Q.Tell us about yourself and your practice.
A.I graduated from University of Southern California in 1989, in the top ten of my class. I found the artistry of dentistry especially intriguing. I started my practice as Thomas Dental Care here in Davis in 1993. I enjoy being on the cutting edge of dentistry technologies. As such, I have lasers, CAD cam, Invisalign and many other methods and techniques I have developed over the years through continuing education. My practice remains a busy, hygiene and cosmetically -oriented practice.
Q.Please explain the main services you offer.
A.As mentioned previously I offer cosmetic services. I am also a well-rounded general dentist. I provide complete family dental care. I am proud of the hygienists that I employ and the rest of the team, as well as, we are all very patient oriented.
Q.Do you accept insurance? If yes What types?
A.The bottom line is – if your insurance company allows you to choose your dentist, then probably we can help you in that. However, I am not on any PPO or HMO list.
Q.What payment options do you offer?
A.We have a company that we work with called Care Credit. They offer traditional credit services, as well as in some cases same-as-cash financing.
Q.I don’t like drills. Are there any other options?
A.I do have a Biolase laser. I have done some fillings with it though the process takes longer, as the laser is slower. I have had patients prefer that to the drill.
Q.What are my options to replace missing teeth?
A.Missing teeth are typically replaced by 1) partial dentures (removable and few people like them but they are the least expensive) 2) Bridges (have to prepare the adjacent teeth but considered much preferred to the partials… more expensive) and 3) Implants (end up much like the original tooth, but cost much more and require time and patience from start to finish).
Q.I avoid dental visits because of anxiety…is this normal? Can you help?
A.Anxiety is normal… no one likes to have ANYONE messing with their face. I find however that knowledge is the BEST solution to most anxiety. By explaining and discussing with my patients we develop a sense of trust. The fear of the unknown is then lessened considerably. Beyond that a few of my patients use Nitrous Oxide to "take the edge off"; and make their appointments a bit more relaxed. A smaller number require Valium to further reduce stress.
Q.How do dental sealants work?
A.Dental sealants flow into the grooves of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to "seal"; them from the bacteria that cause decay. They can typically be expacted to last somewhere in the order of 3 to 5 years though I have seen them last many more than that.
Q.How often one should brush and floss?
A.The key to good oral hygiene is disturbing the plaque that accumulates on the teeth at least once every 24 hours. Thus If you are perfect in your home care then once per day of brushing and flossing should be fine… right? We are not perfect in our home care… ever! I strongly recommend at least twice a day brushing and at least once per day to floss. It does not matter when or where you floss… just disturb that plaque!
Q.How often one should have dental exam and clean?
A.About 50 years ago a toothpaste commercial and "Bucky Beaver" said "brush brush brush and see your dentist twice a year." That was when the dental industry (and especially dental insurance companies) decided on twice per year cleanings. The science says otherwise. If you have any "pockets"; greater than 3mm (most of us) then you should be seeing your dentist every three months. The bacteria that you cannot reach (beyond 3 millimeters) become harmful and cause a furthering of periodontal disease at about the three month time.
Q.If a person has silver amalgam fillings which are beginning to look bad what can be done to improve them?
A.Amalgam fillings can be removed and replaced by white (composite) fillings.
Q.Is gum surgery essential if I have periodontal (gum) disease?
A.Not necessarily. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planning) can resolve much of the diseased areas many times. However, sometimes a combination of deep cleaning and surgery in specific areas may be needed.
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