The friendly staff at Taff & Levine, DDS, PA is always available to answer your dental questions. Here are answers to a few of the questions our patients commonly ask. If you don’t find what your looking for here, email us at taffandlevine@comcast.net or call 301.530.3717.
How often should one see the dentist? How often should one have x-rays taken? What can one expect at a first visit appointment? What kinds of “specialized services” does the practice offer? How does the practice handle emergencies? Does the practice participate with my insurance plan? Does the practice provide payment plans? What are the practice’s sterilization procedures? What are the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) policies of the practice? Will I feel comfortable at the practice? What Causes Tooth Loss? What Causes Periodontal Diseases? Can Periodontal Diseases Be Prevented? How Does Plaque Attack the Gums? How Do You Stop Plaque Attacks?
How often should one see the dentist? We recommend twice yearly unless otherwise indicated. back to top
How often should one have x-rays taken? Bitewing films should be taken annually. A full mouth set of films (16) should be taken every five (5) years. If at any time one presents to the office with a specific complaint, a peri-apical film will be taken to aid in our diagnosis. back to top
What can one expect at a first visit appointment? First appointments are generally with the hygienist for a thorough cleaning and examination by the doctor. A periodontal evaluation and oral cancer exam will be performed. If indicated, films will be taken and reviewed by the doctor. Lastly, our hygiene staff will review home care instructions with each patient. back to top
What kinds of “specialized services” does the practice offer? Our office can perform most dental procedures “under one roof”. General procedures as well as surgical and endodontic (root canal) services are provided routinely “in house”. Short of extremely complicated cases, most of our patients enjoy the comfort of staying with us for most of their dental needs. Some of the newest procedures we offer are the following:
back to top
How does the practice handle emergencies? The office is open Monday through Friday with space reserved daily for emergencies. There is always a dentist on call every evening as well as weekends. They will be happy to see you in the office after hours if it is determined that your emergency is something that needs immediate attention. back to top
Does the practice participate with my insurance plan? The practice does not “participate” with any insurance plans however, we will bill your provider and send a statement to the patient for the remaining balance. The most important question one must ask their insurance company is “May I go to any provider regardless of participation in my plan. If the answer is “yes”, we can work with your carrier and receive reimbursement on your behalf. back to top
Does the practice provide payment plans? Yes, in fact there are many options depending on one’s needs. We work with an outside vendor to finance large cases, and we offer “in house” financing interest free for ninety (90) days. In special cases, we will finance cases up to one hundred and eighty (180) days with prior approval from the doctor, interest free. back to top
What are the practice’s sterilization procedures? Most dental supplies today are disposable with the exception of the instruments which are auto-claved after each patient visit. One will always see the dentists, hygienists, or assistants open the sterilized bag of instruments in front of the patient. Gloves are worn in all phases of treatment and disposed of properly. Fluid resistant jackets are worn by all treatment providers and one will feel comfortable knowing that each room is completely sterilized after each use with Opti-Cide 3, an anti bacterial, fungal, and viral disinfectant. We exceed all OSHA (Occupational Safety and Hazardous Association) requirements and receive continuing education on all of their new procedures. back to top
What are the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) policies of the practice? We will provide each patient with a list of our policies regarding HIPAA. Our patient’s advise us as to where they want to be called, who we may speak with, and what information we can and can not disclose. In turn, we will provide a list of patient rights regarding their healthcare as well as a list of who we will share their information with. back to top
Will I feel comfortable at the practice? Most definitely… from the minute you enter our door. A lovely waiting room awaits, complete with a plasma flat screen television, coffee bar, and an endless choice of the newest magazines in print. We even go one step further. We will confirm your appointment the day before your visit, offer free parking in front of our office, and accept major credit cards for your convenience. Even better, we will be happy to file your insurance claim electronically on the same day of your appointment. Chances are, each time you’re in our office, the same people will meet and greet you. Our average length of employment for staff members is fifteen (15) years. And remember, your comfort is our pleasure! back to top
What Causes Tooth Loss? The most common causes of tooth loss are dental caries, also known as tooth decay, and periodontal disease, which affects the gums and bone structure that supports the teeth. Dental caries is the major cause of tooth loss in children, and periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults; however, it too can afflict youngsters. back to top
What Causes Periodontal Diseases? Plaque, a thin, colorless, sticky film containing bacteria, which constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria use carbohydrates—sugars and starches—to produce an acid that attacks the enamel covering the teeth. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel can be broken down and a cavity begins. Continued acid attacks eventually dissolve the enamel and penetrate the softer, inner layer of the tooth, where decay can spread rapidly throughout the toothʼs structure. Acid attacks begin immediately after every meal or snack and last about 20 to 30 minutes. back to top
Can Periodontal Diseases Be Prevented? Teeth can be protected from acid attacks by removing plaque, reducing the number of times and the amount of sugar and starches eaten, using fluorides, having plastic sealants applied to teeth, and by regular professional cleaning of teeth by a dental hygienist. back to top
How Does Plaque Attack the Gums? Plaque can also produce harmful byproducts that irritate the gums, causing gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal diseases. If plaque isnʼt removed daily, it will build up into a hard deposit called calculus. If plaque continues to form on top of the calculus, it can irritate the gums, and a pocket may develop between the teeth and gums. Plaque build up can eventually destroy the gums and bone that support the teeth. back to top
How Do You Stop Plaque Attacks? Two key factors in preventing dental caries are fluoride and dental sealants. Fluoride compounds are found naturally in soil, water, and in many foods. Plaque attacks canʼt be stopped, but you can help to prevent plaque build-up by following a good oral care program of brushing, flossing, rinsing, and regular visits to your oral health care professional. back to top