How much is my first visit going to cost?

The cost of your first visit at Columbia Dental Care depends on your insurance coverage. As a curtesy to our patients we do verify insurance before appointments. We also offer a new patient coupon for patients without insurance.

Why do I have a toothache?

There could be any variety of answers for why you are experiencing a toothache. It could be periodontal related, tooth decay, an abscessed tooth, fractured tooth, damaged filling, grinding, etc. Please give us a call immediately if you are experiencing a toothache and let Dr. Kleitches at Columbia Dental Care help you!

Do you treat children?

Columbia Dental Care happily treats children of all ages. There is even a treat waiting for your child in our treasure chest once their dental appointment is complete! If your child's teeth require in depth treatment beyond our scope, then we will gladly connect you with a specialist.

I'm pregnant, can I still come to the dentist?

It is actually very important to come to the dentist during your pregnancy. Many women develop periodontal issues during pregnancy as a result of their hormones. It is very important for the health of both you and your baby to have a cleaning and check with your dentist regarding any issues you are experiencing with your teeth.

What causes tooth decay?

Food and bacteria are the main cause of tooth decay. Plaque is a sticky substance that is consistently forming inside your mouth and getting on your gums and your teeth. Plaque contains the bacteria that feast on the sugars from the food we eat. When bacteria feeds, it produces acid which causes tooth decay.

How often should I change my tooth brush?

You should change your tooth brush every 3 months. You may want to change your toothbruch more often if the bristles are frayed.

What do sealants do?

Sealants are a thin coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth -- usually the back teeth (the premolars and molars) -- to prevent tooth decay. The painted on liquid sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.

What is the safest way to whiten my teeth?

You should see your dentist for a good cleaning first before a teeth whitening. From there, the dentist will be able to assist you in choosing the right teeth whitening option for you.

How do fillings work?

The first step of filling a cavity is to numb the teeth, gums, and surrounding area to ease the patient's discomfort. The next step is to remove the tooth decay from the tooth by drilling, then a composite (tooth colored) filling is placed into the tooth to restore function to the tooth.

Why do my gums bleed when I brush and floss?

You may experience bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth as a result of a periodontal disease. However, this can be sometimes be reversed with a good teeth cleaning along with good home care. If more serious treatment is needed, then Columbia Dental Care is happy to connect you with a periodontist.

What causes cavities?

Plaque attacks are the cause of cavities. The acids in plaque removes minerals in your tooth's hard, outer enamel. This erosion causes tiny openings or holes in the enamel, which is the first stage of a cavity. Once areas tooth enamel has worn away, the bacteria and acid can reach the next layer of your teeth, called dentin.

Are dental x-rays safe?

Dental X-rays are a useful diagnostic tool when helping your dentist detect damage and disease not visible to the naked eye during a regular dental exam. According to the ADA and ACOG, having dental X-rays during your pregnancy is considered safe with the appropriate shielding.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

For your first appointment, please arrive a 10 to 15 minutes early to go over and fill out your paperwork. To expedite the process, please see our new patient forms and bring them with you to your appointment. We also ask that you bring a form of identification and your insurance card, if possible.

Who do I call for an emergency?

If you are a patient of record in our office and have been seen in our office within the last 9 months, we have an emergency line that is always available 24/7. Please refer to our front desk for this emergency line.

Is there anything I can do to help my sensitive teeth?

If you are experiencing sensitivity with your teeth, we recommend a good teeth cleaning, x-rays and a dental exam to see if there is an underlying reason for the sensitivity. After a deeper look, the dentist will work with you to find a solution. The solution to sensitive teeth could be as simple as switching to Sensodyne tooth paste.

How does dental insurance work? What are my costs?

We will be glad to file your insurance for you. If you receive treatment in our office, then we are happy to let you know what your insurance will or will not cover, if this is an option, and your cost for the dental visit. You are responsible for payment the same day of your treatment.