Dental FAQs
How safe is your office equipment and what is your sterilization process?
We deeply care for our patients' safety and that is why we employ the highest-level sterilization standards in our field. We have the most advanced sterilization technology to date and we submit our equipment to random weekly testing to ensure the highest level of sterilization.
Is there a correlation between a healthy mouth and overall health?
Yes! When you take care of your mouth, you take care of your overall health! Recent studies have shown meaningful correlations between periodontal disease and other illnesses. Bacteria that cause gum disease and periodontal bone loss are secondary factors for other illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, adult diabetes and other autoimmune diseases.
What is Amalgam?
While questions have arisen about the safety of dental amalgam relating to its mercury content, the major U.S. and international scientific and health bodies, including the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization, among others have been satisfied that dental amalgam is a safe, reliable and effective restorative material. Most of the restorations we place at Affiliated Family Dental Care are bonding, however, we do use on occasion, amalgam.
How long does it take to attain the beautiful smile I am looking for?
Dr. Blass's experience in cosmetic surgery is only underscored by his dedication to bringing his patients the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques to improve their smiles. And the results are dramatic.
And depending on your individual case, cosmetic dental treatment can take anywhere from one visit up to multiple visits. If you're considering cosmetic dental treatment, ask Dr. Blass's office about your options.
What Causes Bad Breath?
In most cases bad breath (halitosis) is caused by the presence of oral bacteria. There can be, however, other factors that influence the odor of one's breath and, in fact, the quality of a person's breath will ultimately depend on a number of different variables. The single most frequent cause of their breath odor problem is associated with bacteria that live in their mouth. Plaque accumulation (the whitish film that forms on teeth both above and below the gum line and also on the tongue) is ideal areas for the odor causing bacteria to live. A thorough brushing and flossing technique is needed in order to remove this plaque and also remove any food debris that is left in the person's mouth after eating that could be used as a food supply by these bacteria. Even in a relatively healthy mouth, bacteria can and do find anaerobic (oxygen deprived) environments underneath the gum line, both around and in between teeth, in which to live. These anaerobic environments, however, are even more numerous and available in the mouths of people who have experienced periodontal disease ("gum disease").If your bad breath problem persists, even after a period of daily routine dental hygiene, you should schedule an examination and cleaning appointment with your dentist so you can discuss your problems. During this visit the following can be accomplished:
- Learn effective brushing and flossing techniques. After examining you, your dentist can provide you with instructions, tips, and pointers that will be helpful for your specific situation.
- Tartar (dental calculus) accumulation can interfere with effective brushing and flossing. Your dental cleaning will remove this debris from your teeth.
- A periodontal evaluation. Periodontal disease ("gum disease") can cause significant damage to your gums and the bone that lies underneath them. This damage can result in the creation of deep spaces between your teeth and gums called "periodontal pockets." These pockets are often impossible for you to clean effectively and therefore make an ideal environment for the bacteria that cause bad breath to live. If a periodontal problem is found your dentist can outline the treatment that will be needed to get this condition under control.
- During your examination your dentist will check to see if there are any untreated dental conditions that could be causing or aggravating your breath problems.
- Your dentist can help to determine if it is unlikely that oral conditions are the cause of your bad breath and that a referral to a doctor for a medical evaluation is indicate.
Is financing available?
Yes. We accept most major credit cards, and a special Interest free financing offer through "Care Credit" (Please call our office for details).
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept most insurance plans.
Do you treat children?
Yes. Children as patients are very important to us. Dr. Blass examines patients at any age from birth up to their late teens and provides care for their specific age group of patients. To help prevent tooth decay, we make sure children at an early age understand the importance of proper dental care and prevention. They receive optimum fluoride exposure and we apply pit and fissure sealants when appropriate. In addition, our dental staff demonstrates proper brushing and flossing techniques and assists patients and their families in identifying foods that promote tooth decay. The total care your child receives from Dr. Blass will serve as a motivating force, promoting good oral health habits that can be maintained for a lifetime. We want to ensure good dental health and beautiful smiles for you entire family starting as children into adulthood.
"I'm too nervous to have any work done on my mouth", what can your office do to help me not feel that way?
Dr. Blass's office provides comfort to the apprehensive patient. The comforting, easy and soothing manner of Dr. Blass and his staff will put you totally at ease. Our office provides non-debilitating anesthetics when requested in order to handle difficult procedures. Our staff provides individualized care, responding to the needs and wishes of every patient. Regardless of your personal history, we are here to help. We understand that your fears may have kept you from a dentist, but there is no need to feel embarrassed. We are not here to judge you; we are here to help you and encourage you so that you can have the confidence a beautiful smile can bring. Applications such as Nitrous oxide which is a soothing gas, allows people to relax and experience a pleasant, euphoric state instead of the discomfort of a procedure.
Is the radiation from x-rays on my mouth harmful to me?
Dr. Blass's office uses Digital x-rays. They are quickly becoming the standard in dental imaging. Digital x-rays allow the doctor to get a much better view of your teeth and potential dental conditions. With the digital method, a technician glides a small sensor around inside a patient's mouth and the images instantly pop up on a computer screen in the exam room the digital imaging software allows the doctor to see a number of different views of the tooth to gain a better understanding of the proper course of treatment. Digital x-rays provide a great benefit to the patient. Not only are they an excellent diagnostic tool, but also they decrease radiation to the patient by over 80%. Insurance generally covers digital dental radiography, and the cost is frequently the same as for traditional X-rays.
Dr. Blass is always concerned with keeping his practice operating with the most advanced technology. With this in mind, his office utilizes a piece of equipment to help you better understand your dental health. It is an intra-oral camera, which is a tiny video camera that looks like a pen. A sterilized small probe-shaped camera is moved around the inside of your mouth. This will provide you with a tooth-by-tooth video exam of your teeth so you can see your teeth enlarged in living color on our computer screen in the treatment room. We can freeze and store the picture of the inside of your mouth for a bigger and better look and then take an instant photograph for you and your records.
This painless, no radiation technique allows you to see problems such as worn-out, defective fillings, fractured teeth, decay, bleeding gums and plaque. Together we can discuss your treatment plan with you for restoring your mouth to optimal health.