Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Pasadena, TX

How long is a new dental patient visit? What will happen?

Your first appointment with us will take about one hour. A member of our front office team will review your paperwork and discuss the reasons for your visit, then escort you to a treatment room to meet the dentist. After discussing your medical and dental history, the dentist will conduct a thorough exam of your teeth and soft tissues. We’ll obtain X-rays and use an intraoral camera to take pictures inside your mouth. You’ll also receive an oral cancer screening. The dentist will explain the findings, answer all of your questions, and discuss therapy recommendations. You’ll leave with a plan to achieve the fantastic smile that you deserve!

Do you accept my dental insurance plan?

Our dental office accepts assignments for a large number of insurance companies. Upon receipt of your co-pay or deductible, we’ll gladly file your insurance claim and work with your insurance company to expedite processing and maximize your benefits. Our team is knowledgeable about dental insurance plans and coverage, and we’re more than happy to discuss the particulars of your plan with you before any treatments you may undergo. Call if you have questions.

What do I do if I have a dental emergency when the dental office is closed?

During business hours, contact our Pasadena dental office to be seen immediately. If your dental emergency occurs after our dental office is closed, call our main phone line and follow the menu options to be connected to our emergency service. Dr. Holmes, Dr. Revel, or Dr. Lowery will promptly return your call and manage your emergency.

My child has had an accident and his tooth has been entirely knocked out. What do I do?

If your child’s tooth is knocked out, please contact us immediately. Describe the situation over the phone, and our dental office staff will determine the safest and most appropriate plan of action. We also recommend that you locate, rinse off, and put the tooth back into its socket. If this isn't possible, place the tooth in a glass of milk until you can get to our dental office. If your child experiences a medical emergency, such as uncontrolled bleeding, unconsciousness, or bodily injury, please go to your nearest hospital emergency room.

I really don't like visiting the dentist. What can you do to help me relax?

We understand that many people are anxious about visiting the dentist. That's why we’ve created a relaxing atmosphere. We’ll take the time to get to know you, understand your concerns, and then alleviate your anxiety. Personal headphones are available in every treatment room to help patients relax. If necessary, the dentist can administer nitrous oxide or a prescription oral sedative to calm frayed nerves and/or increase comfort during lengthy procedures. When you come in for your evaluation, let us know how you're feeling. We’ll work together to create a calm, relaxing experience.

Dental crowns, veneers, fillings… can you explain more about what these procedures mean?

We use modern technology, materials, and techniques to restore weak, broken, chipped, discolored, and/or crooked teeth and bring them back to their original shape and function.

For example, we apply white, all-porcelain crowns (sometimes called caps) to restore structural integrity to compromised teeth. A crown also protects a tooth after a large area of decay has been removed and filled. If you need a filling, we often apply tooth-colored composite resin instead of silver amalgam to strengthen teeth and protect against further damage. Similarly, we can transform cracked, discolored, crooked, or otherwise flawed front teeth with paper-thin porcelain veneers.

I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces, what can you do to help?

We offer many ways to improve the look of teeth without applying traditional braces. First, though, we suggest that you attend an evaluation with an orthodontist. You may be surprised at the results of a little moving and straightening. And with today's invisible orthodontia, no one has to know that you're wearing braces!

Additionally, we can discuss the impact of cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, and/or all-white crowns to give your teeth a shapely, bright, and uniform appearance. Schedule a consultation and together, we’ll determine the best path to your ideal smile.

I'm a new dental patient, and I know that there’s probably something I need to fill out before I see the doctor. Can I get copies of any necessary forms so that I can fill them out ahead of time?

We’re happy to provide new patient forms prior to your first visit. Just click, print, and complete. Then, bring the forms with you to your appointment. If you don’t have Adobe Acrobat Reader, we’ll give you a free, downloadable version. We can also mail or fax the forms to you.