Popular Questions
- How does the doctor keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
- How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
- Do you accept my insurance plan?
- What different payment options do you provide?
- How can I safely whiten my teeth?
- What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
- My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
- I really do not like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
- I want my front teeth to look better, but I don’t want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
- My spouse snores and keeps me awake at night. I’ve heard a dentist might be able to prescribe an appliance that prevents snoring. Can you help?
How does the doctor keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
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Dr. Gaff attends a number of continuing education classes, and he ensures his staff does the same. He also subscribes to the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental industry. He believes it is his responsibility to his patients to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials. |
How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
Usually, healthy adults benefit from a professional cleaning and checkup every six months. Twice daily brushing and flossing go a long way toward maintaining good dental health, but it’s wise to have professional cleanings twice a year so that plaque that has hardened into tartar can be removed.
Do you accept my insurance plan?
Our office accepts insurance plans that allow patients to go to the dentist of their choice. Our office will file your dental claims for you. Please talk with our insurance coordinator if you have questions about your insurance coverage or financial options.
What different payment options do you provide?
Our office accepts cash, checks, major credit cards, and insurance plans that allow patients to go to the dentist of their choice. We also offer financing through outside agencies, including interest-free plans for 3, 6, 12 and 18 month for all procedures and 24 months for Invisalign patients. There is also available a 5 year plan with interest. If you have questions about financial arrangements, please talk with our friendly, knowledgeable office staff.
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
Various procedures are offered that can help whiten your smile, from take-home kits to in-office treatments. Dr. Gaff can recommend the method that will work best for you, based on the current color of your teeth and the causes of any discoloration. Once you decide on the most appropriate method, you will probably spend two to four weeks undergoing a series of simple whitening procedures.
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
We utilize state-of-the art sanitation procedures to ensure the safety of all of our patients. In addition to wearing face masks and gloves to prevent passing germs, we have a specialized sanitation center and a water filtration system that guarantees fresh water for each patient.
My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Bleeding gums may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by rough, improper brushing, using a hard-bristled toothbrush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar buildup below the gum line, or gum sensitivity due to periodontal disease. If your bleeding gums are a result of periodontal disease, we can safely and quickly remove buildup below the gum line with laser therapy. If your gums bleed despite proper brushing or occurs every time you brush your teeth, contact our office for an appointment to evaluate the problem.
I really do not like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
Because we understand that some people are apprehensive about visiting the dentist, we do our best to create a relaxing atmosphere. Our staff is skilled at making patients comfortable, and we’ll answer your questions thoroughly and completely.
I want my front teeth to look better, but I don’t want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
Advances in dentistry give patients a number of options to enhance their smiles. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, some reshaping and porcelain veneers can give them a bright, uniform look. In other cases, you may benefit most from the addition of "invisible" braces. Dr Gaff is an INVISALIGN certified provider. If you’ve been wondering what modern dentistry can do to give you a brighter, more beautiful smile, call us for a consultation to discuss the options with you.
My spouse snores and keeps me awake at night. I’ve heard a dentist might be able to prescribe an appliance that prevents snoring. Can you help?
Snoring can be caused by a number of factors, so the first step is to have your spouse come in for a consultation and analysis with Dr. Gaff to determine the cause. In some cases, a condition called sleep apnea, where a person actually stops breathing for a few seconds, may be the cause. In other causes, snoring can be caused by enlarged anatomical structures in the mouth and throat that collapse and obstruct airflow when a person is asleep. In this situation, we can prescribe and fit a special appliance called a snoreguard that gently holds the mouth and throat in an open position and prevents snoring.