Q:  What's involved in a new patient exam?

A:  One of the things that sets our office apart from other dental offices is our committment to getting to know you as a person, not just a patient.  On your first visit, you will meet with our patient coordinator, discuss your current dental needs in a private consultation room and then go to a serene, relaxing treatment room to start your new patient experience.  A full series of digital photos will be taken, digital x-rays if needed will also be performed and our hygienist will perform a complete periodontal exam.  Dr. Patel will then perform a comprehensive exam, complimentary oral cancer screening and spend time with you reviewing his findings.  Many patients complain that their previous dentist never spent any time with them and he/she was in and out of their check up appointment without so much as a word to them.  That will never be the case at Dentistry at East Piedmont. We are dedicated to creating a positive experience everytime and with every team member.

Q:  Why are you not on my insurance plan?

A:  We have chosen not be participating providers on ANY insurance plans.  When you agree to be a provider, you also agree to provide "covered" services, not services that are needed.  You should have the right to choose the type of care you need and desire, not what your insurance dictates. Dr. Patel will strive to provide you with options from the most optimal treatment to more affordable short-term options.  We will do everything possible to make sure you receive the maximum allowable benefits from your insurance plan, submit claims and pre-treatment estimates and do everything possible to give you accurate estimates for your out of pocket costs and provide you with the highest level of care available.

Q:  What are No-Prep Veneers and can I get them?

A:  No Prep-Veneers are porcelain restorations that are specifically designed to fit over your existing dentition or teeth with no alteration of the actual tooth itself.  These prepless veneers are extremely thin, about the thickness of a contact lens and are an excellent option when building out a smile, placing veneers on someone very young or covering healthy teeth that are stained and do not respond to whitening.  To see if you are a good candidate, contact us at 770-321-5558 and receive a complimentary smile analysis.

Q:  Is there really a difference between whitening products at the drug store and professional whitening?

A:  In a word Yes!  Over the counter whitening products are made for the general public with no consideration for the shape of their teeth, how big or small their mouth is and whether or not they have sensitivity.  They work "ok" for most people and can bring teeth up a shade or two.  Results do not tend to last very long and you need to whiten frequently in order to maintain the result.  Professional whitening products are designed to work with custom made, whitening trays. The product is extremely effective, with maximum results being reached typically after a week or so and multiple shades achieved.  The actual result depends on the individual's ability to whiten, however teeth tend to be consistenly white at the gumline and in between the teeth unlike with over the counter whitening strips.  Touch ups do occur but it tends to be many months before it is necessary and usually one to two applications are all that are required.  Depending on the product chosen, trays need to be worn for only 30 minutes to 1 hour.