Frequently Asked Dental Questions - West Seneca, NY
Our Answers to
Our Patient’s Foremost Concerns
Is there anything you’re unsure about in regards to your care? Or is there a question about dentistry that you’ve always wanted answered? Our experts at Applegate Dental are always glad to share their knowledge with patients. If you don’t see an answer to your own question below, call us – our team is always happy for the chance to help patients learn the best ways to care for their smiles.
How often should I visit Applegate Dental?
The American Dental Association and our West Seneca dentists and team emphasize preventive dental checkups in order to help patients achieve and maintain their healthiest smiles for life, and that means visiting our dental office twice a year for best results.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease also known as gum disease occurs when plaque or tartar buildup at the gum line irritates the soft tissue leading to inflammation, bleeding, pain, or discomfort. The earliest stages, gingivitis, are typically treatable with more frequent professional cleanings, but in the advanced stages, periodontitis, more extensive treatments may be necessary.
I get nervous before visiting the dentist. Can you help?
Everyone has unique comfort levels when it comes to visiting the dentist. If you are uneasy or have dental-related phobias, we strive to help you relax in our welcoming and compassionate environment. Our friendly team will take the time to get to know you to address your discomforts. We will make all efforts possible to accommodate your special requirements. In some cases, nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, can be used to help you reach a higher level of relaxation.
Do you offer Invisalign for adults and adolescents?
To help you remain confident while on your journey to a straight, healthy smile, we offer a more sophisticated treatment with Invisalign for teens and adults. The orthodontic system uses a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth to gently shift them into their ideal alignment. You must be committed to wearing them for about 22 hours each day. For teens, this can be an issue, which is why Invisalign Teen is uniquely crafted to feature an indicator showing how long they have been worn to help with compliance. Ask about either service during your next visit, or call to schedule an Invisalign consultation today.
Does teeth whitening work?
Over-the-counter whitening products seem to be a great choice because they are convenient while promising to provide drastic results; however, they rarely deliver their promise because they do not contain professional-quality whitening agents. You can enjoy the convenience of an over-the-counter product and drastic results using our at-home whitening kit. Our professional kits use higher dosages of whitening agents to deeply penetrate the enamel to lift away tough stains. The custom-made whitening trays allow for a more precise application method to offer superior results. Your teeth will become several shades whiter from the comfort of your own home. Schedule a consultation for teeth whitening to find out more.
Do you take my insurance?
We are happy to process and file claims for any insurance provider in order to help patients make the most of their coverage. Please feel free to ask our team if you have insurance questions at any time. We’re happy to help.
What can you tell me about Healthplex from Medicare?
Healthplex is a great cost cutting preventive dental rider for some patients who are carry Independent Health as their Medicare supplement. With Healthplex, these patients are partially or fully reimbursed for many of their necessary preventive treatments such as six-month checkups, teeth cleanings, and x-rays. Feel free to contact us with questions, or to find out more about Healthplex.