FAQ’s

WARD FAMILY DENTAL’S
FAQ’s

Do you take insurance?
At Ward Family Dental, we work with all insurance for our patients’ benefit, except Medicaid and Medicare. We also have an in-office savings plan for those without insurance.

Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, we have a large staff at Ward Family Dental to try to meet and surpass the expectations of our many patients.

How much does dental care cost?
Every patient has different needs, and often, costs vary as there is more than one treatment option. It is best to get an evaluation for a proper treatment plan. At Ward Family Dental, our goal is to help you achieve optimal dental health and beauty at a level of investment you are comfortable with.

What are your business hours?
Ward Family Dental is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We have extended hours on Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (with a midday closure from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.).

How long does anesthesia last?
We have available at Ward Family Dental several different local anesthetic options that vary from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the needs of our patient.

Do braces hurt?
There is minor soreness after each adjustment appointment. At Ward Family Dental, with the technologically advanced FASTBRACES® technique, the soreness is usually less than conventional braces.

Does dental work hurt?
There is some discomfort after tooth extractions and some other procedures, but our dentist and team at Ward Family Dental will help you keep it minimized.

How often should I have a dental exam?
Ward Family Dental supports the recommendation of once a year for examinations, but most people need cleanings twice a year.

Am I too old for braces?
We at Ward Family Dental believe you are almost never too old to improve your smile. Braces are one way, and FASTBRACES® gets you done usually in four to six months.

How can I whiten my teeth?
Ward Family Dental has several bleaching options for our patients as well as other cosmetic options, like veneers.

Do I have to have multiple appointments for a crown?
At Ward Family Dental, we have had the technology to make most of our beautiful ceramic crowns in-house for several years. We do use excellent dental labs for larger cases.

Why do I need X-rays for my teeth?
Dental X-rays are used to see things we cannot see without them. At Ward Family Dental, we use high-tech, low radiation digital X-rays and even 3D scans to see cavities in between teeth, bone levels around teeth, cysts, tumors, abscesses and other pathologies. They also help us plan out surgeries, root canals and implant placement.

How long do braces take and last?
Most orthodontic techniques require one to three years in braces. Ward Family Dental proudly offers FASTBRACES®, the revolutionary, high-tech, internationally utilized braces technique that is usually done in only four to six months! With proper retainers, straight teeth can last a lifetime. However, if retention stops, there can be some relapse with any technique.

When are implants a good option?
Dental implants are usually the best option in a reasonably healthy person with an adequate volume of bone to place them in. They are not the only option in most cases. At Ward Family Dental, we will discuss any options you have as well as the relative benefits and costs.

What is the best toothpaste/toothbrush?
Ward Family Dental always recommends an ADA® accepted toothpaste that has been proven effective. A soft bristle toothbrush should always be used, whether electric or manual. Medium or hard brushes will damage the gums and even the teeth.

Why do my teeth hurt?
Pain can come from several reasons, but pain usually does not occur until problems are severe. Ward Family Dental recommends you get regular exams to catch problems early when they are easier and the least costly to address.

What is a root canal?
A root canal sounds scary, but it is not. It is removing the dead or dying nerve tissue from the middle of the tooth all the way to the end of the root. This space is sealed, and that allows a tooth to be kept that would have to otherwise be removed. We try to prevent the need of root canals, but we at Ward Family Dental are glad that we can use them when the need arises.

What is a bridge?
A bridge at Ward Family Dental can be used to replace one or several teeth, usually by attaching it to the adjacent teeth. A bridge is cemented in place, so it is not removable by the patient. Often, one or more implants can be an alternative to a bridge. If on a tight budget, a removable partial denture may also be an option.

Do I need a night guard (bite splint, occlusal splint)?
If your teeth are wearing down (very common in adults) or if you are having TMD pain or waking up with headaches the answer is yes! Many people who grind their teeth a lot in sleep will have Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction (often called TMJ) which causes pain in the jaw joints or muscles. People who clench a lot in their sleep will not wear their teeth down, but many will wake with headaches, even migraines! If any of these apply, we can help you greatly with FDA approved night guard therapy at Ward Family Dental. Many people who hurt a lot can get life changing relief!

Do you have a payment plan?
Yes, at Ward Family Dental we offer several options! We work with virtually all insurance plans for those with insurance. For those without we offer and in-office savings plan that saves a lot to those who join. We also offer financing through CareCredit. Our goal is to help you get your needed and wanted dental treatment so you can have a healthy and attractive smile.

When should I go to the dentist?
You should definitely go if you have something hurting or broken, BUT by the time that happens, your problem is likely to be severe. Dental problems, cavities and gum disease for example, usually cause absolutely no pain until they are SEVERE. Even deep cavities and severe gum disease usually cause no discomfort until it is time for a root canal or tooth extraction. We at Ward Family Dental will help you get into a good dental health habit which means at least annual exams so we can catch any problem early when they are easy, and cost much less, to fix.

When is it too late to go to the dentist?
The answer is almost never. In other words, no matter what your dental health and function level are, we at Ward Family Dental can almost certainly help you improve them.

How can you tell if you have gum disease?
The signs of gum disease are first red, puffy swollen, or bleeding gums. Second, is loose or shifting teeth. Third, is bad breath. Fourth, is exudate (pus) coming from under the gums. One or more of these often indicate gum disease. From gingivitis all the way to severe periodontitis (the most common cause of loss of all teeth). At Ward Family Dental, we can help you manage gum issues. From cleanings to deep cleanings, all the way to full mouth laser gum surgical treatment, general dentist Dr David Ward and staff can help you treat your gum problems and keep your teeth.

Do you do oral surgery?
Dr David Ward is a general dentist but he has taken hundreds of hours of post graduate education in oral surgery and sedation. We do refer to oral surgeons if needed or if the patient desires to see a specialist. That said, whether implants, bone grafting, surgical tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removals, etc. Dr Ward takes care of most of the patient’s surgical needs here at Ward Family Dental. We also offer very safe conscious sedation with oral medications and nitrous oxide for many of our surgical patients.

How often should I floss?
Ideally all patients with teeth or implants should floss or use a water flosser (water pik) daily. Effective brushing daily is definitely needed, but there is no way for a brush to clean in between the surfaces and under the gums. Our talented hygienists at Ward Family Dental will work with you to help you make your daily home care highly effective so you can manage or prevent dental problems.

What causes bad breath?

There are several medical causes of bad breath, but the most common causes are dental. Heavy deposits of tarter on teeth, gingivitis, periodontitis, and heavy bacterial deposits on the tongue are the most common reason. If you have bad breath, don’t just try to cover it up with frequent mouthwash usage (which can actually be counterproductive). Come see us at Ward Family Dental and we will help you solve any dentally caused breath problems you might have.

Do I have to have my wisdom teeth removed?

The answer is maybe. Most people don’t have room for their wisdom teeth to come in into normal useful positions. This means they are impacted (stuck, you might say). Many impacted teeth are not likely to cause a problem but many are. If they are likely to it is ideal to have them out in the age range of 15-18 years when they can be removed the most safely and easily because the root formation is not yet complete. Even wisdom teeth that do make it in do sometimes need to be removed because they are hard to clean and so prone to cavities and gum disease. At Ward Family Dental we can evaluate your wisdom teeth and discuss the pros and cons of removal in your case.

What are my tooth replacement options?

That depends on several factors including: the general health of the patient, how many teeth are missing, what is the shape and volume of the bone in the area, if there are nearby teeth, what is their prognosis, what does the patient want, and what is the patient’s budget. Depending on the answers to these questions, replacement options include implants, fixed (non-removable) bridges on implants or teeth, removable partial dentures (partials), full dentures, overdentures on implants or natural teeth. There are lots of options and most patients have more than one option. At Ward Family Dental we offer all of these options and will discuss with you what your good, better, and best options are.

Do I need a mouth guard?

If you are playing contact sports you definitely need a mouth guard. If you are clenching or grinding at night see the following night guard question.

Do I need a night guard (bite splint, occlusal splint)?

If your teeth are wearing down (very common in adults) or if you are having TMD pain or waking up with headaches the answer is yes! Many people who grind their teeth a lot in sleep will have Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction (often called TMJ) which causes pain in the jaw joints or muscles. People who clench a lot in their sleep will not wear their teeth down, but many will wake with headaches, even migraines! If any of these apply, we can help you greatly with FDA approved night guard therapy at Ward Family Dental. Many people who hurt a lot can get life changing relief!

Do you have a payment plan?

Yes, at Ward Family Dental we offer several options! We work with virtually all insurance plans for those with insurance. For those without we offer and in-office savings plan that saves a lot to those who join. We also offer financing through CareCredit. Our goal is to help you get your needed and wanted dental treatment so you can have a healthy and attractive smile.

When should I go to the dentist?

You should definitely go if you have something hurting or broken, BUT by the time that happens, your problem is likely to be severe. Dental problems, cavities and gum disease for example, usually cause absolutely no pain until they are SEVERE. Even deep cavities and severe gum disease usually cause no discomfort until it is time for a root canal or tooth extraction. We at Ward Family Dental will help you get into a good dental health habit which means at least annual exams so we can catch any problem early when they are easy, and cost much less, to fix.

When is it too late to go to the dentist?

The answer is almost never. In other words, no matter what your dental health and function level are, we at Ward Family Dental can almost certainly help you improve them.

How can you tell if you have gum disease?

The signs of gum disease are first red, puffy swollen, or bleeding gums. Second, is loose or shifting teeth. Third, is bad breath. Fourth, is exudate (pus) coming from under the gums. One or more of these often indicate gum disease. From gingivitis all the way to severe periodontitis (the most common cause of loss of all teeth). At Ward Family Dental, we can help you manage gum issues. From cleanings to deep cleanings, all the way to full mouth laser gum surgical treatment, general dentist Dr David Ward and staff can help you treat your gum problems and keep your teeth.

Do you do oral surgery?

Dr David Ward is a general dentist but he has taken hundreds of hours of post graduate education in oral surgery and sedation. We do refer to oral surgeons if needed or if the patient desires to see a specialist. That said, whether implants, bone grafting, surgical tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removals, etc. Dr Ward takes care of most of the patient’s surgical needs here at Ward Family Dental. We also offer very safe conscious sedation with oral medications and nitrous oxide for many of our surgical patients.

How often should I floss?

Ideally all patients with teeth or implants should floss or use a water flosser (water pik) daily. Effective brushing daily is definitely needed, but there is no way for a brush to clean in between the surfaces and under the gums. Our talented hygienists at Ward Family Dental will work with you to help you make your daily home care highly effective so you can manage or prevent dental problems.

Do you offer sedation?

Yes. At Ward Family Dental we offer 2 levels of sedation. We take pride in being gentle with our patients but sedation is very helpful for nervous patients or when we are doing more stressful procedures. Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) takes the edge off of things and is very safe for almost all people including young kids. Its effects go away in just a couple of minutes after discontinuation. Oral Conscious sedation is also offered and it is done with pills sometimes accompanied with Nitrous Oxide. It is appropriate for reasonably healthy people over 12 years of age. People usually get very relaxed with little memory of the appointment but they are not deeply sedated or “out” entirely, so it’s safety rating is very good. They are somewhat sedated the rest of the day so will need someone to drive them home and look after them.

Is the tooth fairy real?
Well of course, everyone knows that!