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FAQ

At Dores Dental, we know you may have some questions about our dental services. We’ve answered some of the ones we hear most frequently from our patients here. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to call our East Longmeadow, MA dentist office at 413-241-3995 and we’ll get them answered for you!

 

Q: Is Invisalign a good option for me?

Invisalign is a great option for most teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic need. Invisalign can straighten teeth that are crowded, gapped, and crooked. There are some cases that would benefit from metal brackets and wires, but most adults will receive great results with Invisalign aligners.


Q: What can I do about a toothache?

No one wants a toothache. If you have one, it’s unlikely to go away on its own. Toothaches are often the result of a tooth infection, which can be treated with a root canal procedure. With advances in modern dentistry, we can provide this treatment with little or no pain. Once we’ve removed the infected tissue from your tooth, we can fill and cap it, so you can start feeling better in a matter of days.


Q: Can You Help Me Relax During My Appointment?

Absolutely! We understand that many people some level of dental anxiety. That’s why we offer a “menu” of comfort options to make your experience with us more relaxed and comfortable. You’ll share control over what happens during your appointment with Dr. James Dores. For those who dislike needles, our DentalVibe tool masks the sensation of the injection and helps the anesthetic take effect faster.


Q: Can You Help Me Straighten My Teeth?

Absolutely. Dr. Dores offers short-term orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® clear dental aligners. While people with complex orthodontic needs may do better with traditional braces, it’s very likely that you can get the straight teeth you want comfortably and without the embarrassment of a “mouthful of metal.”


Q: Can you help me pay for my treatment?

At Dores Dental in Longmeadow, MA, our prices are very affordable and we have a number of special promotions to help you save even more money. We’ll be happy discuss payment options with you. We accept a wide variety of dental insurances as well as payment through several major credit cards. We also accept CareCredit which offers special financing for dental care for people who qualify.


Q: Are the awful things I’ve heard about root canals true?

No, they’re not true. A root canal procedure doesn’t begin until the area is completely numb, and with our DentalVibe you won’t even feel the injection! Once the tooth is opened, the tissues inside are completely removed, including the nerve. When the nerve is gone, your pain is gone – permanently. Most patients today describe a root canal as no worse than getting a filling.


Q: Should I Be Wearing an Athletic Mouthguard?

The decision to wear an athletic mouthguard is up to you. We think of the mouthguard as a bit of an insurance policy. You see, you might play a contact sport for years and never get hit in the mouth, or you might take the bike out for one ride and do thousands of dollars worth of damage to your teeth in one accident.

We recommend that you wear a custom-made athletic mouthguard whenever you are active to protect your teeth and jaw from potential injury. The mouthguards we create in our office are of the highest quality and are guaranteed to fit comfortably.


Q: Do You Offer Dentures?

We’re proud to offer several options in dentures – fixed and removable partial dentures, full dentures, and implant-supported dentures. Dr. Dores is a perfectionist, so you’re assured of dentures that look great, feel great, fit great, and are very durable.


Q: Do Teeth Whitening Kits Really Work?

In order to be sold in stores, teeth whitening kits must dilute the whitening agents. That means they technically work but the results will be weak. You might even have to buy them repeatedly. That’s why Dr. Dores is trained in two professional-strength treatments: Zoom and Sinsational Smile. With either, you will get a dazzling, white smile. Isn’t that why you’re getting teeth whitening in the first place?


Q: How should I protect my smile during Coronavirus?

COVID-19 is unprecedented, but there are things you can do to keep your smile safe while it’s difficult to get to the dentist. First, remember that we are OPEN for emergency appointments! If you’re in pain, we are here and ready to safely treat you. Otherwise, maintain your twice-daily brushing and flossing routine, drink plenty of water, and avoid sugary or sticky treats!


Q: Are you accepting new patients?

Yes! We welcome new patients at Dores Dental. We even provide new patient forms online so you can save yourself some time by filling them out before your first visit. Less time with paperwork means more time seeing our dentists!


Q: When should I bring my child for their first visit to the dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends bringing your infant for a first visit to the dentist within six months of their first tooth. We agree, and we love meeting your babies during your child’s first dentist visit.


Q: What is CEREC?

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. That is quite a mouthful, obviously! The important thing about CEREC is that it allows you to get a dental crown in a single visit to Dores Dental.

CEREC’s sophisticated software enables Dr. James Dores to design and create a same-day dental crown for you in our office instead of outsourcing this job to an off-site lab. Our patients appreciate the convenience of getting their dental crown in just a few hours rather than a few weeks!

Dr. Dores can also use CEREC to create porcelain dental veneers for you right in our office.


Q: Is a dental implant a good way to replace a missing tooth?

For many patients, a dental implant is a great way to replace a missing tooth. After the implant is placed in your jawbone, Dr. Dores will attach a replacement tooth, usually a dental crown, to the implant. Dental implants look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.

While dental implants are not right for everyone, Dr. Dores can discuss your specific needs with you and determine if you are a good candidate.


Q: Is that your smart car I’ve seen driving around?

Yes! Members of our team drive our smart car with the Dores Dental logo around Longmeadow, Springfield, Wilbraham, and Forest Park to show how proud we are of our practice!

We think it gives you a good idea of the fun and friendly atmosphere you’ll find in our Longmeadow, MA office. Our friendliness is one of the qualities that has helped us earn four patient choice awards from health care review site Vitals.com.


After reading these questions, we hope you’ll want to visit us! Call 413-241-3995 to schedule an appointment. Or you can use our convenient online form.

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