FAQs

Common Dental Questions and Answers


What makes you different from any other practice I can visit?

Dr. Harris has over 30 years of experience as the area’s leading general, restorative, and cosmetic dentist. He offers a wide range of service, including dental implant placement, so you can receive the majority of your care in our office where you feel comfortable. But, it’s not just our credentials and technology that make us different. To us, you are a person, not a number on a chart. We will spend time discussing your concerns and work toward a common goal of maintaining your oral health for the long term.

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

Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from the patient brushing too hard or from early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep hygiene treatment to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, and it has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to create significant damage to your health, so call for an assessment now. We will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!

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I brush every day, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?

In your checkup, we can look for the cause of your bad breath, also known as halitosis. Some patients suffer from bad breath caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or a smelly substance put off by bacteria. With modern procedures and products to promote fresh breath, our team can help you regain your confidence!

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When do you like children to have a first dental visit?

We want to see your child when they have teeth! Most children respond well to a dental visit around age three, though the ADA recommends children have a first visit at one year of age. Bring your child with you to your appointment so that he or she can become acclimated to the dentist's office. If you notice any development problems with your child's mouth or teeth, call our Haworth dental office to schedule a visit immediately. Otherwise, we'd like to begin teaching your children how to care for their teeth and gums when they reach three or four years of age. By age four or five, they can begin hygiene treatments and regular checkups.

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I want to know more about changing my smile. What do you suggest?

An appointment. Your smile and your goals are unique. We offer a wide range of cosmetic services, and after your consultation, you'll know which services will deliver the smile of your dreams.

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I want straighter teeth, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?

Depending on your unique case, we may suggest porcelain veneers or Invisalign clear braces. Invisalign uses 3D imaging to design a custom set of aligners, then the patient wears a new aligner every few weeks. For big events, simply remove the aligner. This makes cleaning easy, too. Porcelain veneers mask chips, breaks, discolorations, and slight misalignments, and Dr. Harris can place them in just two office visits. Make an appointment to learn which treatment will suit your lifestyle best.

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Do veneers look natural?

Yes! Dr. Harris will carefully determine the size, shape, and color of your veneers based on you unique features and preferences. Then, a skilled ceramist will handcraft the veneers according to your and Dr. Harris’s specifications. Made from high-quality porcelain, veneers allow natural light to shine through, which will give your smile a healthy, natural glow.

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How can I safely whiten my teeth?

The ADA recommends dentist-supervised teeth whitening for safe, effective results. Dr. Harris will be able to assess your soft-tissues and tooth enamel to determine the best type of whitening in your unique situation. He may recommend in-office bleaching with Zoom! 2 or take-home teeth whitening. Our professional-strength teeth whitening solution contains hydrogen peroxide, which has been proven safe in clinical studies, and fluoride, which will help strengthen your tooth enamel. Call today and reserve your appointment with Dr. Harris to learn which option is right for you.

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My smile is missing teeth. What do you suggest I do?

You'll need to first schedule a consultation with Dr. Harris. He can assess your oral health and discuss options for replacement teeth. In general, you can choose from crown and bridgework, partial or full dentures, or dental implants. As the most natural prosthetic to natural tooth structure, a dental implant offers the most long-lasting, comfortable, natural-looking choice.

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Will you care for my entire family?

Absolutely. We enjoy creating gorgeous, healthy smiles for patients of any age. As a general dentist office, our preventive, restorative, prosthetic, and cosmetic dental services include treatments suitable for patients of all ages.

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My spouse snores and keeps me up at night. I’ve heard that a dentist may be able to prescribe an appliance that prevents snoring. Can you help?

Yes. First, your partner will need to come in for an evaluation, so Dr. Harris can determine the severity of the case. Snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious condition that can lead to more serious health concerns, including cardiovascular disease. If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, or if you snore, Dr. Harris can design a custom oral appliance, similar to an athletic mouthguard, that will allow unobstructed airflow while you sleep.

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What if I have an emergency when the office is closed?

If you have a dental emergency that requires immediate treatment and cannot wait until regular office hours, then call our main line and listen for further instructions.

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Do you accept my insurance?

Our practice participates as a provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield, CIGNA, Delta Dental, and Met Life. We submit as an out-of-network provider for all other companies. As a courtesy, we will file claims electronically and wait for assignment of benefits so that patients don’t have to pay upfront. Please call our dental office in Haworth with any questions.

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What payment methods do you accept, and what are your financing options?

For your convenience, we accept cash, check, and major credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. Third-party financing is available through CareCredit for qualified applicants.

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Please contact us today with any comments, questions or to set an appointment

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