Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Framingham, MA
Hear Questions from Our Patients
It’s normal to have questions about your dental care. The dentists and team members of Framingham Dental Group have got you covered. Below, we’ve included some of the most common questions we’ve received over the years and provided detailed responses for your convenience. While this can be especially helpful for new patients, we encourage current patients to give it a look as well if they have any questions. If you have other concerns, please let us know!
What can I expect at my first visit?
We’ll discuss your medical and oral health history, the reason for your visit, and your satisfaction with your smile. Dr. Tutin will conduct a thorough examination, including an oral cancer screening and bite analysis. We’ll check for gum disease and assess the health of your teeth. Digital X-rays give us a detailed picture of your oral health. If you have X-rays from a previous visit to another dental office, please bring them with you. Call our Framingham dental office for an X-ray release form to submit to your former dentist. Viewing previous X-rays enables Dr. Tutin to establish a baseline from which to determine any changes in oral conditions. After your exam, one of our dental hygienists will clean and polish your teeth.
What if I can't attend my scheduled appointment?
Our dental office policy requires 24-hour notice for all cancellations. In absence of appropriate notice, a $75 fee is charged for every 30 minutes of missed appointment time. No further appointments are offered until the fee is paid.
How much work do I need? What will it cost?
After your exam, we’ll discuss your treatment plan and fees. To help you pay for your dental work, we offer a variety of flexible payment options. We’ll even send an estimate of charges to your insurance company to determine coverage for specific procedures.
Do you accept my dental insurance?
We participate with Delta Dental Premier and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts insurance plans. Please feel free to call our Framingham dental office with your insurance questions. A friendly member of our staff will be happy to help you.
Why does my physician want me to pre-medicate with antibiotics prior to dental treatment?
Sometimes, bleeding occurs during cleanings and other routine dental procedures, releasing bacteria from the mouth into the bloodstream. This can present a risk for patients with specific medical conditions. Precautionary use of premedication protects at-risk patients. Please discuss this matter with your physician prior to your dental appointment.
What is root canal therapy?
A root canal is a conservative treatment to relieve your pain and save your tooth from extraction. When the canals leading from a tooth’s pulp, or nerve, are damaged by disease, decay, or trauma, they can become infected. Caught early, the infection can be eradicated with a root canal, saving the tooth from extraction and the resulting health problems caused by missing teeth. Today’s modern therapies and technologies make root canals surprisingly comfortable.
