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Our Frequently Asked Questions
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Who Is A Candidate for Whitening Treatment?Anyone looking to boost or enhance their smile can benefit from teeth whitening. For mild staining from normal coffee or tea drinking, custom 3D printed whitening trays can be created for a convenient, at-home whitening solution. For more severely stained teeth, our In office Whitening System can deliver powerful results.
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I have no insurance and bad credit. Do I have any options?NO DENTAL INSURANCE, NO PROBLEM! You have many options. Here at Empire Dentists the staff strives to make dental care available to everyone. To start, the Empire Dental Peace of Mind Promise® includes no surprises – we’ll provide a clear, detailed estimate on the cost of your treatment plan in writing, so you know what to expect. Our in House Membership Plans were created to make dentistry accessible to everyone no matter of insurance or occupation. We do not let insurance affiliations dictate our treatment for our patients.
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I'm pregnant, can I come in for a cleaning?Yes, oral health is extremely important especially during pregnancy. Generally the second trimester is the safest time for both the mother and the baby to perform procedures. Prior to your first visit, it is best to obtain a release form from your doctor indicating that you can visit a dental office. Unless of emergency, we will not be able to take X-rays during this visit (so it is advised to come in for a full check up before contraception if possible).
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What is the difference between Novocain, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation?Novocain is a local anesthetic used to numb only a particular area of the mouth. Nitrous oxide is a conscious sedation that is used to minimize anxiety – when used, a patient will be awake and somewhat aware, but will often feel like they are floating. Intravenous, or IV sedation is a conscious sedation that is used to minimize anxiety and affect memory – when used, a patient will be asleep for part or all of the procedure and will often not remember the procedure at all. Generally, the dentists will use a numbing gel or local anesthetic during treatments if needed. Oral sedation may also be available, pending the patient's medical history - be sure to discuss this with your dentist to determine if you're a good candidate.
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What are Wisdom teeth?Most everyone has three molars on each side of the jaw. The last molar (or third molar) located at the very back of your mouth, are your wisdom teeth. While most of your adult teeth develop before adolescence, your wisdom teeth develop significantly later – when you’re older and, thus, “wiser.” While most adults have four wisdom teeth (two on each side), it’s possible to have more, fewer, or none at all.
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What age do most people get wisdom teeth?This can vary significantly. On average, people tend to develop them between the ages of 17 and 25, though it’s not unheard of for wisdom teeth to grow in pre-adolescence or into ones 30s and beyond. There’s also the possibility that you may not develop wisdom teeth at all.
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Do wisdom teeth need to be removed?It’s actually a misconception that all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Dr. Ifedi actually still has all 4 of his wisdom teeth. If they grow in healthy, positioned correctly and without any other complications, then there’s no reason to have your wisdom teeth removed. Today, it’s a rare occurrence that wisdom teeth will grow, in the right position or without complications. For everyone else, impacted wisdom teeth can cause crowding, cavities, gum infection, cysts, etcetera -- requiring removal to ensure no damage is done.
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