FAQs
Answers to Your Questions
- Why are checkups recommended every six months, even for people with great oral health?
- What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
- What happens if missing teeth aren't replaced?
- What are my options to replace missing teeth?
- What are dental implants and how long do they last?
- I haven't been to the dentist in years, and I'm ashamed to let a professional see the condition of my mouth. Is your staff judgmental?
- How long is a new patient visit? What will happen?
- How can I improve my smile?
- How can I safely whiten my teeth?
- Can I finance my dental work?
...and Answers!
Why are checkups recommended every six months, even for people with great oral health?
We use DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection to find cavities in the earliest stages, and often that means before you can 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 30,000 Americans this year. Oral cancer is deadly, but early detection offers an 80% cure rate. Gum disease is another sneaky problem that we try to catch early. It's been linked to stroke, heart attack, osteoporosis, and other health risks and is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults.
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
We follow strict guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and OSHA. Our practices include sterilizing reusable instruments in an autoclave, then sealing them for the next use; disinfecting treatment rooms between patient visits; and using disposable products when possible. We always wear disposable gloves during exams and treatment, for your safety.
What happens if missing teeth aren't replaced?
Missing teeth can lead to a host of other problems, including additional tooth loss. Research shows that if a missing tooth is not replaced, up to 20% of adjacent teeth will fall out in the next 4 to 8 years. Missing teeth also cause remaining teeth to shift, creating spaces between teeth, food impaction, bite collapse, chewing alteration, and TMJ pain. You're also more susceptible to gum disease, a serious health condition that can significantly shorten your life span.
What are my options to replace missing teeth?
We offer fixed bridges, partials, full dentures, and dental implants. Learn more about these options on our Services pages, then call for a consultation. With digital X-rays, intraoral photos, and a thorough assessment of your smile, Dr. Kerbs can help you decide which replacement option is best for you.
What are dental implants and how long do they last?
Dental implants are a long-lasting, attractive option to replace missing teeth. 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. We also offer implant-retained dentures and bridges. The life of the implant depends on your age, oral status, and personal hygiene. With proper maintenance, they last most people a lifetime.
I haven't been to the dentist in years, and I'm ashamed to let a professional see the condition of my mouth. Is your staff judgmental?
First of all, congratulations on your wise decision to prioritize dental healthcare. Your mouth is a big part of your overall health, quality of life, and self-esteem. We'll never judge you. Instead, we'll help you by addressing your oral problems, explaining treatment options, then scheduling a plan of action that suits your schedule and your budget.
How long is a new patient visit? What will happen?
Your first appointment with us will take about an hour. A member of our front-office team will review your paperwork and discuss the reasons for your visit, then escort you to a treatment room to meet your dentist. After discussing your medical and dental history, your dentist will conduct a thorough exam of your teeth and soft tissues. We'll obtain digital X-rays and use an intraoral camera to take pictures inside your mouth. An oral cancer screening is also included. You'll receive an in-depth explanation of findings and suggestions for treatment, and leave with a plan to achieve the fantastic smile that you deserve!
How can I improve my smile?
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'll discuss your goals, preferences, and options for care. Generally speaking, we may suggest porcelain veneers or minimal-prep DURAthins or Lumineers, teeth whitening, all-white restorations, and/or replacement teeth. Invisalign clear braces may also be involved. After your comprehensive evaluation and consultation, we'll present a treatment plan for your new smile.
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
The ADA recommends dentist-supervised teeth whitening for superior results. Dr. Kerbs will assess your soft-tissues and tooth enamel to determine the best type of whitening for your unique situation. He may recommend in-office bleaching with Zoom! Whitening or take-home teeth whitening. Our professional-strength whitening solution contains hydrogen peroxide, which has been proven safe and effective in clinical studies, and fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel. Call today and reserve your appointment to learn which option is right for you.
Can I finance my dental work?
Yes. We've partnered with CareCredit and Chase Health Advance, trusted names in third-party financing, to make dentistry more affordable. These companies offer revolving credit, low monthly payments, and no interest for up to 18 months for patients who qualify. Visit the CareCredit and Chase Health Advance websites for additional information and to complete an application online. We also offer in-house financing with our Healthy Smiles Discount Plan to give families without dental insurance access to quality dental care. Call for more information.
Call Copper Family Dental in Queen Creek today to schedule your appointment or consultation. Our Queen Creek dental office serves families from Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, and surrounding areas with excellent clinical care and personalized service.