Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I get dental checkups?
We recommend that most of our patients come in for a checkup and cleaning every six months. Depending on a person’s dental health, however, a dental cleaning every 3 to 4 months may be recommended.
2. Why do we need fluoride?
Fluoride remineralizes our teeth. This means that it actually helps protect teeth by strengthening any weak spots which may indicate the start of a cavity. Fluoride is “vitamins” for teeth. At Nevada Dental Arts, we are careful to verify patients do not receive more than the recommended amount of fluoride as taken in large amounts, it can pose adverse side effects. However, we firmly recommend fluoride for all of our patients, especially children.
3. Why do we need x-rays?
At Nevada Dental Arts, our doctors use your x-rays to see if there are any cavities that cannot be detected by the naked eye. Cavities that are between the teeth are typically not visible without an x-ray and undetected cavities can lead to root damage and a host of other dental problems. In addition, x-rays reveal the level of bone surrounding your teeth as well as any infections that may be present in your tissues. Nevada Dental Arts has upgraded all of our x-rays to only utilize digital imaging. This means patients are exposed to as minimal amounts of radiation as possible when taking dental x-rays. In fact, you’re exposed to more radiation on a daily basis when walking across the street, being in the sun or going to the airport, than you are at the dentist office. You can also rest assured that all of the equipment used at Nevada Dental Arts follows strict mandates and guidelines enforced by the FDA.
4. What are dental sealants and who should get them?
Sealants are a thin, plastic coating that is 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 groves of the teeth forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth. Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in. In this way, the dental sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.
5. How does pregnancy affect my teeth?
Pregnancy is responsible for a surge in estrogen and progesterone which can exaggerate the way gum tissues react to plaque. If plaque isn’t adequately removed, it can lead to gingivitis – red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. Swollen gums affect most pregnant women to some degree, and surface as early as the second month of pregnancy. If untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Therefore, putting good dental habits to work during your pregnancy is very important (including seeing Nevada Dental Arts for your regular cleanings and exam).
6. What can I do about sensitive teeth?
The first step in decreasing tooth sensitivity is to look at the type of toothpaste you are using. Ingredients found in some whitening toothpastes that lighten and/or remove certain stains from enamel and sodium pyrophosphate, the key ingredient in tartar-control toothpaste, can increase tooth sensitivity. The next step is to purchase toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain a desensitizing agent that protects the exposed dentin of the teeth that are connected to nerves. We also recommend our patients use a soft to medium bristle toothbrush and avoid brushing your teeth too hard. Flossing and avoiding soft drinks are other great ways to minimize sensitivity. If after following these recommendations your sensitivity has not improved, please contact our office for an appointment.
7. Does your office accept payments?
At Nevada Dental Arts, we believe that finances shouldn’t keep you from receiving the dental care you need and deserve. We are happy to assist our patients by providing them with a variety of payment options which include:
Cash and checks*
Major credit cards*
Financing options – Offered through CareCredit – a third-party financing company
*We are pleased to offer uninsured patients a 10% discount if the estimation is paid in full with a debit card, cash or check.
Payment is expected in full on the day services are provided.
8. Does Nevada Dental Arts accept Medicaid?
Unfortunately, at this time, Nevada Dental Arts does not accept Medicaid. However, we are pleased to offer patients with Medicaid or patients who do not have insurance, a 10% discount if the estimation is paid in full with a debit card, cash or check.
9. What insurance plans does Nevada Dental Arts accept?
Nevada Dental Arts gladly accepts and files any dental insurance claim. Additionally, we are in network (PPO provider) with the following insurance companies:
The Diversified Dental Network ( which encompasses numerous insurance companies)
Delta Dental Premier
Metlife
Guardian
Anthem Blue Cross / Blue Shield (some restrictions may apply)
10. What types of procedures are covered by dental insurance?
Dental insurance is quite different from health insurance in how it pays for procedures. In an effort to maintain a high quality of care, and to help our patients decipher their insurance plan, Nevada Dental Arts has put together the following facts about dental insurance. Please click here to access these important facts.