Do you have questions?
Read our Frequently Asked Questions below to see if we have the answers you're looking for! Can't find the information that you need? Give us a call!
Appointments
What are your office hours?
Hillside Dental is open Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm. Saturday, 9am – 1pm, by appointment.
Please note that our office will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
How do I schedule an appointment?
For your convenience, we offer the following methods to schedule your appointments:
- Fill our our online request form.
- Email us at info@hillsidedentaltx.com with your preferred date or day of the week and time range, and our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
How often should I schedule regular check-ups?
The American Dental Association recommends twice-yearly exams and cleanings. Some people may need more frequent check-ups based on their dental needs. After your first exam, we’ll be able to determine the best frequency for your dental health.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
- Completed new patient forms (click here to download)
- Insurance card/information
- List of current medications and medical conditions
- X-rays taken in the last 6 months (if available)
What if I need to reschedule?
Please call our office at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment. We’ll work with you to help you find another date that fits your schedule.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that unforeseen situations may arise that are out of our control. If you miss an appointment, we may ask a penalty.
What if I need emergency dental care?
If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you within 24 hours. If you need urgent dental care after our office hours, please send an email to info@hillsidedentaltx.com.
Treatments
What happens during my first visit?
We will conduct a thorough examination on your first visit to determine the best course of action to achieve dental health and your goals. We will:
- Take full mouth x-rays to identify any current problems and to use as a baseline on future visits to detect early signs of problems.
- Assess gum condition and health.
- Examine teeth for cavities and condition of old dental restorations.
- Perform a head and neck exam, including salivary glands and lymph nodes, for swelling or other abnormalities.
- Screen for oral cancer and TMJ (jaw joint).
- Clean and polish your teeth.
Why do I need to discuss my medical conditions with the dentist?
Many health conditions are indicated in the mouth and can affect oral health, so your medical information is very important in diagnosing issues with your teeth, gums and mouth.
How often do fillings need to be replaced?
Fillings can last for many years, but over time they wear down, discolor, crack and sometimes fall out. Early detection of problems with fillings can help you avoid getting cavities under the filling and causing more serious decay. Let us know if you’re experiencing any pain. We’ll check your fillings at every visit to determine if any need to be replaced.
Do you use composite (tooth colored) or amalgam (silver) fillings?
Composite fillings are widely preferred to amalgam today to fill new cavities and replace old fillings needing repair. We do not provide amalgam fillings. Some insurance providers will not approve composite fillings in posterior teeth, which would increase your out-of-pocket expenses.
Are x-rays necessary?
Absolutely. Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools. Many oral conditions occur between teeth or under the gums or bones, undetectable by the human eye, and may have no early signs or symptoms. Left untreated, these conditions can create serious dental and general health problems, including loss of teeth and heart problems. Early detection with x-rays can make treatment much less painful, faster, and less expensive. The American Dental Association recommends getting a full series every three years.
Sedation
What types of sedation do you use?
Many dental procedures can be completed under local anesthesia. However, to help more anxious patients relax, or for more complex procedures, inhalation sedation (laughing gas) and local anesthesia are available.
What is Novocaine?
The most common anesthesia, Novocaine works by blocking the nerve that supplies sensation to the teeth in a specific area. You feel no pain during the procedure and are totally alert, aware, and able to function normally. The effect wears off fairly quickly with no side effects.
What is Inhalation Sedation?
Known as nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” you’ll experience a feeling of euphoria after just 2-3 minutes of breathing in the gas. You’ll be aware of your surroundings and able to respond to questions. Inhalation sedation has very few side effects and is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped.
Children
When should I start cleaning and brushing my child’s teeth?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should begin cleaning your child’s gums with a soft cloth soon after birth. As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and just a smear of toothpaste. When you come in for your child’s first visit, we’ll show you how to brush properly.
At what age should I schedule my child’s first visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends visiting the dentist as soon as the first tooth appears, or by the child’s first birthday. We can look for potential problems and help your child get to know us as their friend. These early visits can make your child’s experience with a dentist a positive one.
Can my teenager come alone to the appointment?
Please note that patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all visits. We want to meet with both of you to discuss findings and treatments, and to address your questions and concerns.