Dental faqs

Answering your questions

Sometimes the best peace of mind you can have is just having the answers to your questions. Please find a list of frequently asked questions in a dental office below and let your worries float away. Still can’t find an answer? Please ring us, email us or submit a question at the bottom of the page to be added to the list. 

answering your questions

about our dental office…  

are you accepting new patients?

Yes, we are currently accepting new patients. You may book an appointment by:

  • using the book appointment link at the top of the page

or

  • calling us at 480-608-5444 . If it’s outside of office hours, leave a message and we will ring you during office hours to schedule your visit.
Can I pay in cash?

Of course! You can find more financial information on our payment page including some promotional offers.

Do you offer a senior discount?

We do–we extend a discount of 15% for our patients 65 or over.

For our established patients who reach 100 years old–exams, x-rays, cleanings and fillings are free!

You can find more financial information on our payment page including additional promotional offers.

How long will it take to get an appointment?

 We aim to be able to see you in our Chandler AZ office within 7-14 days of your initial call. 

If you are in need of an emergency appointment, we will do our best to see you on the same day. If we are unable to treat your specific emergency, we work closely with specialists in the area and will get you to a provider who can help.

do you offer emergency appointments?

Yes, if you call on a day we are open, we will do everything we can to see you the same day. 

If we cannot treat your specific emergency, we will get you to a provider who can help– as we work closely with specialists in the Chandler AZ area. 

what should I expect at my first appointment at peace of mind?

When you check in at the front desk, you’ll be asked to complete paperwork regarding your health, insurance and details. There will also be an opportunity to discuss any worries you might be having about your visit and any comforts we can provide for you.

You will then be seen by the dental hygienist who will review your paperwork and begin the diagnostic record taking. We will take intraoral photos and X-rays.

Your chart will be updated to reflect the existing condition inside your mouth -condition of teeth, restorations and whether there are any areas of decay to bring to the dentist’s attention. They will assess your gums to evaluate the periodontal condition.

If your periodontal health is normal, the hygienist will complete a prophylaxis cleaning–which is a thorough removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth and beneath your gumline.

Lastly, you will meet the doctor to finish your complete examination and discuss any concerns, chief complaints, and treatment needs.  If treatment is needed, a plan is created and reviewed in depth. Financial considerations will be discussed and future appointments will be scheduled.

I need to cancel an appointment, what do I do?

Please call us at the office as soon as possible to cancel and reschedule your appointment.  Please let us know no later than 24 hours prior to your appointment.  Your appointment is reserved for you and no one else–we respect your time, and request the same in return.  In the event of a cancellation within 24 hours of your appointment, you will be responsible for a $75 missed appointment fee.

what do I do if I missed my appointment?

In the event of a missed appointment or cancellation within 24 hours of your scheduled time, you will be responsible for a $75 missed appointment fee.

Please call us as soon as possible after your missed appointment to reschedule.

 

Do you have parking?

Yes, we do have parking. We have provided directions and parking information on our contact page. 

 

answering your questions

for the dentist…  

when should my child start seeing a dentist?

We recommend children make their first visit to the dentist after they turn 2 years old.

what do I do if I knock my tooth out?

Time is of the essence in this situation as it can affect the success of re-implanting the tooth into the socket where it came from.

  • Generally, re-implantation is most successful within 30 minutes of the accident.
  • It is important to not touch the root of the tooth–handle the crown only! The tooth needs to be gently cleaned with saline or milk. Do not scrub the tooth clean! Water is the worst option and will cause damage to the tooth.
  • Take a moment to confirm the proper alignment the tooth needs to be in order to go back into the socket correctly.  If it’s been less than 30 minutes since the tooth was displaced, the socket and surrounding tissues are likely still numb from the trauma.  Re-insert the tooth into the socket. 
  • If you can’t re-implant the tooth due to pain or damage, it is important to store the tooth properly and see a dentist within six hours of the accident.  Store the tooth in a small container with milk or saline to keep the root from drying out.  If saline or milk are not available, saliva is the next best option.  Place the tooth back in the mouth next to the cheek. 
  • When you see the dentist, the tooth will be stabilized with splinting material. 
  • Once the trauma and tissue heals, a root canal will be required on the tooth. This procedure is necessary because the tooth contains nerves and blood vessels that also get damaged when a tooth is knocked out. 

The good news is that if the above steps are taken, the prognosis of a re-implanted tooth is quite favorable!

can you get stains off my teeth?

Absolutely! Which method is best depends on the degree of staining on the teeth.  Mild superficial staining is often removed at a dental cleaning appointment during polishing. More stubborn areas will require a whitening procedure to effectively remove the stain.

Learn more about our whitening treatment.

 

Can you straighten teeth without braces?

Yes! Clear aligner therapy is the most common orthodontic treatment for adults who would like to straighten their teeth.  However, these aligners are generally not recommended for children as compliance becomes a real concern.

do I really need x-rays?

Yes! Though we have a good eye for teeth, we have not found a way to see inside a tooth or the supporting jaw bone without an X-ray.  To properly diagnose cavities between the teeth, X-ray evaluation is necessary. In addition, pathology and infection present in the jaw is only detectable with an X-ray.  These lesions cause significant damage (even without causing pain).  It is not uncommon for an untreated infection of the jaw to result in serious complication and a visit to the ER.  If the amount of radiation exposure is of concern, please reference the chart below for a relative comparison of radiation exposure.

New patient exams require a series of 18 low dose digital dental x-rays.  A regular check up exam requires a series of 6 low dose digital dental x-rays. Per the comparison chart, a full set of 18 dental x-rays is roughly the same radiation exposure as flying in a plane for two hours. You would need 12,200 low dose digital dental x-rays to equate to a CT scan!

Learn more about the technology in our practice.

 

Why does my tooth hurt after treatment, when it didn't hurt BEfore?

The primary objective for a dentist is to remove dental disease and prevent it from worsening. If dental disease is left untreated, it can spread and cause even more damage. With treatments like a filling or a crown, you will be informed of potential side effects. They usually subside in a short time, but if they don’t, a root canal might be necessary.  Ultimately, our treatments will prevent you from having more significant pain and discomfort in the future. I took an oath to do no harm and the last thing I want is for my patients to be in pain.

 

answering your questions

for the hygienist…  

what causes bad breath?

Studies show that 50 percent of adults have had bad breath at some point in their lives. Find out what causes bad breath, how to fight it and when it might be a symptom of a more serious health problem with this video from the American Dental Association.

do I really need to floss everyday?

Only floss the teeth you want to keep!

Flossing requires more than just passing it through the space between your teeth.  Once you pass the floss between where your teeth contact, it’s important to then hug the floss around one of the teeth and advance it under the gumline.  Then hug the floss to the other tooth and advance it under the gumline.  It’s 3 steps! Floss contact, hug one tooth, then hug the other tooth.

We also offer oral hygiene instructions that will cover flossing techniques, water piks, tongue scrapers and best oral practice.

 

why are my gums bleeding?

There are many causes for bleeding gums–The American Dental Association reviews some common factors in this video.

do I really need x-rays?

Yes! Though we have a good eye for teeth, we have not found a way to see inside a tooth or the supporting jaw bone without an x-ray.  To properly diagnose cavities between the teeth, x-ray evaluation is necessary. In addition, pathology and infection present in the jaw is only detectable with an x-ray.  These lesions cause significant damage (even without causing pain).  It is not uncommon for an untreated infection of the jaw to result in serious complication and a visit to the ER.  If the amount of radiation exposure is of concern, please reference the chart below for a relative comparison of radiation exposure.

 

 

New patient exams require a series of 18 low dose digital dental x-rays.  A regular check up exam requires a series of 6 low dose digital dental x-rays. Per the comparison chart, a full set of 18 dental x-rays is roughly the same radiation exposure as flying in a plane for two hours. You would need 12,200 low dose digital dental x-rays to equate to a CT scan!

Learn more about the technology in our practice.

 

 

 

what should I expect at my first appointment at peace of mind?

When you check in at the front desk, you’ll be asked to complete paperwork regarding your health, insurance and details. There will also be an opportunity to discuss any worries you might be having about your visit and any comforts we can provide for you.

You will then be seen by the dental hygienist who will review your paperwork and begin the diagnostic record taking. We will take intraoral photos and x-rays.

Your chart will be updated to reflect the existing condition inside your mouth -condition of teeth, restorations and whether there are any areas of decay to bring to the dentist’s attention. They will assess your gums to evaluate the periodontal condition.

If your periodontal health is normal, the hygienist will complete a prophylaxis cleaning-which is a thorough removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth and beneath your gumline.

Lastly, you will meet the doctor to finish your complete examination and discuss any concerns, chief complaints, and treatment needs.  If treatment is needed, a plan is created and reviewed in depth. Financial considerations will be discussed and future appointments will be scheduled.

answering your questions

about dental anxiety…  

I haven't been to a dentist in years, can you even help me anymore?

Yes, it’s never too late. We are a judgement free zone. We know there are many reasons why people avoid dental care, but oral health is an important part of overall wellness. Your dental health impacts your general health and other aspects of your life–from your self esteem, mental health, success at work, even whether or not you are smiling. One in four adults avoid smiling due to the condition of their mouth and teeth, which frankly makes us really sad. Smiling relieves tension, reduces stress, pain, and strengthens your immune system. We could go on…the benefits are endless.

Visit our patient comfort section to read more about our commitment to treating you well.

If you’d like to talk things through, with either a dentist or our in-house therapist to find a way forward, please give us a call at 480-608-5444.

Is it possible to have a non-medicated dental treatment?

This depends on the treatment, but we do offer a number of therapeutic interventions to help mitigate anxiety or pain without the use of pharmaceutical means.

do I have to have the tv on during treatment?

“I don’t like distraction while in the dental chair, it just makes me more uneasy.” It is absolutely okay to feel this way, just please let us know and we will make sure to limit our patient comforts that are particularly distracting.  Some patients prefer to not wear noise canceling headphones or have the ceiling mounted TVs on during treatment.  We want you to be comfortable and are here to accommodate to your preferences. 

answering your questions

about kids’ teeth…

when should my child start seeing a dentist?

We recommend children make their first visit to the dentist after they turn 2 years old.

What should I do if my child's baby tooth hasn't fallen out–but they have an adult tooth?

Sometimes a child will not lose a baby tooth before the adult tooth starts erupting from the gums.  This will give the appearance of “shark teeth” where it looks like two sets of teeth are present.  Though it may be a cute look to some parents, it’s important to address this issue when it’s noticed.  This process occurs because a baby tooth just won’t get loose enough to come out on its own.  To help, the dentist will numb the area and gently remove the baby tooth.  This allows the adult tooth to begin positioning itself in the correct location.  Without this intervention, the chances are high that the adult tooth will end up positioned poorly in the mouth. 

why are my child's new adult front teeth not as white as the others?

Noticing your child has new adult front teeth coming in that aren’t as white as the rest?  You are correct in your observation!  Baby teeth are much brighter than adult teeth because they do not contain as much dentin (the yellow substructure under the enamel).  

Why do my child's baby teeth have gaps between them?

Noticing spacing in your child’s first set of teeth?  This is a common finding and completely natural.  The baby teeth are not as large as the adult teeth that will erupt later, so this spacing is natures way of ensuring there is enough room for the adult teeth to come in properly.  In fact, if there isn’t spacing between your child’s baby teeth there will be a good chance of crowding when the adult teeth fully erupt. 

 

 

How can I form better oral hygiene habits ?

One tip I like to give patients, especially teenagers, is to combine brushing and flossing with another regular habit such as showering.  Electric toothbrushes work well in the shower and floss can easily be kept in the shower as well.  So instead of just shampoo and soap, add brushing and flossing to the routine!  

answering your questions

general tips & advice

why is my one tooth really dark?

‘Whats up with this one tooth? It looks really dark?’  The tooth most likely has been injured in the past.  The nerve and blood vessel in the tooth can slowly break down and stain the tooth from the inside out.  Often this process occurs without any symptoms.  To fix a tooth in this condition, a root canal would be required.  In order to regain the normal color of the tooth, a special whitening procedure known as “internal whitening” can be utilized or a crown can be placed to cover the stain.  

 

What causes early morning headaches?

Experiencing early morning headaches?  This could be a sign of nighttime clenching and grinding.  These associated headaches are a result of strain on the muscles controlling the jaw. The areas of discomfort are often near the temples and ears.  It might be time for a nightguard if you experience these symptoms.

Why does my tooth hurt now, when it didn't hurt BEFORE my treatment?!

The primary objective for your dentist is to remove dental disease and prevent it from worsening.  If dental disease is left untreated, it can spread and cause even more damage.  When you get a filling or crown, the dentist will let you know if the cavity was substantial in size and to be aware of symptoms arising after treatment is completed.  After treating a deep cavity that is close to the nerve, a small percentage of patients to have sensitivity to temperature.  This usually subsides but if it does not, a root canal may be necessary. 

Ultimately, your dentist is treating your dental disease to prevent you from having pain and discomfort.  We know that without treatment, the likelihood of future pain and infection is quite high.  We took an oath to do no harm and the last thing we want is for you to be in pain!

do I need to do anything before whitening my teeth?

Planning on whitening your teeth?  We recommend starting the use of a sensitive toothpaste, such as Sensodyne, at least two weeks prior to whitening.  This helps reduce the common side effect of sensitivity from the whitening process. 

how bad is soda for my teeth?

Sugary sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks are great………………………… for causing cavities! Not only tasty for humans, these drinks have all the ingredients that cavity-causing-bacteria LOVE; sugar and acid. Bacteria feed on the sugar while at the same time releasing acid.  This acid byproduct is what creates holes in teeth (cavities).  The sugary beverage provides the perfect storm for cavity-causing-bacteria… a ton of sugar for bacteria to eat and subsequent acid produced.  To make matters worse, these drinks are extremely acidic in general and are like throwing gasoline on a cavity-causing fire!  Sugar free versions of these drinks are still highly acidic and can also damage our enamel. 

If you drink an item like this, its important to drink it in one sitting (do not sip on it throughout the day), use a straw, and rinse your mouth for thirty seconds with water before brushing your teeth.   

patient safety faqs

Answering your questions about covid-19 safety…  

Should I wait until Covid-19 pandemic is over to visit the dentist?

Regular dental checkups are an important part of taking care of your overall health. We understand the feeling to put preventative healthcare off until things ‘return to normal’–but we do not advise doing this. Routine appointments allow us to check for a number of health conditions and catch them early. Some conditions like tooth decay can be more difficult, painful and expensive to remedy if left untreated.

Your health and safety is always our greatest priority. The staff at Peace of Mind are taking every precaution to limit the risk of Covid-19 transmission.

 

Can I have a virtual dental visit instead of visiting the office?

Unfortunately, a phone or video appointment does not replace a regular in-person visit. However, it can be helpful in some circumstances, like determining whether your oral health issue is an emergency that requires immediate treatment or whether it can be delayed. If you think you may be experiencing a dental emergency, call us and we can work out a plan together.

 

What are you doing differently because of Covid-19?

There are a number of science-backed steps Peace of Mind are taking to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

• Increased personal protective equipment including N95 masks, face shields, goggles and surgical gowns or long-sleeved lab coats.
• Increased cleaning protocols. This includes using disinfectants known to kill the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 as well as removing things like magazines and toys and having more frequent cleaning of office items like pens and clipboards.
• Reducing contact with other people by limiting time spent in the waiting room. We may ask you to wait outside or in your car or to not bring additional people to the office with you.

 

How is your dental team monitoring themselves for Covid-19

We will be conducting our own health screenings on a daily basis which includes taking temperatures and answering a series of health-related questions.

 

You said you can't see me as a patient because of my Covid-19 risk. Can you do that?

Yes. The safety of our patients and the dental team is our highest priority. As Dentists, we conduct a risk assessment using our professional judgement as well as guidance from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) to determine the safety of seeing a patient. If we determine the risks are too high, or if you had a high temperature  on the day of your appointment we will inform you of our concerns and discuss how you can self-monitor and reschedule your appointment.

 

submit a question

Are we missing something on the list? Please let us know!

Email

contact@pomdentalchand.wpenginepowered.com

Phone

Fax

480–608–5445

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