FAQ: Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry – Rahbar Dentistry PC Serving San Francisco
Rahbar Dentistry PC is committed to giving you straightforward information about general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry treatments. Dr. Rahbar and her staff of experienced dental professionals believe that the best way to improve oral health, and subsequently have a beautiful smile, is through patient education and preventive care. Below are some frequently asked questions we hear from our patients at our San Francisco office. Contact Rahbar Dentistry PC to schedule an appointment for a cleaning or a cosmetic or restorative dentistry treatment.
I haven’t been to the dentist for many years. What can I expect?
While we promote the idea that everyone should see the dentist at least twice a year for preventive treatment, we understand that things happen and priorities change and for many reasons you may not get to see the dentist for years at a time. During your visit, we will assess your whole mouth and get you back on track with no guilty feelings. Whether you have avoided the dentist because of finances or dental anxiety, we will do our best to make you feel comfortable. A good dental exam and cleaning involves more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. At Rahbar Dentistry PC, we evaluate your gums for gum disease, remove plaque and calculus, examine your current restorations for damage, and take x-rays. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care, which involves regular check-ups and cleanings. If further treatment is needed, we offer a variety of restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments to improve the health and look of your smile.
I just lost my job and dental insurance coverage. I only need to visit twice a year for preventive care. How expensive is it going to be?
If you have no outstanding dental treatment and only need to receive preventive care your visits range from $150.00- $300.00 annually. This includes your biannual exams, biannual cleaning and prevention measures, and annual recall x-rays.
I have followed the same oral hygiene routine for years. Why was I given a different diagnosis about my oral condition today?
Multiple factors play a role in your oral condition. Hormonal changes play a big role. For example a pregnant woman is more prone to inflammation and possible bleeding of the gums, despite good oral hygiene. The medications you take play a big role as well. If you are taking a medication that causes dry mouth, you are much more susceptible to getting cavities than ever before and may need topical fluoride or varnishes to protect your teeth during your preventive visits. Our dental professional at Rahbar Dentistry PC will assess the true current condition of your teeth and gum and to provide you with the knowledge to prevent potential damage and manage any existing conditions.
Why do I need a special night guard? Can’t I just use an over-the-counter night guard?
With economy being the way it is, we all want to cut down any unnecessary expenses and save money. However, avoiding recommended dental appliances can lead to expensive treatment down the road to fix tooth or restoration fractures. If you clench or grind your teeth, then you need a real custom fitted night guard. Over-the-counter guards are not a proven treatment for bruxism, which is a dental condition.
Are amalgam (silver) fillings safe?
Over the years, there has been some concern as to the safety of amalgam (silver) fillings. An amalgam is a blend of copper, silver, tin and zinc, bound by elemental mercury. Dentists have used this blended metal to fill teeth for more than 100 years. The controversy is due to claims that the exposure to the vapor and minute particles from the mercury can cause a variety of health problems. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), up to 76 percent of dentists use silver containing mercury to fill teeth. The ADA also states that silver fillings are safe and that studies have failed to find any link between silver containing mercury and any medical disorder. The Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization, the FDA, and others support the use of silver fillings as safe, durable, and cost effective. The U.S. Public Health Service says that the only reason not to use silver fillings is when a patient has an allergy to any component of this type of filling. There are numerous alternatives to silver fillings, including composite (tooth-colored), porcelain, and gold fillings.
Do You Accept My Insurance? How Much Do I Need to Pay?
We currently accept all private care insurance plans (plans that do not require you to select a dentist from a list or require our office to accept a reduced fee for services). This means that we work with literally thousands of companies. Although we can maintain computerized histories of payment by a given company, they do change; therefore it is impossible to give you a guaranteed quote at the time of service. We estimate your portion based on the most up-to-date information we have, but it is ONLY AN ESTIMATE. If you would like to know your exact insurance benefit, we will be happy to file a “pre-treatment authorization” with your insurance company prior to treatment. This does delay treatment but will give you the exact out of pocket figures you may require.
I Thought I Paid My Portion but I Received a Bill, Why?
We base the patient portion of your bill on our most current data but there are many factors that can affect this estimate. There may be a deductible (individual or family) or you may have received treatment in another office prior to joining the Rahbar Dentistry PC family, which is not calculated into our database. Sometimes you may need to see a specialist for care, which also uses your annual benefit. Insurance companies do not (and cannot in most cases) notify us of changes to your benefits, they only notify you. If these situations apply to you, please let us know when we estimate your treatment plan so we may adjust accordingly.
Insurance Didn’t Pay, Now What?
We bill your insurance as a courtesy. If insurance does not pay within 90 days, Rahbar Dentistry PC reserves the right to request payment in full for services from you and let you collect the insurance funds that are due to you. This is rare but it is important that you recognize that the insurance you have is a legal contract between YOU and your insurance company. Our office is not, and cannot be a part of that legal contract. Ultimately, you are responsible for all charges incurred in our office
Contact Rahbar Dentistry PC to Learn More about Our Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry Treatments
At Rahbar Dentistry PC in San Francisco, we happily answer any questions and address the concerns you may have, whether they pertain to financing, the procedure of a specific treatment, or how to improve your oral health and smile. Call us today to schedule and appointment.