If you don’t see an answer listed below to the question you have, please let us know by emailing or calling us. We’ll be happy to help.
Are you taking new patients?
Yes. In fact, most of our new patients are referred by our existing patients or other doctors. We sincerely appreciate all of our patients who refer their family, friends and colleagues with confidence.
What happens at my first visit?
Dr. Kauls or Dr. Dierking will talk with you about your goals for your dental health. This information-gathering visit will include a thorough evaluation by either Dr. Kauls or Dr. Dierking and may include such diagnostic records such as x-rays, tooth models or photographs, if necessary. This appointment typically lasts one hour.
Will I have my teeth cleaned at my first visit?
Until we know more about you and your dental needs, it is difficult to know how much time to set aside for a cleaning. Many factors like gum disease, smoking, overall health, medications and genetics will influence what type of preventive visit is needed and how long it will take. We find it best to schedule your first preventive visit after we meet you and conduct a thorough evaluation of your current dental situation. If you have specific scheduling needs, we will do our best to accommodate them.
I don’t like pain. Will I be comfortable?
We are very concerned about your comfort. Dr. Kauls and Dr. Dierking use many different anesthetic formulations and techniques to make sure that your dental visits are pain free. We offer inhaled nitrous oxide to help reduce anxiety, and we have form-fitting neck and back pillows for the dental recliners to help reduce tension. You may relax during your visits by viewing satellite TV with adjustable headphones. If you have any needs or concerns during your visit, we want to know.
How often should I come in for regular preventive visits?
The answer to this question depends on your individual tendencies, diet, risk factors and commitment to home care. There is no clear scientific evidence that indicates which frequency of visits is appropriate for everyone. However, a number of studies support three-month intervals between visits for patients with gum disease risk factors (bleeding gums, tartar build-up, smoking and diabetes).
Our healthiest patients have received a thorough risk assessment that helps us establish their ideal care schedule. Although dental benefit plans typically pay for two visits per year, you may need more or less frequent visits to maintain your dental health.
I don’t like the color of my teeth. Is tooth whitening safe and effective?
Tooth whitening is one of the safest and most cost-effective ways to improve your smile. The method you choose will depend on your tooth color, lifestyle, schedule and budget. Each person’s teeth respond differently to the whitening process. Some teeth will whiten quickly, while others may take longer or need a tailored whitening approach.
Certain types of tooth discoloration are highly resistant to the whitening process. It is best to identify this type of discoloration before you make the investment in whitening. If you want a very white, bright look, you may want to consider re–enameling your teeth with bonding or veneers.
Our initial exam and consultation, if desired, includes a smile and tooth color analysis to determine which smile enhancement strategy is most appropriate for you.
Do I need dentures, a bridge or dental implants?
When deciding how best to replace missing teeth, our goal for you is to provide the best possible comfort, appearance and chewing ability. Each of these methods has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and your own situation may favor one method over another. Your budget may also be a factor in which method you ultimately choose.
Our comprehensive, personalized approach to replacing missing teeth will make you comfortable with your decision, and our experience and expertise will provide you with excellent results.
Do you perform root canal treatment?
The phrase “root canal” evokes a great deal of emotion in patients. There have been enormous strides in technology that allow root canal treatment to be completely comfortable. Our routine use of high magnification in all procedures decreases your chances of having a root canal, but if you do, that same magnification enhances the quality and comfort of root canal treatment. Dr. Kauls and Dr. Dierking are always committed to your comfort in every procedure.
Will you advise me on the best home dental care products?
We gladly advise you on the best home dental care products so you can maintain the health of your teeth and gums between visits. And we even make a small number of the most difficult-to-find products available for purchase right in our office.
Do you accept my insurance?
Most dental benefit plans will pay for your visits. Our staff will prepare your claim forms and send them to the insurance company electronically within 24 hours of your visit. The benefit you receive will vary from plan to plan, depending on what your employer has chosen to purchase. We will do our best to help you understand your plan so that you can plan for your care accordingly.
Why aren’t you on my insurance company’s list of dentists?
There has been a growing trend over the last two decades for dental plans to require doctors to sign contracts in order to be “preferred providers” or “member dentists.” The rules are often vague, and can change without much notice to clinics. Some contracts also contain disincentives to doctors who recommend appropriate care that the plan deems “too costly.” Our concern with these contracts is that the long-term effect will be to lower the standard of care.
Our commitment to you is to continually improve the high standard that we have always embraced. We will never compromise our treatment or service to you, regardless of dental benefits. Fortunately, all but the most restrictive plans will pay you benefits when you are a patient of ours, and our knowledgeable staff is available to help you with any claims or questions.
Will my insurance coverage impact my treatment plan?
We ask that you realize we do not work for an insurance company, but we do work 100% for our patients. Most insurance companies offer great benefits for our patients, and we are going to do everything we can to maximize your benefits. So please understand that the fees that we charge and the treatment that we are going to recommend is specifically designed for your individual needs and never based on your insurance coverage.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Dental work is an investment that can prevent long-term problems—not just for your teeth, but for your heart, your immune system and more. While it is an investment in your health, we know it is also a monetary investment. We make it more affordable for you by offering payment plans that work with your budget.
Should you wish to extend payments over time, financing through Care Credit® — an independent financing company — is available. In addition, we will help you collect your insurance benefits, provide appropriate information to your insurance company and will even submit your claim electronically within 24 hours of your visit.
For your convenience, we accept Discover,® MasterCard,® Visa,® American Express® and Care Credit®.
