FAQs
At Montana Dental Arts, we strongly believe in the importance of educating our patients, both about their dental health and about our services and procedures. Below, we have answered some of the most common questions we receive regarding dental care, our office, and our payment policies.
If you can’t find the answer you are looking for below, or if you’d like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilcox, please call us today or fill out our quick contact form.
About Our Dental Office & Dental Services
What are your office hours?
Office Hours : Monday-Thurs 8 am-5 pm
Do you offer emergency appointments?
We understand that dental health issues can be painful – and that they often appear at the most inconvenient times. If you are suffering from pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, trauma, a broken tooth, a lost tooth, or a lost crown, we invite you to call our office for assistance.
Do you see children?
Yes, we welcome patients of all ages and we enjoy getting to know all members of your family. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child see a dentist within six months after the first tooth erupts or by the age of one.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
During your first appointment, you will fill out entry paperwork, share your medical and dental history, and undergo a thorough clinical evaluation. We will also take radiographs (if needed), and photographs in order to learn more about your dental health and in order to track your treatment progress. Finally, we will discuss your dental health, your goals, and your treatment options. Read more about your first visit.
What dental services do you offer?
We offer our patients a full range of dental services, from professional cleanings to wisdom tooth extractions to dental implants. Read a full list of our dental services.
About Dental Insurance & Our Payment Policies
Does my dental insurance cover the cost of my procedure?
The cost of your treatments and procedures depends heavily on the details of your dental insurance policy. We encourage you to read your policy closely and speak with your employer and your dental insurance company about any questions you may have. In addition, we are happy to help you understand your policy and communicate with your dental insurance company. Learn more about dental insurance.
What payment options do you offer?
We accept multiple types of payments, including cash, check, and credit card. We also offer several payment plans through financing partners.
Do you offer payment plans or financing?
Yes, our patients may speak with our team about the different types of payment plans and financing options that we offer. Learn more about our financing options and how you can make your dental healthcare more affordable.
About Your Teeth
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is the management of dental healthcare issues in order to reach the functional and aesthetic goals of the individual patient. At Montana Dental Arts, we want your teeth to look and feel great, and we will work toward improving your dental health and appearance through a thoughtful, individualized treatment plan.
Restorative dentistry procedures include but are not limited to:
How can I prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
We don’t just wish to restore your teeth, we wish to preserve your healthy teeth and prevent future dental issues, including gum disease and tooth decay. The single best way to prevent these issues is through daily dental hygiene and regular visits to your dentist office. It is extremely important to us to educate our patients about how to brush and floss properly as well as what to do if you begin to see signs of periodontal disease or tooth decay.
How can I make my teeth whiter?
It is natural for teeth to become darker over the years, but there are a number of options to keep your teeth white as you age. These options range from simple lifestyle changes to in-office whitening procedures. Here are just a few ways that you can whiten your teeth:
- Lifestyle changes, including stopping smoking and regular brushing.
- Whitening toothpastes.
- Teeth whitening strips, trays, and gels.
- Dentist supervised home whitening systems.
- In-office whitening procedures.
During your initial evaluation, we can determine which whitening option is best for your needs.
How can I protect against bad breath?
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can have a number of different causes, although the most common cause is bacteria in the mouth, on the tongue, or below the gum line. Protecting against halitosis involves regularly caring for your teeth as well as understanding the underlying causes of your condition. If your bad breath is not caused by an underlying medical condition, you can fight it by:
- Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.
- Regularly visiting your dentist for evaluation and professional cleanings.
- Using mouthwash regularly.
- Scraping your tongue.
- Avoid certain foods and habits, such as coffee, garlic, and smoking.
- Staying hydrated/drinking enough water.
How can I improve my smile?
There are a number of ways to enhance your smile, depending upon your dental history, your current oral health, your budget, and your unique needs. At Montana Dental Arts, we have the capability to improve your smile using all or some of the following procedures:
- Regular exams and cleanings
- Orthodontic Treatment (Braces)
- Tooth Whitening
- Bonding
- Porcelain Veneers
- Porcelain Crowns
- Dental Implants
For an individualized evaluation and customized treatment plan, please contact our office.
What can I do about my sensitive teeth?
Tooth sensitivity often results from worn teeth or receding gums. Recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through, which gives water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and dental procedures that may be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have sensitive teeth so that we can determine the cause and develop an individualized treatment plan that fits your needs. Everyone should be able to have a cold drink on a hot day.
What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?
If you are missing one or more teeth, it may be affecting your life, your health, and your appearance in a number of ways. There are three major avenues for replacing missing teeth: implants, bridges, and dentures. We can help you understand which option is best for your needs and walk you through the procedure from beginning to end.
- Implants. Implants are perhaps the best choice for many patients who are missing one or more teeth. During the implant process, a post is secured onto your upper or lower jaw and a replacement tooth is placed onto the post. Implants are cleaned and cared for just like real teeth and many patients enjoy their low maintenance, long lasting tooth replacements.
- Bridges. A fixed bridge may be a good option for a person who has a tooth missing and healthy teeth on either side of the gap. A bridge uses two anchor teeth to place a replacement tooth in your mouth.
- Dentures. Full or partial dentures are another option for replacing missing teeth. Removable dentures may be less expensive than other tooth replacement options, but they require more maintenance and may need to be replaced or fixed over time. Dentures may also not be as comfortable as a fixed bridge or tooth implant.
What should my dental hygiene routine include?
Your dental hygiene routine is arguably the single most important thing you can do to maintain your healthy smile and prevent oral health issues including gum disease and tooth decay. We recommend that your routine includes:
- Brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice per day, for about two minutes at a time (or as long as it takes to get them clean!).
- Flossing your teeth at least once per day, top and bottom, to remove plaque and buildup from areas between your teeth that your brush cannot reach.
- Rinsing with mouthwash after brushing and flossing in order to help fight plaque, bacteria, and gingivitis.
- Visiting the dentist at least twice per year to receive a professional cleaning and evaluation for dental health issues.