FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
"When are you open?"
In addition to our regular 7am-5pm hours on Monday through Thursday.
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"When can my child first see the dentist?"
We usually see children for their first dental visit around three years of age. They are more than welcome to come back in the operatory for other family member’s cleanings so that they can get used to the office at ages younger than three.
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“What are the differences between general dentists and specialists?”
Dr. LaMond completed advanced a general dentistry residency program for one year after dental school, but specialists complete an additional two to six years of training after dental school. They have a specific skill set to treat advanced conditions.
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“My grandmother told me that everyone loses their teeth before they die. She said teeth only last so long. Is this true?”
NO! We have many patients who are elderly that have not lost any teeth! Having a healthy, natural dentition increases the quality of life as you age, allowing you to eat healthy foods while staying out of pain.
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“Do dentists have to take continuing education like medical doctors?”
Yes, the Ohio State Dental Board mandates and monitors CE of each licensed dentist. Dr. LaMond has always taken and paid for CE before it was mandatory as an investment to his patients. Dr. Bateman is following the same course, exceeding the minimum requirements by leaps and bounds.
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“Does gum disease really affect my diabetes and my heart?”
Yes! Both uncontrolled diabetes and cardiovascular disease have been linked to gum disease. The current understanding is that chronic inflammation of the gingiva releases harmful inflammatory factors into the bloodstream. Medical doctors are understanding of this connection and may recommend that you be seen by a dentist to help control your risk factors for diabetes and heart disease.
"Do you take insurance?"
We take most PPO insurance plans. We are also in network for Dental Care Plus. We are not Medicaid providers..
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"I’m pregnant. Is it OK to see the dentist for my regular check-up?"
It is very essential to keep your mouth as healthy as possible for your new baby to develop properly. Routine dental check-ups, cleanings, and fillings with anesthetic are all acceptable treatments to maintain your mouth during pregnancy. As mentioned earlier, hormones and morning sickness can negatively impact your health.
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“Does insurance cover dental implants?”
Some insurance plans cover implants, others do not. Consider what is best for you, not what is best for your particular insurance company. Insurance companies’ number one priority is to make a profit. There are many patients who do not have any insurance coverage but still realize the importance of quality dental care.
“What are the white packets and metal cages used for that I see when I walk in a dental treatment room?”
The “cages” are stainless steel cassettes. After instruments are used, they are sprayed with disinfectant, put in an ultrasonic cleaner, rinsed, dried, wrapped, and steam sterilized – all so that you have sterile instruments at each visit.
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“How much radiation am I exposed to during dental X-rays?”
Dental radiographs are used routinely to check for cavities, the levels of the bone, and examine existing restorations. We use digital radiography, which exposes you to much less radiation than traditional radiography. The amount of radiation someone receives from one radiograph is about 0.005mSv, or milliseiverts. The average adult in the United States gets on average 6.2mSv radiation exposure per year; so dental radiographs account for an extremely small proportion of the radiation you are exposed to! We carefully select the number of radiographs needed each visit here, and take as few as possible.​
“Why is it recommended to come in every six months for a cleaning?”
Even if you aren’t having any problems or pain, the ADA recommends to see you every six months for a prophylaxis (or cleaning) and examination for several reasons. The first is to remove hardened buildup, or calculus, that contributes to chronic gum disease. Additionally, it is advantageous to catch small problems with your teeth and gums before they become advanced in nature.