FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
Why are checkups recommended every six months, even for people with great oral health?
Do I need X-rays?
I brush every day, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?
My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
What is an implant and how long do they last?
Does your office use lasers?
What are my options to replace missing teeth?
What are the benefits of a digital X-ray over traditional radiographs?
How does gum disease affect the body?
How can I improve my smile?
How can I make my smile brighter?
What is the difference between veneers and Lumineers?
How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?
I have old, dark fillings. Is there any hope for my smile?
I have chronic headaches. Can you help?
Do you accept referrals?
Does my insurance cover that?
When do you like children to have a first dental visit?
Can I finance my dental work?
Does the dentist see emergency cases?
My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?

Clinical Questions

Q) How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
A) We recommend that patients with good oral health schedule a checkup and hygiene visit twice each year. If you need more frequent visits, we'll let you know. Checkups are important because, even if you don't notice any pain or problems with your teeth, we may find signs of potential problems. For instance, demineralization is a precursor to decay, oral cancer often goes undetected until the later stages, and gum disease can be very stealthy. At your hygiene appointment, we'll clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. We'll also make sure your gums are healthy and strong.

Q) Why are checkups recommended every six months, even for people with great oral health?
A) We use DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection to find cavities in the earliest stages, and often that means that you don't see or feel them. Early detection allows us to provide the most conservative treatment, which saves you time, expense, and possible discomfort. We also use the Vizilite to screen for oral cancer, a disease that will affect more than 30-thousand Americans this year. Oral cancer is deadly, but early detection offers an 80-percentcure rate. Gum disease is another sneaky problem that we try to catch early. It has been linked to stroke, heart attack, osteoporosis, and other health risks, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults.

Q) Do I need X-rays?
A) To provide optimal care, we take bitewing X-rays once a year and a panoramic X-ray every three years. Because we use a digital system, our patients are exposed to about 80-percent less radiation than with a traditional radiograph. X-rays and intraoral photographs help us track your oral health and address problems early, when conservative dentistry can correct most issues. If you haven't had a checkup and X-rays in a while, call us for an appointment.

Q) I brush every day, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?
A) In your checkup, we can look for the cause of your bad breath, also known as halitosis. Some patients suffer from bad breath caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or a smelly substance put off by bacteria. With modern procedures and products to promote fresh breath, our team can help you regain your confidence!

Q) My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
A) Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from the patient brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep hygiene treatment to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, and it has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to create significant damage to your health, so call for an assessment now. We will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!

Q) What is an implant and how long do they last?
A) Implant restorations are a safe alternative to bridges, partials, or full dentures. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth because of a titanium anchor attached to the jawbone. Once the implants are secured, your dentist will attach a handcrafted, permanent crown to each post. The restorations will match your natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile. The life of the implant depends on your age, oral status, and personal hygiene. With proper maintenance, they last most people a lifetime.

Q) Does your office use lasers?
A) We use many kinds of lasers for precise, comfortable dentistry… DIAGNOdent is our cavity-detection laser. It will scan your teeth to find decay and areas prone to decay, and we will not have to inspect each of your teeth with a traditional dental hook.

Our soft-tissue laser allows us to treat gum disease, perform crown lengthening, harvest and place gum grafts, reduce gum tissue for esthetics, and do biopsies. You will need no stitches after laser surgery, and bleeding is minimal. Most patients recover more quickly after laser surgery than they do following traditional surgery.

Q) What are my options to replace missing teeth?
A) We offer bridgework, partials, full dentures, and implant restorations to replace missing teeth. Learn more about these services on our services page, then call for a consultation. With X-rays, intraoral photos, and a thorough assessment of your dentition, the dentist can help you decide which replacement option will be best for you.

Q) What are the benefits of a digital X-ray over traditional radiographs?
A) Digital X-rays offer unparalleled benefits over traditional radiographs: they’re convenient, safe for the environment, provide a great opportunity for patient education, can be transferred and copied accurately, and best of all, they’re safer for our patients. Digital X-rays emit about 80-percent less radiation than traditional methods.

Q) How does gum disease affect the body?
A) It hides in your mouth, destroying gum tissue and teeth, and it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and pregnancy complications. Don’t think it’s your problem? Conservative estimates report that up to 80 percent of the population unknowingly has gum disease in some form.

Cosmetic Questions

Q) How can I improve my smile?
A) That sounds like an easy question to answer, but it isn't! Your smile is unique, and we won't compromise your individuality with smile enhancements. Smile design dentistry done right requires an initial consultation in which we will discuss your goals, preferences, and options for care. Generally speaking, we may suggest porcelain veneers or Lumineers, teeth whitening, all-white restorations, and/or replacement teeth. Orthodontics may also be involved. After your comprehensive evaluation and consultation, we'll present a smile makeover plan for your new smile. We offer digital imaging for smile previews, as well.

Q) How can I make my smile brighter?
A) We offer custom-made take-home trays with professional whitening gel for safe and effective teeth whitening in the comfort of your own home. Home whitening yields excellent results – up to eight shades or better! Two weeks of use produces optimal results, but if your teeth reach the desired shade before then, simply discontinue treatment. We also offer Zoom-in-office laser whitening to help you achieve that moviestar smile you always wanted!

Q) What is the difference between veneers and Lumineers?
A) Lumineers are actually a brand of veneers that requires minimal or no tooth preparation prior to placement. Some patients prefer Lumineers because of the quick application and reduced risk for sensitivity. However, others prefer traditional veneers because of their completely customized design.

Q) How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?
A) Depending on your unique case, we may suggest porcelain veneers or Invisalign clear braces. Read more about these procedures in our services area.

Q) I have old, dark fillings. Is there any hope for my smile?
A) Dark fillings and metal crowns can be replaced with strong, aesthetic solutions. Dr. Montz has placed composite resin fillings for years, and we also offer porcelain crowns.

Q) I have chronic headaches. Can you help?
A) Chronic headaches may be a symptom of a misaligned bite, bruxism (grinding), or TMJ disorder. Dr. Montz will carefully examine your occlusion (bite), jaw, head, and neck to determine the underlying causes of your pain. Oftentimes, we can correct the problem with a custom nightguard. Call our office if you have more questions about headache relief with non-surgical therapies.

Q) Do you accept referrals?
A) Yes, and thank you for your confidence. We appreciate your referrals and promise to extend the same comprehensive, caring service to your friends and coworkers that we give you every time you visit.

Q) Does my insurance cover that?
A) Dental insurance is diverse. Some policies cover only a small percentage of fees, while others cover 50 percent or greater. The more you or your employer pays for premiums, the better the coverage, in most cases. For the most part, dental insurance covers some restorative and preventive procedures. Cosmetic treatment is not usually covered. We accept CapitalOne Healthcare Finance and CapitalOne Healthcare Finance to make cosmetic dentistry affordable for all of his patients. If you have questions, give us a call. We'll be happy to tell you what your insurance will cover.

Q) When do you like children to have a first dental visit?
A) We want to see your child when they have teeth! Most children respond well to a dental visit around age three, though the ADA recommends children have a first visit at one year of age. Bring your child with you to your appointment so that he or she can become acclimated to the dentist's office. If you notice any development problems with your child's mouth or teeth, call us to schedule a visit immediately. Otherwise, we'd like to begin teaching your children how to care for their teeth and gums when they reach three or four years of age. By age four or five, they can begin hygiene treatments and regular checkups.

Q) Can I finance my dental work?
A) We have partnered with CareCredit and Capital One Healthcare Finance, two trusted names in third-party financing, in order to make dentistry more affordable. CareCredit offers revolving credit, low monthly payments, and no interest for up to 18 months for patients who qualify. Visit the CareCredit and Capital One websites to fill out an online application.

Emergency Questions

Q) Does the dentist see emergency cases?
A) Yes. We will see emergency cases during regular business hours. After hours, we offer a phone number on the answering machine, so patients of record can contact our dentist on call.

Q) My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?
A) Place the tooth in a glass of milk and call or come in to our office as quickly as possible. Don't forget to bring the tooth! Use a warm, wet washcloth to cover the gums where the tooth fell from.