FAQ About Cosmetic Dentistry | WhiteWing Dental

Regardless of your age, whether you’re an adult or toddler, visiting the dentist can be a scary experience. But it doesn’t have to be.

At WhiteWing Dental, our entire staff – from administration down to the dentists – focus on providing a warm, family-friendly environment. We want our patients to feel as comfortable as possible whenever they visit our McAllen dental office or La Feria dental office. That’s why we created this handy guide on the FAQs we receive about our services.

Q: Why should I visit the dentist?

Your dental health can greatly affect your overall well being. Keeping up with your regular checkups will help to keep your teeth and mouth healthy while having a positive effect on your general health. When you maintain a regular dental routine, your dentist can spot dental health problems early on or prevent problems from developing. A good dental routine, including trips to the dentists, can help protect your teeth in the following ways:

Prevent tooth decay
Protect against gum disease
Protect against bad breath
Help maintain straight teeth and a bright smile

Q: How often do I need to visit the dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends that you visit the dentist at least twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings. If you haven’t been able to see a dentist for some time, it is highly recommended you schedule an appointment immediately.

Q: How do I pick the best dentist for my family and me?

Because dental care is a personal and important part of your overall health, you’ll want to find a dentist that suits your needs. Call or visit various dentists before deciding on the best one for you. When deciding on which dentist fits your needs, consider the following:

Your dentist’s office location should be accessible and convenient for you and your family.
Your dentist’s hours of operation for appointments need to work with your schedule.
Your dentist should be both reliable and registered.
A dentist’s office should be clean, private, and well-maintained.
Information regarding fees and payment plans should be reviewed with you before any service is provided.
Dental health instructions, as well as special dental needs, should be explained thoroughly by the dentist attending to you.
Voluntary registration with the American Dental Association (ADA) is a positive sign as it ensures a high standard of care.

Q: What can I expect on my first visit to WhiteWing Dental?

From the moment you walk into WhiteWing Dental, you’ll be welcomed by a friendly staff member who will work with you to find out more about your recent medical and dental history.

Once we’ve gotten that information, we will thoroughly examine your mouth, teeth, and gums to get an idea about your oral hygiene routine and needs. We’ll also run screens for dental diseases and oral cancer, as well as take x-rays of your teeth.

Once this initial exam has been completed we will give you a clear explanation of recommended services and benefits of treatment. Our dentists will also answer any questions or concerns that you may have.

Depending on the services you requested, you may also receive a cleaning to remove plaque buildup and some surface stains. This treatment will help to prevent tooth decay and help you to maintain a bright, healthy smile.

Q: Does the dentist really need to take an x-ray?

The short answer is yes. A regular visual examination does not reveal what’s happening on the inside of your teeth and gums. An x-ray helps to reveal:

Any tooth decay
Infections in the bone
Issues with gum disease
Development abnormalities in growing children
Damage to oral structures

X-rays are necessary for finding dental problems in time to correct them and stop any other major issues from arising. You will also not need to have an x-ray taken during every visit. Your WhiteWing Dentists will evaluate your need for an x-ray on each occasion.

Q: Do I need to arrive early?

Yes. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so that you have time to fill out patient forms and additional paperwork.

Q: What insurances does WhiteWing Dental accept?

We are happy to announce that WhiteWing Dental is in-network with a number of insurance providers including:

Aetna
Cigna
GEHA
Ameritas
BCBS
Guardian
Humana
Delta Dental
Metlife
United Concordia
Dental Select
Lincoln

Please contact our McAllen dental office at (956) 686-5577 for additional information about the types of insurance we are able to accept.

Q: What do I need to bring with me on my first visit?

Please bring the following items to your first appointment:

Identification such as Driver’s License, State ID, or Military ID
Dental Insurance Card (if applicable)

Q: Does WhiteWing Dental provide pediatric dentistry services?

Absolutely! We are happy to be able to serve your entire family, from toddlers to grandmas.

Both the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry state that the first dental visit should occur within six months after baby’s first tooth appears and no later than the child’s first birthday.

Because we understand how intimidating you child’s first visit to the dentist can be, we recommend that you begin to play “dentist office” early on, and share your enthusiasm for tooth care as soon as possible. Children will do what their parents do. If they see you displaying good dental habits, they’ll do the same.

Q: Why is the dentist recommending a fluoride treatment for my child?

Fluoride is essential for dental health as it helps to reinforce tooth enamel and protect the teeth from plaque. This is very important for children, as studies have shown that those who consumed fluoridated water from birth are less likely to develop tooth decay.

In cases where a child may not be receiving efficient levels of fluoride, your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment to help supplement.

Q: My child is terrified of visiting the dentist. How can WhiteWing Dental help?

There’s no arguing that a dental chair can be a scary place. With strangers and bright lights shining down, it’s not unusual for children to be a bit anxious about receiving the care they need. At WhiteWing Dental, we strive to create a comforting and friendly atmosphere to make the process as stress-free as possible. We are also proud to provide quality dental care to special needs patients in a supportive setting.

We’re also happy to offer sedation (painless) dentistry to meet patient needs. Dr. Steven Rivas is our very own in-house sedation dentistry expert. Board certified with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Rivas is trained and experienced to use the latest monitoring equipment and anesthetic delivery systems for maximum safety.

Q: What other services does WhiteWing Dental offer?

Come receive the personalized dental treatment you deserve in our McAllen or La Feria dental office. We are happy to provide a full range of services including general family dentistry services, smile alignment treatment, cosmetic and restorative dentistry services, dental implants, sedation dentistry, services for special needs patients, and more.

Q: What should I do if I require premedication?

Please be sure to request a prescription prior to your appointment. If you are unsure whether or not you will need premedication, contact us for help.