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We want to do everything we can to communicate with you clearly and conveniently. That's why we've included this section of 'frequently asked questions' and our answers. However, if you have questions we haven't addressed here, please feel free to contact Dr. Gray directly.
How does the doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?Dr. Gray subscribes to the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental industry. He also takes time on a regular basis for continuing education, and ensures that his staff does the same. As a team and as individuals, our office makes it our responsibility to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available. How do I know when it's time to come in for a check-up?An average, healthy adult person typically benefits from a professional cleaning and check up every six months. While twice daily brushing and daily flossing go a long way towards maintaining a healthy mouth, it’s wise to check for plaque that has hardened into tartar, requiring professional cleaning to avoid gingivitis. At what age should my children first see a dentist?We like to see children in our office by the age of two and a half, so that we can anticipate the development of their overall bite and dental development. At this young age, it's quite simple to recognize and take steps to prevent potential future problems. The first time we meet them, it's often at the time of one of the parent's appointments. We'll just introduce ourselves and make them comfortable with our team, do a 'look-see-count' of their teeth, and give them a 'ride' on the dental chair if they're interested. Then, on their first real visit, we treat them gently and with special care, ensuring the experience is positive and non-threatening. Of course, if your toddler accidentally chips or knocks out a tooth prior to this age, you should let us know right away. Do you accept referrals?We're happy to accept referrals from other dental offices as well as from recommendations by our patients to their family and friends. We request that a patient evaluation form be completed prior to the first visit; we also require all records and x-rays to be forwarded to our office. What do I do if I have an emergency and the office is closed?In case of a true dental emergency, call our 24-hour answering service and leave a message as to the nature of your condition. We'll return the call as soon as possible, providing as much helpful information as possible over the phone and arranging to see you in person as needed. My child has had an accident and his/her tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?We consider this situation a TRUE dental emergency, where we're actually fighting to beat the clock. If your child's tooth is knocked out during office hours, AND you're certain that there is no imminent medical emergency, please contact us immediately to see Dr. Gray right away. Simply describe the situation over the phone and our office staff will help you determine the safest and most appropriate plan of action. If it's after hours, the messaging system will instruct you on how to contact us. What different payment options you provide?We accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards. Your insurance co-pay is due at the time of your visit, but we'll be happy to help you structure a payment plan after that time to pay out any remaining charges. For expensive or extensive procedures, we're also pleased to offer financing plans through Care Credit. How can I have whiter teeth?There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile, from at-home bleaching products to in-office supervised treatments. Dr. Gray can help evaluate your potential for whitening your teeth, based on their current color and the causes of any discoloration. Once you have decided on the most appropriate method, you'll probably spend anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks undergoing a series of simple whitening treatments. Most patients can expect to end up with teeth approximately 2 shades brighter on the dental shade chart. What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?Our entire practice team is well versed in state-of-the-art sanitation techniques designed to ensure patient safety. This goes beyond wearing gloves and facemasks to prevent passing germs, but includes a state of the art specialized sanitation center and a water filtration system that guarantees a fresh water source for each patient. At your first visit, we'll hand you an explanatory letter detailing all the ways that we're constantly at work to protect your health and safety while you're in our office. What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?We've taken the time to thoughtfully and intentionally design a practice based on what we believe is best for our patients, rather than just what's convenient for us. This planning pertains to every aspect of what our patients experience from the time they walk in the door: from the building's architecture, to the contagious friendliness of our staff personnel, to our systems and equipment…even to the way we help patients think through their dental health objectives. Call us or email us for an appointment, and you'll understand how this kind of thinking translates into excellent patient care and beautiful teeth!
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