At Glen Ellyn Dentistry, we always try to do our best to communicate clearly with our patients and answer your questions. If you wonder about your dental care between appointments, we welcome you to peruse this list of frequently asked questions, and we always invite you to get in touch with us directly through our online Contact Us form or by phone at 630-942-0727.
Frequently Asked Dental Care Questions
How Frequently Do I Need to Visit the Dentist for Preventive Care?
The American Dental Association recommends that healthy adults visit the dentist at least once every six months (or twice a year) for a routine dental hygiene exam appointment. Growing children, individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment, or individuals diagnosed with an oral health concern might need to visit our office more frequently for maintenance and evaluation.
How Do I Choose a Dentist?
Choosing a dentist can be a highly personal decision with many factors to consider during the process. We recommend considering the convenience of location along with your individual oral healthcare needs and those of your family if your family members plan to visit us too.
We also recommend vetting a dentist by verifying their credentials and the associations that the dental office belongs to. Additionally, reading through patient reviews can ensure you find a dentist with a good reputation who focuses on creating positive treatment experiences for their patients.
Do I Need To Arrive Early for My First Appointment?
We recommend arriving about 15 to 20 minutes early for your first appointment in our office. Our office staff will ensure we have all of the new patient forms completed (available online and in our office), your insurance information on file, and any additional information we need to provide you with the best possible care.
How Can I Prevent Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is one of the most serious oral health concerns because it can potentially damage the general health of your body and your oral health. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is by practicing excellent oral hygiene habits at home and visiting the dentist regularly for professional teeth cleanings and examinations.
If you are in a high-risk category for developing periodontal disease or if you have already developed some kind of gingivitis, we might recommend additional steps you can take, such as using a water flosser, adding an alcohol-free antibacterial mouth rinse to your routine, and visiting the dentist more frequently.
Can Children Develop Periodontal Disease?
Unfortunately, periodontal disease is not just an adult problem; children can also develop this problem. This is one of the reasons why professional dental care and teaching children good oral hygiene habits is essential to their health now and in the future.
How Can I Prevent Tooth Decay?
Practicing good oral hygiene every day and getting your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year are essential steps in preventing tooth decay.
We also recommend being mindful of your diet. Limit your intake of sugar and sticky, carbohydrate-rich foods. Be sure to rinse your mouth after enjoying these treats and wait about 30 minutes before brushing.
How Frequently Do I Need To Brush and Floss?
The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day (morning and night) for two minutes (30 seconds per quadrant of teeth). They also recommend flossing at least once a day, but we recommend flossing each time you brush your teeth so that it is easier to build good habits.
Can I Get Invisalign From My Dentist, or Do I Need To Go to an Orthodontist?
Yes, we provide Invisalign (and a variety of other adult orthodontics) right here in our office!
What Insurance Do You Accept?
We accept insurance from all PPO dental insurance providers, and we will file your claims for you. We welcome you to contact our office directly for more information about your specific provider and policy.
Will My Insurance Cover My Visit?
Every dental insurance policy varies in terms of what services they cover and how much they pay for those services. If you are concerned about the cost of your dental care or upcoming treatment, we welcome you to get in touch with our office staff so that we can assist you in determining how much you can expect your insurance to pay and the overall costs of care.