Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
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During your first visit, you will receive a comprehensive exam that includes a review of your medical and dental history, necessary X-rays, and a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. We'll discuss any concerns you have and create a personalized treatment plan.
For most patients, your first visit will be a cleaning and preventive x-rays, followed by an exam with Dr. Smith.
For patients with specific concerns, or those looking for a second opinion and/or more information on larger dental treatments, we like to start with an exam and longer visit with Dr. Smith - so that we have plenty of time for patient education and discussion on your situation and best treatment options.
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Our cleaning appointments last just under an hour.
A restorative consultation with Dr. Smith usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the complexity of your dental needs.
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It is generally recommended to visit the dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. However, the frequency may vary based on each patient’s overall and periodontal health.
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Yes, we are currently accepting new patients. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice.
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Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8am - 5pm. We offer cleaning appointments on the half hour, and take lunch between 12:30 and 1:30pm.
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You can schedule an appointment by calling to speak with Wendy, who will be happy to answer any questions and get you scheduled appropriately.
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Please bring a valid ID, your dental insurance card, and any relevant dental records. Arriving a few minutes early to complete new patient paperwork can also be helpful.
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We understand that dental anxiety is common. Our experienced team is dedicated to making your visit as comfortable as possible. We offer a relaxing environment, as well as nitrous oxide and oral sedation options to help you feel at ease during treatment.
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Yes, we provide emergency dental care. If you experience a dental emergency, please call our office immediately. We will do our best to accommodate you as quickly as possible.
Insurance and Payment Questions
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We accept a variety of payment methods, including cash, checks, and major credit cards.
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We accept most major dental insurance plans. Please contact our office to verify if we accept your specific insurance.
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Our office will handle insurance billing on your behalf. We will submit claims to your insurance provider and work to maximize your benefits.
General Dentistry Questions
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Regular dental exams and cleanings are important in maintaining oral health. These appointments allow us to provide preventative care by removing plaque and tartar, allow for early detection of issues like tooth decay and oral cancer, and to help keep your smile shining with the removal of any surface stains.
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We offer composite resin (tooth-colored) fillings, as well as all-ceramic inlays, onlays, and crowns. The choice of material depends on the location and extent of the decay, as well as patient preference.
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Treatment options for gum disease depend on the severity and may include professional cleanings, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), antibiotics, and in advanced cases, may involve surgical or laser treatments with a gum specialist (periodontist).
Cosmetic Dentistry Questions
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We offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry services. All-ceramic restorations (crowns and veneers), teeth whitening, composite resin restorations (bonding), are all tools we utilize in our smile makeover treatments.
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These are ceramic dental restorations that fit onto and replace some part of a natural tooth. They can cover the whole natural tooth (full coverage crown or cap), or can be a thin layer of ceramic which is bonded to the front of the tooth (veneer). They both look the same from the front, but we choose which to use based on many patient-specific considerations. They can both be used to correct issues such as discoloration, chips, gaps, and misalignment.
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Professional teeth whitening involves the use of pharmaceutical whitening gel worn in custom trays for a few weeks. This gel breaks down long-chain amino acids inside the tooth, which have formed over your lifetime and cause teeth to look darker. These chains are broken down inside the tooth with this type of whitening treatment, and the teeth can whiten dramatically. This at-home treatment can be coupled with in-office treatments for especially dark or stubborn internal stains (ie tetracycline stain). There are many options for whitening - talk to us about what would work best for you!
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Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the teeth to repair chips, gaps, and discoloration. It is a quick and cost-effective cosmetic solution.
Restorative Dentistry Questions
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A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns in our practice are fabricated with premium dental ceramics (or gold alloy) by a highly-skilled US dental lab technician.
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Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. They provide a stable foundation for dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
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A full mouth reconstruction involves a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses multiple dental issues to restore the function and aesthetics of the entire mouth. This may include a combination of restorative, cosmetic, and prosthetic treatments.
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Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the teeth to repair chips, gaps, and discoloration. It is a quick and cost-effective cosmetic solution.
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Inlays and onlays are ceramic restorations used to repair larger cavities or damaged teeth , in place of traditional fillings. The ceramic is custom fit and bonded to the tooth, which is a longer-lasting option when compared to composite resin (tooth-colored) fillings.
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TMJ treatment addresses issues with the temporomandibular joint, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. Treatment options may include oral appliances, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Visit Us
Smith Custom Dentistry
753 St. Andrews Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29407
Hours
Monday–Thursday
8am–5pm
Phone
(843) 571 - 6371
