Common Dental Questions

Before your visit, you may have some questions about our policies or the treatments we use. For your convenience, our most frequently asked questions are listed below. If you don’t see the information you need here, please call us at 805-246-2558 so we can address your concern.

Can you show me what my smile can look like ahead of time with imaging software? What different payment options do you provide? What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit? 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 I have to floss every day? Is it really that important? I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend? What is Smile Analysis? What is Smile Design?

Can you show me what my smile can look like ahead of time with imaging software?

Yes. Our office has a digital imaging system. Dr. Perkins can take pictures of your teeth with our digital and intra-oral cameras. With these shots, we will use our imaging system to create a picture of how a particular treatment or procedure would change the appearance of your teeth. If you have questions about our digital imaging system, Dr. Perkins would be more than happy to demonstrate how it works.

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What different payment options do you provide?

Our office accepts cash, check, and credit cards such as Master Card, Visa, American Express, or Discover. Any amount not covered by your insurance is your responsibility. If you need extensive or long-term dental care, our office offers financial assistance through Care Credit and Citibank, an outside financing company which offers short term no interest plans as well as long term plans with competitive interest rates. If you have any questions, call us at 805-246-2558.

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What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?

There are a lot of things that make Dr. Perkins’ practice different from the rest. First, we focus on our patients. Our staff is able to greet you at the door and begin working with you right away. Although he is extensively trained, Dr. Perkins is always studying the latest research and technology. That way, he knows about the most recent cosmetic dentistry practices, the best products to use, and the tools that will help him get the job done right.

If you really want to see what makes us different, call us today at 805-246-2558 to schedule your first appointment.

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My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

Yes, you should be very concerned about bleeding gums, especially if you haven’t had a check-up in a while. Bleeding gums can be caused by a variety of things, from a leaky filling to gum disease. While it may seem harmless, bleeding gums can cause a variety of serious health problems. If your gums are bleeding, call us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment so we can analyze the cause.

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Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and partials…where can I learn more about these procedures?

Dr. Perkins usually recommends these restorative procedures as part of a permanent restoration. They are more durable, easy on your mouth, and aesthetic looking. You can learn more about these procedures on our Patient Education page. Our Favorite Links page also has a link to Empress® crowns and veneers. Dr. Perkins also recommends visiting the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies website, which has a lot of information on these procedures and others.

If you are curious about any procedure we recommend, Dr. Perkins always welcomes your questions. He strives to keep up on the latest research and findings.

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Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?

Brushing cleans about 80% of your teeth while flossing covers the remaining 20%. Although that seems like a small percentage, this area is where all of the big problems start. That’s why Dr. Perkins believes that cleaning this area is very important.

If you don’t like flossing, you may not realize that there are other ways to clean this area. For example, Rota-point interdental cleaners are flexible toothpick-like devices that clean the hard to reach areas between your teeth. Electric toothbrushes, such as those made by SonicCare and Oral B, may also help clean this area. When you come to our office, Dr. Perkins can tell you about the different ways to clean between your teeth and explain the benefits of one over the other.

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I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?

Many people still believe the only way to straighten your teeth is to get braces. They don’t realize that there are a number of cosmetic services that can improve the appearance of crooked teeth in two to three visits. Since each mouth is different, Dr. Perkins needs to examine your mouth to make a recommendation. If you are interested in improving your front teeth, call us at 805-246-2558 today to schedule a consultation.

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What is Smile Analysis?

In a smile analysis, Dr. Perkins looks at all the factors that compose a smile, such as the shape of a smile, the size, the smile line, and the position of your teeth, lips, and gums when you smile. He listens to what you want to accomplish and any concerns you may have. Once he has this information, Dr. Perkins can provide a custom smile design.

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What is Smile Design?

Using digital imaging software, Dr. Perkins will generate an image of your new smile, review the smile design results with you, and discuss the next steps to make it happen.

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