| Q. | Do you accept referrals? |
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| A. | We're happy to accept referrals from other dental offices as well as from recommendations by our patients to their families, friends, and coworkers. Our best patients are referred by our best patients! |
| Q. | Do you accept my dental plan and what payment options do you have? |
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Yes, we accept most dental plans in our office. However, your dental benefits are a contract between you and the insurance company, NOT the dentist. We are not affiliated with any insurance company. In dealing with your dental insurance coverage, you have two options in our office.
1. We will submit your claim electronically to your insurance company. Payment is required in full at the time of your appointment, and you will be reimbursed by your insurance within a few days.
2. As a courtesy to our patients, we do offer assignment of dental benefits directly to our office (the insurance company pays the dentist directly). However a VISA, MC or AMEX number is required to be kept on file as not all insurance companies pay 100% of all procedures. Any unpaid balances on your account the insurance company did not pay or does not cover will be billed to your credit card upon verbal consent and a receipt will be mailed.
We accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards. We are also pleased to offer several financing plans, some of which are interest-free. One of our staff members will be glad to sit down with you to discuss various payment options.
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| Q. | What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed? |
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| A. | In case of a true dental emergency, call Dr. Mostafa’s cell phone at 519-476-9334 and leave a message with a phone number where you can be reached. We'll return the call as soon as possible, providing as much helpful information as possible over the phone and arranging to see you in person as needed. |
| Q. | I really don't like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax? |
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| A. | Dr. Mostafa has treated hundreds of patients who said, "I don't really like going to the dentist." He's very gentle and has a light, careful touch. After dental treatment, fearful patients say, "Wow, that wasn't so bad at all!" If you haven't been to the dentist in a while, or have had a bad experience in the past, we're sure you'll find a big difference with Dr. Mostafa. We also offer several types of sedation options, ranging from a mild sleeping pill to deep sedation performed by a dental anesthetist so you can have your dentistry completed while you sleep. |
| Q. | How can I safely whiten my teeth? |
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| A. | Age worn, smoke stained or just plain yellow teeth can make you look older than you are, but there is help! There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile, from take-home custom fabricated whitening products (2 weeks treatment time), to our in-office laser treatments (as little as 1 hour treatment time). Dr. Mostafa can help evaluate your potential for whitening your teeth, based on their current color and the causes of any discoloration. Most patients can safely experience a dramatic improvement. |
| Q. | What makes a good cosmetic and restorative dentist? |
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Cosmetics dentistry is more than just how teeth look. A cosmetic dentist combines art, science, and technology to create a restoration that is both esthetic and functional. A good esthetic dentist must think like an artist, understand science, and have the technical skills of a master.
Before choosing a cosmetic dentist, look at their education and credentials and do not be afraid to ask questions. Be certain that the person you choose has specific training and expertise, not just someone who uses the term ‘cosmetic’ in an ad. Ask to see photos and/or testimonials of actual patients, not just generic photos that can be purchased and passed on as their own work. Speak with other patients who have had similar treatment to discuss their experience and results. This can be a life altering experience, so talk to the dentist and their staff to make sure you are where you want to be. Feel free to view a few of the many of Dr Mostafa’s own patients who have had their smiles improved with cosmetic dentistry.
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| Q. | What should I know about amalgam or mercury fillings? |
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Amalgam, or “silver”, fillings are the most commonly placed filling material. Since the largest component of amalgam is mercury, not silver, they should be referred to as mercury fillings. More than 78% of dentist surveyed by the ADA considered amalgam the material of choice because it is cheap, easy to place, and its longevity.
Dr. Mostafa chose years ago to stop using amalgam for the following reasons:
Amalgam fillings weaken the tooth over time by expanding and fracturing teeth from the inside, similar to splitting wood with a wedge.
The material usually contains about 50% mercury and even though the ADA and CDA has deemed it safe, it is still considered a toxic and hazardous material outside the mouth. Several European countries have banned the use of the material and the province of Ontario has regulated its proper disposal.
Amalgam fillings are very unesthetic and because of corrosion typically turn dark with time. There are more aesthetic and environmentally safer materials to use. With these new materials and the advances in adhesive dentistry, it is possible to predictably bond teeth back together, virtually restoring them back to their virgin strength without the invasiveness of full crowns. It is therefore possible to preserve more of your natural remaining tooth structure.
By intercepting the potential of fracture before experiencing symptoms of hot/cold sensitivity and biting pain, new conservative treatments are preventing the side effects of toothaches and broken teeth. We are also able to diagnose these problems earlier with the assistance of fiber optics and camera magnification technologies. Using a proactive rather than reactive approach to amalgam replacement is something many patients have chosen.
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| Q. | What is Smile Analysis and Smile Design? |
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The key to success in esthetic dentistry is a clear understanding of your desired outcome. When you decide to correct or enhance your smile, Dr. Mostafa will complete your oral exam, discuss your smile goals, and create a treatment plan customized to meet your specific needs and goals. Dr. Mostafa will use digital imaging technology to let you envision the possibilities of your new smile.
In designing your new smile, we will first examine the length, width, and proportion of your teeth, how the lips fall, and the symmetry and size of your gums. We will then take these measurements and, using the information gathered during your Smile Analysis, create a customized treatment plan outlining the nature of your treatment, the duration, and the financial investment.
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| Q. | I want my front teeth to look better but I don't want to wear braces. What would you recommend? |
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| A. | A new smile can revitalize your overall appearance and improve your self-esteem. A new smile can change your life! There are several procedures that can give you a brighter, more attractive smile. Often times Orthodontics is the best treatment choice, but there are alternatives. These non-orthodontic treatments include veneers, bonding, and recontouring (eliminating that "gummy" smile!) After conducting a thorough examination and consultation, we can create a customized treatment plan to help you get that new smile! |
| Q. | Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important? |
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You may not realize it, but even when your mouth is clean, it's full of bacteria. These naturally occurring microorganisms like to eat even the smallest bits of leftover food particles; after doing this they deposit a sticky residue or biofilm on the teeth called plaque. This substance accumulates throughout the day, especially in places where toothbrushes can't reach. Left to harden into tartar, plaque build-up irritates your gums and can trigger inflammation and gum disease. Sound like a nasty situation? It doesn't have to be. In fact, you can eliminate much of this plaque by carefully brushing and properly flossing, every day.
It's really that simple: your toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your teeth, while the floss cleans between them, polishing your tooth surfaces and controlling bad breath. So, in just an extra two or three minutes, you've taken a giant step in the war against those bad bacteria.
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| Q. | My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about? |
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| A. | The most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease. Of graver importance are the links between gum disease and various serious conditions including heart disease, stroke, respiratory ailments, osteoporosis, diabetes, low birth weight and premature babies. It's important to realize that healthy gums do not bleed with brushing and flossing. Bleeding is typically a sign of gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). Gum disease is a progressive condition that can be prevented if diagnosed and treated early. More advanced stages can often cause irreversible damage to your bone and loss of teeth. Be sure to have your teeth and gums checked regularly to prevent problems from gum disease. |
| Q. | I have a painful cold sore that keeps coming back in the same spot. What can I do? |
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| A. | Using a laser, we offer a painless procedure requiring no anesthetic that causes the cold sore to go numb in 30 to 60 seconds. Within 3-5 minutes of laser treatment, the blister changes visibly and begins to dry out. As some of the water in the tissues is released, the blister flattens out, and pain, itching, and swelling start to go away. In our experience, cold sores disappear completely in 3-4 days and do not come back in that spot. |