FAQ

Your Questions Answered

What's your specialty?
Do I really need regular appointments?
When should I floss?
Is clenching my teeth dangerous?
Do pregnant women have special dental needs?
What happens when I lose a back tooth?
Why aren't you a PPO?
What insurance do I have?
How much will insurance cover?
Why do I have to pay at the time of service?

What's your specialty?
We specialize in comprehensive dental care for adults and children with a strong focus on continual patient education. We offer flexible hours, a convenient location, a fun-spirited staff, and the newest technologies available.

Do I really need regular appointments?
Some people neglect regular visits because they have healthy teeth. In fact, regular appointments are about more than just clean teeth. We also check for signs of oral cancer. Early detection of cavities allows for more conservative treatment.

When should I floss?
You only have to floss once a day and we recommend doing it in the evening, the last thing before bed (but it can be done at any convenient time). Floss gently with unwaxed floss that resists shredding. There are implements available to help you reach back teeth. After flossing, brush and rinse thoroughly so bacteria can't enjoy any leftovers caught between your teeth while you sleep. This will make bacteria less likely to secrete acids that cause decay.

Is clenching my teeth dangerous?
Clenching your jaw excessively when you are stressed or during sleep is not normal and can damage teeth and lead to headaches, joint problems and tooth fractures.. Untreated, clenching and grinding your teeth can cause hypersensitivity to hot and cold, fractures and even loosen teeth. Early diagnosis and treatment can ward off pain before it starts and help you avoid the problems associated with this condition.

Do pregnant women have special dental needs?
The changes that arise in a woman's dental health when she is expecting may surprise the average person. For instance, a problem called pregnancy gingivitis shows up in most pregnant women caused by increases in hormones that change blood flow. Gums may become puffy and bleed easily. Contact us with any questions about pregnancy and your dental health. We share your excitement as you look forward to your new family member and are here to help with any special needs.

What happens when I lose a back tooth?
If a back tooth is lost, it can have a significant effect on one's appearance. Teeth shift when the missing tooth is no longer there to support the others, creating changes in your bite. A sinking or puckering may also become obvious between cheeks and mouth, and lips may look thinner and straighter. There are many options for replacement; bridges, implants, or partials may be a good option. A bridge can be used to keep the teeth functioning properly and maintain their stability or implants may be the treatment of choice. Come talk with us about what option will work best for you.

Bone loss in the jaw will always follow the loss of a tooth and can cause facial changes, speech changes and diet changes. Successfully placed dental implants cause the bone to grow around the anchor and firmly hold it in place. Dental implants can restore normal eating and speaking abilities, increase denture retention and enhance facial appearance.

Why aren't you a PPO?
At North Seattle Dental, we have a very high standard of care. These plans require dentists to treat a large number of patients and treatment is not dictated by what is best for the patient, but by what is best for the insurance company. At North Seattle Dental, we dedicate our chair time to one patient at a time and offer the best treatment option for you and your individual situation.

What insurance do I have?
It is best to find out from your company's Human Resource group about what insurance you have and bring information with you to your appointment. We can check our computer to see if we have your employer's dental coverage on file.

How much will insurance cover?
We can check benefits and give you an estimate of what your insurance may cover.

Why do I have to pay at the time of service?
As a courtesy to our patients, we will gladly process your insurance claim forms. Our responsibility is to provide you with the treatment that best meets your needs, not to try to match your care to insurance plan limitations. Therefore, when a service has been provided, it is the patient's responsibility to pay estimated portions at the time of service. Patients without insurance must pay in full at time of service. We offer a 5% discount with cash or check and a 3% discount for credit or debit card.