Frequently Asked Questions
+ Do you take insurance?
Yes! We are in network with most major PPO insurances. Click here to learn more about which insurances we accept.
+ Where is the new patient paperwork?
Click here to register as a new patient. We work with electronic health records, so there's no need to print anything out. Less paperwork means more trees!
+ What are your hours?
You can view our current hours on our contact page.
+ Do I really need to floss?
There's no getting around the need to get around your teeth daily with dental floss. It clears food and plaque from between teeth and under the gumline. If you don floss, plaque hardens into tartar or calculus, which forms wedges and widens the space between teeth and gums, causing pockets. Over time, gums pull away and teeth loosen. Either waxed or unwaxed floss will do the job.
+ Why do I need dental exams?
Regular exams help spot trouble early to prevent bigger and more costly treatments later. Our dental hygienist or dentist will start by cleaning buildup from your teeth. If it's been a while between appointments, you may have some sore and sensitive areas.
+ What is a full mouth debridement?
Full mouth debridement is often necessary to complete a proper evaluation and subsequent cleaning. The American Dental Association describes a full mouth debridement as the “gross removal of plaque and calculus that interfere with the ability of the dentist to perform a comprehensive oral evaluation.” If it has been a while since your last cleaning, you may need a debridement, followed by a regular cleaning/prophylaxis or deep cleaning. A debridement is not final treatment for your gums.
+ Are dental X-rays safe and needed?
At U Street Family Dentistry we practice ALARA (As low as reasonably achievable), and always aim to take as few x-rays as possible. Our x-rays are digital, which are estimated to produce 80% less radiation than traditional.
Expect to take x-rays at your first dental exam. If you have pictures from your previous dentist, it is always helpful to have a comparison of your teeth through the years.Please send them over prior to your first dental appointment so that we can upload them into your chart. Dental Xrays help to check, your teeth, overall gum and bone health. After your first visit X-rays are taken based on your caries risk and perio assessment. We utilize the ADA 2012 Guidelines for dental radiographic examinations: recommendations for patient selection and limiting radiation exposure
+ I noticed on my Insurance Explanation of Benefits that I was charged D1999 unspecified preventative procedure. What is this code?
The ADA has recommended reporting D1999—unspecified preventive procedure by report—as an interim solution to reporting the required additional PPE worn during the COVID-19 pandemic. This code is reimbursed by most insurance companies at this time (Delta Dental, Cigna, GEHA, etc...). If your insurance does not cover this fee, we automatically adjust your account. This charge is not passed on to the patient.
+ What causes a cavity?
Cavities are caused by bacteria. Some strains of naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth thrive when you consume foods and drinks. The bacteria damage the hard surface of the teeth and can spread to the deeper layers of the tooth such as the dentin and pulp/nerve. Several factors aide the bacteria in spreading such as : frequent snacking, acidic drinks, drinking sweet beverages, carbohydrates, sticky foods such as gummy bears, not cleaning/brushing away plaque.
+ How do fillings work?
Cavities break through the surface enamel of teeth, and they'll probably get bigger unless you treat them with a filling or restoration. We typically numb your mouth before cleaning out the cavity. The tooth is prepared for bonding, and a final material called composite is placed inside your tooth. The composite is activated by a curing light, and is hard immediately after your filling is complete. Once set, fillings can last a long time but need replacing if they break or wear down.
+ What do sealants do?
Sealants protect against cavities that can form in the natural tiny holes and cracks on the outside of teeth. Kids from about 6 to 12 benefit from having sealants painted and hardened onto the chewing surfaces of their back teeth, or molars. Adults can get sealants as well to protect teeth that have deep grooves.
+ What's the best way to whiten my teeth?
Stores sell many whitening products, and you can get take-home gels and trays from your dentist, but neither is as strong as the in office whitening completed at U Street Family Dentistry. Many patients ask about the new charcoal whitening trend. Please be aware that charcoal whitening is abrasive, and should NOT be used daily on your teeth. Everyone should speak to their dentist prior to using any activated charcoal products.