1. How long is the wait for a cleaning appointment?
Depending on your schedule we can usually offer our patients a cleaning appointment (prophylaxis) within a week.

2. Why don’t you quote prices over the phone?
All procedures must first be diagnosed by the dentist. After an evaluation there are many options related to that treatment plan. It is essential that the patient be seen by the dentist to discuss all of the options to fit their individual needs, at which time a pre-treatment estimate can be prepared.

3. Can my children and I have the same appointment?
In an effort to help utilize your time to the utmost, we will make every effort to arrange appointments so that you and your family members can be treated at the same visit.

4. Do all doctors perform the same procedures?
Each dentist is well versed in numerous disciplines of the practice of dentistry, and are constantly pursuing continuing education in all areas to better serve our patients. If your treatment plan requires you to have specialized treatment, our dentist will on occasion refer you to a specialist that is in our referral program or in you dental insurance network.

5. Are instruments sterilized for each patient?
We have a rigid sterilization process, which is governed by OSHA of the Federal Government and by the State of Virginia.

All instruments and tools are:

Scrubbed and cleaned with a disinfectant

Placed in Ultrasonic Cleaner for 10 minutes.

Placed in Antibacterial agent for 5 – 10 minutes.

Rinsed and placed in Sterilization Bag

Sterilized for 50 minutes in a heat autoclave.
Additionally, hand pieces and/or drills are:

Scrubbed and rinsed cleaned with disinfectant

Lubricated and run on Handpiece Cleaner.

Sterilized in STATIM Cassette autoclave.

Removed and Lubricated for next procedure.

7. Will you give anesthesia with all procedures?
Yes, we do use anesthesia when it is necessary. If the decay is small and shallow enough there is a possibility that Air-Abrasive Microdentistry can be used. Air-Abrasive Micro-Dentistry is one such technique that provides the patient with a painless and efficient alternative to conventional methods. Air-Abrasive tools utilize fine particles of sand at high speeds to clear the tooth of decay. This technique allows the dentist to perform certain dental procedures without anesthesia. But if at any point you are uncomfortable we will use anesthetic to numb the tooth.