FAQs and Emergencies

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John Bitner, DDS, LLC

Family Dentist

Thomas Bitner, DDS, MS

Pediatric Dentist

262-567-9116 (office) 262-567-5870 (fax) 888 Thackeray Tr, Ste #214, Oconomowoc, WI 53066

www.DrBitner.com office @drbitner.com

Do you accept Wisconsin State Insurance (Badger Care/Forward Health/United Healthcare)?

We do accept Badger Care/Forward Health/United Healthcare insurance for children under the age of eight (8). If your child has had their 8th birthday we will only see them if they have other primary dental insurance. If your child has a special needs, we will continue to see them if they have Badger Care Insurance, regardless of age.

We will see adults who hold the Badger Care/Forward Health/United Healthcare insurance for Emergencies only, which include: extractions, stainless steel crowns, x-rays and limited exams.

We are NOT an HMO facility, if you are in an HMO, you must go to the HMO facility. We will gladly give you contact information needed to do so.

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Why should we take our children to a pediatric dentist instead of a general dentist?

“Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.” (www.aapd.org)

Fillings - silver or white, which is better?

Silver fillings, also called amalgam fillings, have been researched and used for more than 150 years. Despite claims that amalgam fillings can cause mercury poisoning and/or developmental problems, to date, there is no scientific proof to these claims. The ADA, as well as the FDA, still support the use of amalgam. They are durable, highly resistant to wear and are less expensive than white fillings. A disadvantage of the silver fillings is the dentist may need to remove more tooth structure to accommodate the silver material. Another disadvantage is the fact that the silver fillings are not tooth-colored so they are easy to see especially in the front of the mouth.

White fillings, also called composite fillings, have been researched and used for approximately 40 years. They also are ADA and FDA supported. Less tooth structure needs to be removed which results in a smaller filling. The esthetics are much better than those of silver fillings. The disadvantage of white fillings are that they take a little longer to place than silver fillings; they are highly technique sensitive and tend not to last as long as the silver fillings. The optimal placement of white fillings is the front teeth. White fillings may be placed in the back teeth but tend to not last as long.

Is there a difference in the price?

Depending on the number of surfaces needing to be filled, the cost between a silver filling and a white filling is $14-$20.

What should I do if my child knocks a tooth out?

The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Then find the tooth. If the tooth is an adult tooth it should be held by the crown rather than the root, and rinsed in cold water. Do NOT scrub the tooth clean. Try to replace it in the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk. Call us immediately at 262-567-9116. For further information follow this link: www.aapd.org

How often should I brush and floss?

You should brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Brush in the morning after breakfast and at night before you go to bed. You also need to floss twice a day, in the morning and in the night.

How does fluoride work?

Fluoride protects our teeth from decay in two way systematically and topically. Systematic fluorides are those that are ingested, they become integrated with the tooth during development. Fluorides taken regularly are built-up throughout the tooth and provides longer lasting protection than those applied to the teeth. Systematic fluoride is found in fluoridated water and fluoride supplements, such as tablets, drops, or lozenges.

Topical fluoride provides protection to the teeth that have already erupted. It provides protection to the surfaces of the teeth. Topical fluoride includes toothpaste, mouthwashes, and professionally applied foams, gels, and varnishes. (www.ada.org)

Is fluoride dangerous?

No, taken as directed fluoride is not dangerous. Just like any medication or vitamin, too much fluoride can be dangerous. The ADA has limited the amount of fluoride in any one tube of toothpaste. A child could not ingest enough fluoride from one tube of toothpaste to cause serious problems. (www.ada.org)

When should my child get their first adult teeth?

Every child is different, but on the average, children should start getting their first adult teeth, their first molars, around age 6-7. They will continue to have teeth erupting at different stages until around age 21 when all 32 of their permanent adult teeth should have erupted.

When should my child have their first visit to the dentist?

Ideally we should see your child after they get their first tooth. The first visit should be between 12-18 months. This will give you and your child an opportunity to meet the dentist and allow your child to become more at ease around the doctors. You will learn how to take care of your baby’s teeth and help to prevent early dental problems.

Why should I fix baby teeth if they are just going to fall out anyway?

It is very important to try to maintain your child’s baby teeth until they fall out naturally for several reasons. Your child’s teeth help them to maintain a healthy diet by allowing them to chew their food. They also play a key role in speech development. Keeping the baby teeth healthy and in place also help to maintain space in your child’s jaw to ensure there is enough room for their adult permanent teeth to come in. (www.aapd.org)

What if the tooth changes colors?

Color change in teeth is usually associated with trauma to the tooth. The nerve in the tooth is most likely dead and needs to be removed. In a primary tooth (baby tooth) this consists of a pulpotomy followed usually by a crown. In a permanent tooth, root canal therapy is required. Again, after the root canal, a crown is usually placed.

How do sealants work?

Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years. (www.aapd.org)

Answers

Are you in any dental insurance networks? What if we have insurance through a different company?

We are currently in the DELTA DENTAL CIGNA, GUARDIAN, UNITED CONCORDIA and WEA dental insurance networks. If you have different dental insurance, you can still be seen by our office, and we will still send the insurance a dental claim, but you may have a higher co-pay or other out-of-pocket expenses. We will not know what your portion will be until after we receive the authorization. We send our dental claims electronically every day.

What if I don’t have dental insurance?

If you do not have dental insurance we can still see your children. You can pay the day of treatment for any procedures. For extensive dental work, we can work out a payment plan. For those with no dental insurance who pay the day of the service, there is a 10% discount.

Can I go back in the exam room with my child?

During the 1st dental visit we like to see parent and child together. Generally, during subsequent visits we will see your child alone. This allows us to establish a a direct and close rapport with your child, thereby gaining confidence quickly. If you do come back with your child on subsequent visits you are asked to be the silent partner.

Frequently Asked Questions and Emergencies

Does soda really damage my teeth?

The pH levels in soda can damage your teeth. There are different pH levels in different sodas. If you are going to drink soda it is important to brush your teeth as soon as you can after you finished. This will help prevent damage that could occur.