the blood clot forms, avoid activities that could disturb or dislodge it:
- Do not rinse vigorously.
- Avoid sucking on straws, smoking, drinking alcohol, or brushing near the extraction site for 72 hours.
- Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as it can increase blood pressure and cause more bleeding.
After the extraction, you may experience some pain and swelling. Ice packs or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn can help reduce swelling. The swelling usually subsides within 48 hours. Follow the pain medication instructions and contact us if the medication doesn’t seem to be working.
Continue to take any prescribed antibiotics for the full course, even if signs of infection go away. Drink plenty of fluids and eat soft, nutritious foods on the day of the extraction. Once you feel comfortable, you can resume normal eating.
After 24 hours, you can resume your normal dental routine, including brushing and flossing at least once a day. This will help speed up the healing process and keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days, you should feel better and be able to resume your regular activities. However, if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or swelling lasting 2-3 days, or if you have a reaction to the medication, let us know immediately.
After Composite Fillings (White Fillings):
If anesthetic was used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid chewing or drinking hot beverages until the numbness wears off to prevent biting or burning your tongue or lip.
It’s normal to experience hot, cold, or pressure sensitivity after your appointment. If you have persistent sensitivity beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact us for further guidance. For mild discomfort, you can take Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol, or Aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed).
You can chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic wears off, as they are fully set when you leave the office.
If your bite feels uneven or if you have persistent pain, please reach out to us.
For any concerns or questions regarding any of the above, please feel free to contact us at (718) 359-4433 or fax us at (718) 463-6624. We are always here to assist you.
- Introduction
- First Visit
- Scheduling
- Patient Billing
- Insurance
- Infection Control
- Our Technology
- Nitrous Oxide
- Post-Treatment Care