Rooted in Downtown Hartland for over 25 Years   phone-icon (262)367-2750

FAQ

If the tooth is a primary (baby) tooth it cannot be put back in the mouth. It should save and you should call us as soon as possible. Dr. Jim or Dr. Kelly will want to see your child as soon as possible to check for any other injury to his/her mouth and to ensure no tooth fragments are still remaining. If it is a permanent tooth, the most critical factor in the survival of the tooth is time until it is repositioned. Hold the tooth only by the crown. If it is visible dirty, rinse it off gently with water (DO NOT scrub it off). Try to reinsert the tooth in its socket. If it is not possible to reinsert the tooth, put it in a glass of Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution (available at drug stores), milk or saline solution and call our office immediately. It is essential that the tooth is reinserted within two hours.
If you have facial swelling and are having difficulty breathing you should go to the emergency room immediately.  In all other cases, call our office as soon as possible.  Dr. Jim or Dr. Kelly will see you as soon as they possibly can to help find the source of the problem and get you out of pain.  It is okay to use Orajel or take some Tylenol/Ibuprofen to help ease your pain (please follow the dosing instructions on the package).  Avoid anything that makes the pain worse.  This may include cold, hot, sweet or hard foods.  You may have to avoid eating on that side until the situation can be assessed.
With a stronger focus on prevention and state-of-the art treatments, there is less need to remove (extract) teeth these days. However, when a tooth is already missing, there are multiple ways to fill the gap. These options range from fixed (non-removable) options like a bridge or a crown supported by an implant, to removable options like partial or full dentures. We can work with you and your particular situation and budget to make a custom plan to replace your missing teeth.
This is only required for patients with cardiac conditions that put them at a higher risk of a heart infection called infective endocarditits. If your medical doctor or a prior dentist recommends you take a premedication, please let us know. We will work with you and your physician(s) to keep you safe during your dental care.
Did you know that 4 out of 5 people have some form of periodontal disease and most don’t know it? Tooth decay often causes some discomfort and triggers people to seek dental care. In the early stages, gum disease tends to lack noticeable symptoms. Some early signs of gingivitis and gum disease include:
  • Red and puffy or swollen gums. Healthy gums are pink.
  • Bleeding gums. Healthy gums don’t bleed (even with vigorous brushing and flossing)
  • Persistent bad breath
  • New space between teeth or loose teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Gum tenderness or discomfort
At Generations dental, we emphasize prevention and want to catch gum disease before it gets a true start. Regular checks with a thorough periodontal examination help us detect gum disease early and give us the opportunity to keep your mouth healthy.
Dental sealants are a thin, plastic covering that is painted on the chewing surface of permanent teeth (usually the molars).  These surfaces tend to have deep grooves that are difficult, if not impossible, to clean with a toothbrush.  Sealants prevent tooth decay by blocking these grooves from food, debris, and bacteria.  They help anyone with deep grooves on their permanent teeth lower their risk for tooth decay.  Unfortunately, dental sealants can chip and wear off over time.  We will check the condition of existing sealants at every 6 month cleaning and replace them if necessary.
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen the enamel of both primary (baby) and permanent teeth. A stronger tooth is more resistant to cavities. We recommend fluoride for most children and any adults that are at a higher risk of decay. Dr. Jim and Dr. Kelly want to make sure the amount of fluoride that you and your child are getting is appropriate and safe. Together we can find a preventative approach that works for you and your family. For more information on fluoride use visit our pediatric page.
It is recommended that your child should see a dentist any time after his/her first tooth appears and/or by his/her first birthday. You can visit our pediatric page for more information on what to expect at the first dental visit.
Whitening toothpastes work by using abrasive particles to polish the surface of your teeth. Depending on the abrasiveness of the toothpaste, the effects can vary at removing surface stains. These toothpastes may make your smile a shade whiter and can help prevent new surface stains from developing. No toothpaste contains a bleaching agent to remove stains below the surface. Over the counter or professional bleaching agents (containing hydrogen peroxide or carbomide peroxide) are the only true way to whiten teeth. It is recommended that you use a product meant for tooth bleaching to ensure the safety and health of your oral tissues. For the most effect white, ask about our recommended bleaching products.
There are many options to change the appearance of stained or discolored teeth. The least invasive method to change tooth color is bleaching. At Generations Dental, we offer multiple bleaching options to fit your budget and need. Some discoloration runs much deeper, such as tetracycline staining. If this is the case, a customized plan can be designed for your smile. This plan may include bleaching and/or restorations ranging from tooth colored fillings to porcelain veneers. No matter the severity of your tooth discoloration, we can offer a solution that works with your smile as well as your wallet.
At Generations Dental, we take multiple steps to make your treatment as comfortable as possible. We use a computerized system for the most pain-free delivery of anesthetic available. TV-goggles help keep you distracted during the procedure. We also provide special pillows for those with neck or back pain. If at any time you experience discomfort, let us know and we will do whatever we can to make you your most comfortable.
Dental x-rays are very safe and offer little risk to patients. At Generations Dental we use digital x-rays which use 10x less radiation than traditional x-rays. We also take every precaution to limit our patients’ exposure to radiation. This includes the use of lead apron shields and only taking x-rays when necessary. X-rays are crucial for proper diagnosis of cavities, pathologies, gum disease, infection and fractures but we limit when we take routine x-rays based on the risk status assigned to each patient. By taking this individualized approach, you can be assured that you are only getting x-rays when you need them so that we can provide you the possible best care.
It is important to know that your insurance likely won’t cover 100% of all the treatment that you will ever need.  Your insurance only covers the procedures at rates your employer has dictated in setting up the company’s plan.  We believe that you should decide what treatment you need with the recommendations of Dr. Jim or Dr. Kelly and that your insurance company should not have a say in what is best for your health.  Of course, there are always multiple options for treatment and we will give you an estimate before any treatment is performed to help you make the best decision for your mouth.  Whatever you choose, we will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits.  It is difficult to give an estimate of fees without a proper diagnosis and thus we don’t normally provide fees over the phone.  After you have been seen by one of our doctors and have discussed any recommended treatment, fees will be discussed.
At Generations Dental, we are in network with Delta Dental and work with most other insurance companies.  Unless you have HMO insurance, you are free to choose any dental provider you wish to see.  At Generations Dental, we are happy to let you know the estimated benefits you would have in our office.  Please remember, copays due at time of service are an estimated amount.  Ultimately, you are responsible for any fees your insurance does not cover.