FAQs
- Why do I need dental work if I am not in pain?
- Will my insurance cover my treatment?
- How much radiation will I be exposed to with digital X-rays?
- How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
- How do you look out for the safety of your patients?
- My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
- Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials…Where can I learn more about these procedures?
- Do you refer patients to specialists?
- What are crowns in an hour?
- What is an implant and how long do they last?
- I avoid dental visits because of anxiety…is this normal? Can you help?
Why do I need dental work if I am not in pain?
We want to keep you from experiencing pain. We also want to save you the time and expense required with major dental work. Early stages of tooth decay and mild tooth fractures may not cause pain. However, teeth will not repair themselves naturally like human skin will. Tooth decay and fractures will only worsen if not repaired. Inevitably, they lead to more significant problems, such as a large cavity that infects the root of a tooth – which then necessitates a root canal or extraction. Dr. Matthew and Dr. Stephanie Martin value your time, comfort, and pocketbook! Let our professionals help you avoid uncomfortable situations by repairing dental problems in the early stages.
Will my insurance cover my treatment?
We will help you to maximize your insurance benefit, but most dental insurances pay for only a portion of treatment. Normally, insurance will not cover 100% of any procedure and any benefits are set by your insurance company or employer. Your insurance can also deny payment on any treatment and may have restrictions that are not based on your needs. At Martin Dentistry we will develope a treatment plan based on your needs and wants. We will provide you with an estimated insurance benefit and submit the claim for you. It is always best to have a good understanding of your plan from your employer or carrier.
How much radiation will I be exposed to with digital X-rays?
Radiation can be a scary topic. Rest assured, Dr. Matthew and Dr. Stephanie Martin have your best interests at heart. In general, a traditional X-ray would expose you to the equivalent of radiation from 24 hours of daylight. Our digital X-ray system cuts that to less than 10 hours. The benefits of X-rays, particularly digital X-rays, far outweigh the risks. Read about our digital X-rays here.
How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
We recommend that patients with good oral health schedule a checkup and hygiene visit twice each year. If you need more frequent visits, we'll let you know. Checkups are important because, even if you don't notice any pain or problems with your teeth, we may find signs of potential problems. For instance, demineralization is a precursor to decay, oral cancer often goes undetected until the later stages, and gum disease can be very stealthy. At your hygiene appointment, we'll clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. We'll also make sure your gums are healthy and strong.
How do you look out for the safety of your patients?
Very well, actually! In addition to following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), we use disposable products as often as possible. Between each patient visit, we thoroughly clean treatment rooms and sterilize reusable instruments in an autoclave. Because we value safety, we have invested in a digital radiograph, which emits significantly less radiation that a traditional X-ray machine. We also use intraoral cameras and photography for close-up images, which promotes accurate diagnoses. If you have questions about our safety and sterilization methods, call us. We'll answer your questions with enthusiasm because we love dentistry and our patients.
My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from the patient brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep hygiene treatment to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, and it has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to create significant damage to your health, so call for an assessment now. We will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!
Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, and partials…Where can I learn more about these procedures?
Our services pages are a great resource for learning about dental procedures. If you have questions about these or other dental procedures, don't hesitate to call us. We would be happy to explain any aspect of your dental care or our service offerings.
Do you refer patients to specialists?
While we are trained and equipped to handle many dental issues in our office, when a specialist would better serve you, we'll refer. Some dental specialists are oral surgeons, periodontists (supporting structures), endodontists (internal tooth problems), orthodontists (for moving teeth), and pedodontists (for children). We refer to only trusted professionals with whom we have a good rapport.
What are crowns in an hour?
With innovative CEREC technology, we can create custom crowns, inlays, and onlays in about an hour. This means that in just one visit, you can get a custom-made, all-white, reliable restoration. No temporary. No follow-up visit. It's that simple.
What is an implant and how long do they last?
Dental implant restorations are a safe alternative to bridges, partials, or full dentures. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth because of a titanium anchor attached to the jawbone. Once the implants are secured, your dentist will attach a handcrafted, permanent crown to each post. The restorations will match your natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile. The life of the implant depends on your age, oral status, and personal hygiene. With proper maintenance, they last most people a lifetime.
I avoid dental visits because of anxiety…is this normal? Can you help?
Many people fear dental visits because of negative past experiences or control issues. We understand dental anxiety and offer a solution to help you overcome your stress. With oral conscious sedation, we can help you gain full peace of mind and body so that you can receive the dental work you need – and deserve.
An Invitation to Get Acquainted
Dr. Matthew Martin and Dr. Stephanie Martin offer comprehensive, comfortable, convenient dental care for patients of all ages. With a focus on cosmetic and restorative care, the Martin Dentistry team will meet the dental needs of your entire family. Call to schedule your complimentary consultation, a great opportunity to meet our team and have your questions answered. Our offices in Indianapolis (Broad Ripple) and Fishers serve families from Carmel, Noblesville, Zionsville, Lawrence, Geist, Fortville, Meridian Kessler, and surrounding communities.