Frequently Asked Dental Questions

• What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
• My child has decay in a baby tooth that is going to fall out anyway. Why should I have it filled?
• I need to see a dental specialist. Now what?
• I saw a dentist at another office and am not sure I agree with the recommendations. Do you give second opinions?
• Do you offer sedation dentistry?
• I am having oral surgery with general anesthesia. What are the pre-operative instructions?
• Do you offer same-day whitening?
• What dental products do you offer for sale?
• It was recommended that I have Scaling and Root Planing done. Why can’t I just get a regular cleaning?

What should I do if I have a dental emergency?

Emergencies can happen to anyone. We are here to help. During business hours, simply call us at 763-561-2273. Our receptionist will ask a few questions about your symptoms and schedule an appointment. After business hours our answering service will get a message to our on-call dentist. (Naturally, if you have a life-threatening emergency, dial 911.)

If you are new to our office, payment for emergency visits is expected at the time of service. Typically, treatment does not exceed $150-$300. Upon request, we can provide you with an itemized receipt to submit to your dental insurance for reimbursement after your emergency appointment.

My child has decay in a baby tooth that is going to fall out anyway. Why should I have it filled?

It is important to address dental caries, even in deciduous teeth. These teeth reserve space for your child’s permanent teeth. Decay that is left untreated can spread and result in pain and premature tooth loss. Adjacent teeth can then drift into the spaces that are needed for un-erupted permanent teeth which can cause crowding problems that are more costly to correct.

I need to see a dental specialist. Now what?

If you need a specialist, your dentist at Brook West will refer you to a trusted colleague. For your convenience, we offer in-house specialist appointments to meet your needs in a familiar and convenient setting. We have a pediatric resident, a periodontist, and an oral surgeon each of whom sees patients at Brook West Family Dentistry.

I saw a dentist at another office and am not sure I agree with the recommendations. Do you give second opinions?

We would be happy to help. We will schedule a treatment consultation for you and ask that you bring any current films and recommendations from your dentist. Consultations with our general dentists are free-of-charge. (There may be a fee for any necessary diagnostic films taken during the consultation.) Request your consultation today.

Do you offer sedation dentistry?

Yes! Your comfort is our priority. Conscious sedation and general anesthesia can facilitate the completion of procedures without discomfort or anxiety. Sedation is a great choice for:

• Those who are anxious about their dental procedure or have had a past dental experience that was unpleasant.
• People who have a difficult time achieving a numbing effect with local anesthetics.
• Patients who would like to save time by completing several dental procedures in a single appointment.

We offer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide , oral medication sedation, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia. For more information, ask our patient coordinator about scheduling your next appointment with sedation.

I am having oral surgery with general anesthesia. What are the pre-operative instructions?

We will call you to discuss pre-operative instructions and go over your questions before your appointment.

If you are having local anesthesia and are not being sedated, a light breakfast is okay. You don’t need a driver unless you want one.

If you will be having general anesthesia, please follow these pre-operative instructions before your appointment:

• No smoking 24 hours before oral surgery.
• Have a light meal the night before surgery. No alcohol.
• Have nothing to eat or drink (not even water) for a minimum of 6 hours before your appointment.
• The morning of oral surgery, brush your teeth without swallowing any water.
• If your dentist or physician has prescribed any medications for you, they may be taken with a small amount of water the morning of oral surgery.
• Wear comfortable, loose fitting, short-sleeved clothing. No jewelry. No contact lenses.
• If you are under the age of 19, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Every patient receiving General Anesthesia will need a driver to:
  • Accompany them to Brook West Family Dentistry
  • Remain at our office during the procedure
  • Drive the patient home
• A responsible person needs to remain with you for six hours after returning home.

Do you offer same-day whitening?

Yes! Even people with the most hectic schedule can have a dramatically brighter smile. We offer in-office Lumi Brite whitening by Lumineers. For more information, call 763-561-2273.

What dental products do you offer for sale?

We offer a wide variety of revolutionary products that can significantly improve the appearance and health of your smile. Ask your hygienist for recommendations at your next appointment.

It was recommended that I have Scaling and Root Planing done. Why can’t I just get a regular cleaning?

Periodontal disease is caused by infections that damage the gum and bone that hold teeth in place. Periodontal disease can often be treated in the early stages with scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing removes the bacteria-laden plaque and tartar below the gum line. The root surfaces are then smoothed to allow the gum tissue to heal. A professional prophy removes plaque above the gum line and will not treat periodontal disease.