Still have questions?
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
If you have additional questions that aren’t covered here, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our friendly team is always ready to help and provide any information you need.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes! We are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to serve your dental needs.
What is the process for switching over to Scarlett Road Dentistry?
Your first visit will typically include a new patient exam and, if needed, a cleaning. We will also update your dental X-rays during this appointment. If you recently had your X-rays taken at your previous dental office, please inform us in advance so we can arrange for their transfer. However, if these X-rays are outdated or if the dentist has specific concerns, we may still need to update certain X-rays during your visit.
Can you bill my insurance company directly?
Yes, we offer direct billing! This means you will only need to pay any fees or portions of fees not covered by your insurance. If you have dual insurance, we can also process the secondary submission for you, eliminating the need for you to mail or submit anything yourself.
How often should someone have a dental checkup?
We recommend that all patients visit our office for dental checkups at least once every six months. Regular appointments and cleanings allow our dental team to monitor your smile for any signs of concern. Delaying checkups gives plaque more time to build up, potentially leading to cavities, tooth decay, receding gums, and other issues. During your checkup, you’ll also receive personalized tips on how to prevent these problems and maintain optimal oral health.
Maintaining good oral health starts at home. To prevent issues between dental checkups, our dental team offers several recommendations for effective at-home oral care.
- Brushing the teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Using a mouthwash
- Avoid smoking or other activities detrimental to oral health
What does the dentist look for in a dental examination?
During your visit, the dentist will discuss your dental history, including any medications, illnesses, allergies, concerns, or anxieties. Honesty is crucial so our dental team can provide the best care possible.
The dental professional will examine your teeth using a small mirror to check for any signs of concern. They will look for swelling, sores, cuts, lesions, gum recession, and tooth decay. One of the key aspects they will examine is the presence of dental pockets—spaces between the gums and teeth—which can indicate gum disease and pose a risk to your health. Based on their findings, the dental professional may recommend specific home care practices and monitoring to protect your smile.
Why are x-rays taken?
New patients and those who haven’t had dental X-rays in a while will be asked to have them taken during their checkup. Dental X-rays are essential because they allow dentists to examine the roots beneath the gum line, which cannot be seen otherwise.
During the X-ray process, you will bite down on a piece of plastic placed between your teeth. A machine positioned near your cheek will take the image. The dentist will then review the X-ray to check for any underlying dental concerns.
What happens during a dental cleaning?
During a dental cleaning, a dental professional will use specialized tools to thoroughly clean your teeth. These tools include a scraping instrument that resembles a small metal hook to remove buildup from the tooth surfaces, and an electric toothbrush with coarse toothpaste to clean and polish your teeth. Additionally, a dental mouthwash will be used to help remove any remaining buildup and protect your teeth from bacteria. This comprehensive cleaning process ensures your teeth are clean and your oral health is maintained.
Can I choose which dentist and hygienist I see?
Generally, we aim to schedule your appointments with the same hygienist and dentist you saw last time. However, due to scheduling changes or timing, you might occasionally see a different provider. If you have specific preferences for who you see—or if there are providers you’d prefer to avoid—please let us know, and we’ll make sure to accommodate your preferences for future appointments.
When should my child first visit the dentist?
We welcome children of all ages, from babies to toddlers to older kids! If you have specific concerns or just want to check on your child’s oral health, feel free to schedule a visit.
For routine visits, we typically recommend scheduling the first appointment around age 3. At this age, children are usually better able to understand what’s happening and are more likely to have a positive experience. This recommendation assumes your child has regular brushing with toothpaste at least twice a day (including before bed), receives consistent fluoride exposure (from tap water or toothpaste, ideally both), and has a diet with minimal added sugars. If these criteria aren’t met, it might be a good idea to schedule an earlier exam to ensure there are no underlying issues.
How do you determine your fees?
Our fees are determined by the Ontario Dental Association Fee Guide.
How is a mouth guard from my dentist different from one I buy at a sporting goods store?
High-speed collisions that occur during the play of sports like hockey, football, soccer and basketball can cause serious tooth damage. A professionally fitted mouth-guard is the best defense for any athlete against this. The mouth guards provided in our office are custom-made to perfectly fit the wearer’s teeth which can result in a more comfortable and secure fit. In addition, we use a heavier mouth guard material selected based upon each patient’s individual needs. The boil and bite mouth-guards that you purchase in retail stores simply can not provide the same level of protection.
Am I a Candidate For Implants?
Generally, candidates for dental implants should be in good health, have healthy gums, good oral habits for aftercare and a healthy jawbone to support the implants. Dental implants can adversely be affected by some chronic diseases, existing dental problems, diabetes, bone disorders, smoking and alcohol. Your dentist can evaluate your situation to determine if dental implants are the best option for you.
Can I Replace an Old Crown that Looks Unnatural?
Many of our patients have asked us about replacing very old crowns that have deteriorated or crowns that do not blend well with their natural teeth.
One of our skilled dentists will ensure that the shade is matched and the crown is shaped precisely for a very natural, indistinguishable appearance that it also functional.
What People Say About Us
Went here for the first time after having not been to a dentist in a few years and it was a wonderful experience. Everyone was very kind and made sure to explain everything thoroughly.
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