Q. Tell us about yourself and your practice?
A. My name is Stan Michalski III D.D.S. I am 48 years old and have been practicing dentistry in Charlotte since 1987. I grew up in Western Pennsylvania received a B. S. in Biology from Grove City College and then attended Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry in Cleveland OH. I was awarded the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1986. I completed a General Practice Residency program at what was Charlotte Memorial Hospital in 1987 and began private practice immediately after.
I practice with two other dentists Dr. Richard Yeager and Dr. Tom Pinnavaia under the practice name of MY Dentists. We are located at 411 Billingsley Road Suite 102 Charlotte NC 28211. 704-375-8577
Q. Please explain the basic services you offer.
A. We offer a full range of services including crowns, veneers, tooth colored fillings, CEREC restorations (one visit crowns and onlays), extractions, periodontal (gum) therapy, tooth whitening, root canals and pediatric services. We are able to provide most of the treatment necessary in office, but in some cases we do refer to specialists when we feel that this is in the best interest of the patient.
Q. Are your locations adapted for wheelchair and/or disabled patients?
A. Yes. Our office is ADA compliant and in fact we do see many patients on a regular basis with special needs.
Q. What patient resources do you offer? (example insurance filing).
A. Our office is committed to helping all patients receive the care they deserve. We do understand that the financial aspect is very important, especially now. In light of that, we do file insurance for the patient and in many cases contact the insurance company directly for the patient. We realize that the insurance contract is between the patient and insurance company, but we are more than willing to help to navigate the sometimes confusing and vague insurance policies.
Outside of the insurance arena, we do offer financing. Care Credit is a national HealthCare lender, that we have been partnered with for many years. We have been able to help many patients to receive their treatment using this reputable service.
Q. What is the proper way to care for one’ s teeth?
A. In most cases, proper brushing and flossing along with regular dental visits will yield a lifetime of dental health. Once a disease process begins i.e. tooth decay, periodontal disease or trauma, it needs to be treated. Teeth will not heal like a skinned knee will. The disease needs to be removed and the affected area restored with a filling for example.
Q. What is the most common cause of tooth loss?
A. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. If diagnosed early and treated, the chance of tooth loss is significantly decreased. Unfortunately the early stages of periodontal disease do not cause pain or discomfort. So, the patient isn’t motivated to seek treatment. Unlike a painful “ tooth ache” periodontal disease goes untreated and if the patient does not see a dentist regularly, it may go undetected for quite some time.
Q. How often one should have dental exam and clean?
A. GENERALLY we recommend all patients to see a dentist twice a year. This is a very broad rule and certainly does not apply to everyone.
The treatment must be tailored to the individual. We see some patients in 2 months intervals and some say, full denture wearers on an annual basis. Each patient needs to be evaluated individually and then treated as needed based upon the evaluation.
Q. How can a person tell if he/she have gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease)?
A. The best indicator that there is something amiss is bleeding of the gum tissue upon brushing or flossing. The tissue is damaged by the infection caused by the bacteria that accumulates on the teeth.
This infection causes the gum tissue to be very fragile and bleed easily when manipulated. If left untreated this bacteria will “ spread" to the other tissues that make up the periodontal structure and eventually impact the bone leading to mobility and possibly tooth loss.
Q. Do you offer after hour care and emergency services?
A. Our office is open Monday thru Friday. We do provide emergency services for patients of record.
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