{"id":330,"date":"2011-12-18T20:20:06","date_gmt":"2011-12-18T20:20:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iowamercuryfreedentistry.com\/?page_id=330"},"modified":"2023-07-07T20:48:03","modified_gmt":"2023-07-07T20:48:03","slug":"new-patient-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/iowamercuryfreedentistry.com\/?page_id=330","title":{"rendered":"New Patient Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

New Patient Questions<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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How do I become a new patient?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We look forward to meeting and working with you.\u00a0 Clicking on this link (New Patient Forms<\/a>) will download the New Patient Information Forms.\u00a0 You may also contact us by telephone or e-mail to request that these forms be E-mailed or mailed to you via USPS. \u00a0Please fill out this information and mail, fax or e-mail it back to us. \u00a0It is helpful to have your forms prior to your first appointment and important that you fill these forms out as thoroughly as possible.\u00a0 The forms help us get to know you and your health history, and lay the groundwork for us to understand your current health situation. \u00a0It may also be helpful if you include a narrative about your circumstances and what you wish to accomplish.<\/p>\n

What will happen at my first visit?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Since each patient is an individual, each first appointment is tailored to his or her needs.\u00a0 The time and investment for this visit varies according to those needs, and we will discuss them with you when scheduling your initial visit.\u00a0 Because of our commitment to your overall health and wellbeing, as well as our desire to provide you with the best, most comprehensive information possible, we generally do not \u201cdo\u201d any dental work at your first appointment (this includes a cleaning).\u00a0 Everything that we do at your first visit will be diagnostic in nature.\u00a0 This means we will be taking records, which include photographs, x-rays as indicated , and doing a thorough exam, including TMJ, periodontal (gums) and tooth decay, in order to accurately diagnose your current situation.<\/span><\/h3>\n

In preparation for your visit, we ask you to make any additional notes about your current symptoms and health concerns you have which you think may be helpful in providing you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.\u00a0 We encourage you to describe them briefly but thoroughly, estimating how long you have experienced each symptom and grading the discomfort on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 = mild, 10 = severe).\u00a0 You may also find it useful to spend some time writing about the events in your life as they relate to your health \u2013 or creating a timeline of your health issues and major life events.\u00a0 If you do this, please bring it with you or include it with the other material you send.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve had x-rays or dental study models of your teeth within the past three years, we encourage you to send them in advance (after we\u2019ve scheduled your first appointment) or bring them with you.\u00a0 In most cases we will need updated x-rays, photographs and study models and other records taken on the day of your appointment, though bringing previous records has advantages.\u00a0 If you are addressing any medical issues with another health practitioner, we appreciate your sending or bringing copies of any relevant medical records, tests and medication history that may pertain to your dental situation.<\/p>\n

At the beginning of your first visit we will meet with you and start getting to know you as an individual \u2013 not just your current health concerns, but also your needs, desires and values. \u00a0 \u00a0Then we will conduct appropriate exams and diagnostic tests to determine your current dental health status.\u00a0 Once the exams and testing are complete, we will arrange a consultation \u00a0to review (with you) our findings and recommendations.\u00a0 We encourage you to ask about all available treatment options, what we are recommending and why.\u00a0 We also encourage you to take notes and ask questions in order to fully understand our recommendations and philosophies.\u00a0 We may provide you with reprints of relevant \u00a0articles, information on internet resources, and other references to help you gather the knowledge you need to make the best, most informed decisions about your health care.\u00a0 With this information in hand, you are free \u2013 and encouraged \u2013 to choose whichever path is best for you.<\/p>\n

**We often recommend bringing a spouse, other relative, or friend to provide you with feedback and support**.<\/p>\n

How long will my first appointment take and how much will it cost?<\/strong>
<\/strong>The time and investment for this visit varies according to your needs, and we will discuss them with you when scheduling your first appointment.\u00a0 This first visit typically takes 2 \u2013 2 1\/2 hours.<\/strong><\/p>\n

How long will it take to complete my treatment?<\/strong><\/p>\n

On a basic level, the type of treatment needed will largely determine the answer to this question. \u00a0 \u00a0General restorative dentistry can be completed in a relatively short period of time (weeks to months).\u00a0 This question can be more accurately answered after all needed records are completed and analyzed.\u00a0 An even better estimate of needed time can be given after the first phase of treatment is completed, and patient progress and cooperation can be determined.\u00a0 Patient cooperation is a critical component in determining total treatment time.\u00a0 High levels of cooperation will not only reduce treatment time, and (therefore) the cost of treatment, but will also increase the level of success we can achieve!<\/p>\n

How much will it cost to complete my treatment?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We can answer this question after all needed records are completed and analyzed.\u00a0 We give new patients a cost estimate for their main concerns at their consultation.<\/p>\n

Do you accept my insurance coverage?<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>Dr. Hanus is not a participating dentist in any insurance plan, nor is Dr. Hanus a provider in any PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) or an \u201cin-network\u201d provider for any insurance company. \u00a0\u00a0Payment in full is expected at the time of service, and your insurance company will reimburse\u00a0you<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

When you leave, we \u00a0provide you with a completed \u00a0standard insurance form which \u00a0you can simply mail to your insurance company. \u00a0 The insurance company then \u00a0pays you\u00a0directly .<\/p>\n

Why don\u2019t you take insurance?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We don\u2019t accept insurance because, if we did, the insurance companies would, in essence, dictate too much of how we should practice dentistry. \u00a0From this perspective, it is a benefit to our patients that we do not accept insurance so that we can provide what we consider to be the best care to our patients. \u00a0Our patients are seeking a different philosophy and style of dentistry which is what they and we consider to be a more health-promoting practice.<\/p>\n

We do help our patients by proving them with the standard insurance forms and codes so they can simply mail them for reimbursement to their \u00a0insurance carrier. \u00a0When you visit our office, please make sure that we have all the necessary information, including up-to-date ID cards.\u00a0 Do remember, though, that your benefits contract is between you, your insurance provider and, as applicable, your employer.\u00a0 You are, therefore, the one with control and power when dealing with your insurance company, we have very little influence.<\/p>\n

We have no involvement in and do not guarantee in any manner that you will get reimbursed. This is entirely between you and your insurance company and dependent on your insurance company and insurance plan.<\/p>\n

Do you work with children? \u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes.\u00a0 We are a family practice dental office.<\/p>\n

<\/a>
At what age should my child begin having routine dental visits?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The ADA\u2019s recommendation is to have the first visit at one year of age.\u00a0 The main purpose for such a visit is two-fold; to have a pleasant first visit for the child as well as to review appropriate oral hygiene care or nutritional practices, as needed, with the parents.\u00a0 The point at which a child should begin routine \/ regular visits varies with the maturity of the child.<\/p>\n

However, if you suspect your child has a problem, a dental visit is important no matter what the age.\u00a0 An infant with no teeth can still benefit from an oral exam.\u00a0 A good strategy is to accustom the child to dentistry by permitting him\/her to observe an older, well-behaved sibling having a routine cleaning.\u00a0 Though most orthodontists (or dentists who perform orthodontics) advocate waiting until all (or nearly all) of the permanent teeth are in before treating \/ evaluating the need for orthodontic care, we strongly recommend an evaluation at an early age.\u00a0 We believe that all children should have at least a basic evaluation done no later than six years old and often as early as two years<\/p>\n

Going to the dentist makes me very nervous. \u00a0Do you use sedation?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dental visits can create anxiety for some patients but we have found that the vast majority of patients do not need sedation. \u00a0We take time to listen to your concerns and information about past un-pleasant experiences and plan treatment to avoid re-creating them.<\/p>\n

We do not use nitrous oxide or prescribe sedative drugs.<\/p>\n

We \u00a0have available a device called an\u00a0Alpha-Stim<\/strong>, which is \u00a0FDA approved \u00a0to manage anxiety. \u00a0It has small ear clips and a hand-held control which you operate, leaving you in charge,\u00a0http:\/\/www.alpha-stim.com\/<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

A 1999 study published in General Dentistry concluded:<\/p>\n

“patients who experience anxiety are significantly comforted during various dental procedures by the use of CES [a.k.a. Alpha-Stim]. \u00a0 The results indicate a very significant improvement in patients” level of anxiety at the completion of the procedure.”\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0http:\/\/theprovenremedy.com\/Assets\/pdf\/26_winick_dental.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

Also, many patients benefit by utilization of \u00a0EFT<\/strong> \/ acupuncture meridian therapy \/ ” tapping” for relief of stress. \u00a0This technique of utilization of pressure or tapping on acupuncture points has helped many with fears associated with injections, gagging and, in general, \u201cdental phobia\u201d.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/products.mercola.com\/meridian-tapping\/<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.eftuniverse.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Do you offer fluoride treatments?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Note:\u00a0 The American Dental Association and Public Health Organizations recommend used of fluoride.<\/p>\n

We do not recommend the routine use of fluoride.\u00a0 There is considerable debate surrounding efficacy and safety on this topic; until this issue has been settled by scientists and medical professionals on both sides, we believe it is wisest to err on the side of caution.\u00a0 Therefore we advocate avoiding the use \/ consumption of fluoride as a method of preventing tooth decay.<\/p>\n

There are usually nutritional components involved in decay prone patients that we address to maximize long-term solutions. \u00a0Also certain dietary modifications can promote re-mineralization of decay.<\/p>\n

For more information you can visit the following website links:<\/p>\n

IAOMT position on water fluoridation – 3 min. 52 sec.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Top Ten Reasons to Oppose Water Fluoridation<\/a><\/blockquote>