Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Marion, OH
Ask Your Marion Dentist
We get a lot of questions sent our way every day, and we love it! When it comes to oral health, the more you know, the better. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and answered some of the most common dental questions we receive below. If there is anything else you’d like to ask that we haven’t covered here, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Are you currently accepting new patients?
Yes! Dr. Whittaker and the Green Valley Dental team are eager to add new faces to our growing dental family. We do our best to get patients in quickly, especially if they are in pain, so be sure to contact us and schedule you or a loved one’s next appointment.
When is your dental office open?
We are open four days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. We start at 8 AM on most days and go from 10 AM-6 PM on Tuesdays to accommodate patients who need to wait until after work or school to come see us.
How often should I visit the dentist?
This answer can be different for each person depending on their needs, but in general, two visits a year is recommended. These usually consist of a comprehensive dental exam and professional teeth cleaning, which allows Dr. Whittaker to identify and take care of issues during their earliest stages. Then, a hygienist will remove all plaque and tartar buildup among your teeth, which will drastically lower your risk of cavities and gum disease while giving you a smile that looks and feels pristine.
Is it normal for my gums to bleed whenever I clean my teeth?
While this is common, it’s not exactly normal. This can happen for a few reasons, with the primary two being that a patient is brushing/flossing with too much pressure, or they don’t floss frequently. The first issue can be resolved with a lighter touch. For those who don’t floss often, the bleeding occurs because the gums are likely inflamed due to plaque. Just keep flossing, and the bleeding should stop within a week or so. If it continues, however, it’s likely that you have an infection, in which case you should give us a call so we can take care of it.
Will you take my dental insurance?
We are in-network with Delta Dental, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Guardian, and we’re happy to work with many other plans as well. Before you come to see us, we can perform a complimentary benefits check to ensure you know what will and will not be covered at your visit. Just give us a call, and we’ll answer all of your questions.
I don’t have insurance. How else can I pay for my dental care?
We offer two main alternatives for patients without insurance. You can sign up for our in-house savings plan, which offers many of the same benefits as regular insurance for a lower cost, or you can take advantage of financing with CareCredit. You can learn more about these options on our For Patients page, or you can always give us a call.