Common Questions
On occasion, new patients prefer to meet the doctor and staff before making an appointment. We are happy to arrange a visit at no charge.
At your first visit you will receive a thorough cleaning from a hygienist and an exam by the doctor. X-rays will be taken. Our hygienists and doctors will answer any questions you may have and discuss the best way for you to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
X-rays help us gather the necessary information we need to diagnose and recommend the best treatment. They show us cavities between the teeth, defective fillings and crowns, impacted teeth, bone loss, infection and abscesses around the teeth.
To help make your visits less stressful and more comfortable, we offer two types of sedation depending upon your dental needs and your health. Each one provides a specific level of comfort for your nerves.
The first choice is the use nitrous oxide which is a gas inhaled through a mask. The second choice is referred to as conscious sedation and it involves the use of nitrous oxide gas in combination with oral sedatives like Valium. The dentist will discuss the options with you so that you make the best choice for your treatment.
Yes, absolutely. We follow strict guidelines set by OSHA and the ADA. All instruments used are sterilized by autoclaved and all surfaces are disinfected after each patient.
We believe that age three is a good time to start professional dental cleanings and exams for children. We recommend that you bring your child to your dental cleaning first. During your appointment we will give them a ride in the chair and answer any questions they have to show them there is nothing to fear.
We offer two forms of teeth whitening. Ask our staff about the whitening options. They will answer any questions you have and help you decide which treatment is right for you. Please refer to the Teeth Whitening information under Cosmetic Services for more details.
A crown is a covering of the entire tooth. It is needed when a large portion of the tooth is lost to decay or fracture. A crown helps to protect a tooth and is recommended for any tooth that has had a root canal treatment.
A dental implant is a titanium cylinder that is surgically placed in the patient’s jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once healed, a crown is then placed on the implant. The process takes 5 – 7 months to complete and will be fully explained by the doctor at your consultation appointment.
There is a doctor on-call for emergencies for current patients when our office is closed. We ask that you call our office at (518) 374-1935 and follow the instructions on how to contact the doctor.
We participate with a number of insurance companies including Anthem, WellPoint, Unicare, Cigna, Guardian, Delta Dental Premiere, Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, and Empire PPO300.
We have many patients with different insurance companies that we have no contractual arrangement with. If you are permitted to go to a non-participating provider, we will be happy to submit your claims for processing. Please read our payment section for more detailed information.
We prefer to go over treatments costs with you before services are rendered. Please read our payment section for more detailed information.
It is important to us that you understand the financial aspects of your dental treatment. We have options for patients with dental insurance and patients without dental insurance. Please visit our Payment Options page for detailed information. As always feel free to contact us with any questions.
No. This is not necessary. In many cases claims are submitted electronically. Other claims are sent on our standardized and universally accepted ADA forms. For your convenience we process the claims for you.
Many patients with medical conditions (i.e. artificial joints, screws, or plates and some heart conditions) should take antibiotics prior to dental treatment because they are at risk for developing infections. If you have any medical conditions, talk to your physician before your appointment to arrange for a prescription for antibiotics. If you have any questions, call us at (518) 374-1935
Yes we do. The HIPAA Privacy Rule establishes national standards to protect individuals’ medical records, other personal health information and applies to health plans, and those health care providers that conduct certain health care transactions electronically. The Rule requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of personal health information, and sets limits and conditions on the uses and disclosures that may be made of such information without patient authorization. The Rule also gives patients rights over their health information, including rights to examine and obtain a copy of their health records, and to request corrections.
We have HIPAA forms available at our office and on our web site.
Our goal is to assist you in making informed decisions regarding your dental health. We are happy to answer any questions you might have, please give us a call (518-374-1935) or send us an E- mail (rita@schwartzfamilydentistry.com).