More Info
Our Frequently Asked Questions
• In Case of Emergencies
• Fees and Insurance
• Payments
• Care After Extraction
• Post Periodontal Surgery Instructions
It is our preference, and no doubt yours, that we provide treatment and answer your questions at an unhurried pace during your office visit. We achieve this by reserving adequate time for you. We value your time and strive to be prompt. To help us, we ask that you arrive on time. If you are unable to keep your appointment or feel that you will be late, please call as soon as possible. Parents or guardians of dependent children should accompany them to the office so they may authorize the treatment. If this is not possible, please call.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES
While we attempt to see everyone on an appointment basis, emergencies and urgent situations can occur. When they do, we want to help. In the event of an emergency, please call our office immediately, preferably before 3:00 p.m. After the office has closed, the doctors can be reached by our 24-hour answering service. To contact the answering service, please call the office phone number: 724-274-4330.
FEES AND INSURANCE
We make every effort to control the cost of your dental care. Our fees reflect the quality of care, skill, and judgment we provide, as well as the caliber of our staff, facilities, and resources.
As a service to you, we will submit all dental claim forms to help our patients receive maximum reimbursement from their insurance carriers. The balance, if any, after the insurance payments will be the responsibility of the patient. Although we will do everything possible to expedite your insurance claims, please remember that our contract for services is with you and not your insurance company. You will be responsible for any exclusions or limitations that your insurance may apply.
Please help us keep our records current by notifying our office of any changes in your insurance, medical conditions, address, and phone number.
PAYMENTS
Payment is due at the time services are rendered unless prior arrangements have been made with our patient account manager. We have discounts available through our “Smile Club” program and senior citizens program; please ask our receptionist for further information. For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
CARE OF PATIENT AFTER EXTRACTION OF TEETH
1. Slight oozing of blood is expected for some time.
2. Swelling is usually present. To reduce this, place ice against cheek; 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off
for 6 hours after extraction.
3. Do not lie down. Sit in chair or lounger but keep head higher than body until bedtime. This helps prevent
swelling and reduces bleeding.
4. If sedated, patient will be under the influence of drugs for some time after being discharged. No driving
or operating machinery is allowed.
5. Slight dizziness is expected. To prevent this, move slowly and deliberately.
6. No alcoholic beverages should be consumed for 24 hours following surgery.
7. Eating is desirable after the numbness has worn off. This will help prevent nausea. Ice cream,
lukewarm soup, and other easily digested foods are recommended.
8. If pain pills are prescribed, take only when pain is excessive. For mild pain, take Tylenol.
9. After 24 hours, rinse mouth with warm salt water.
POST PERIODONTAL SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Slight bleeding may occur for 24 hours following surgery.
2. Avoid rinsing mouth for 24 hours after surgery. After 24 hours, salt water rinsing is recommended 2-3
times per day for a week to promote healing.
3. Gentle brushing and flossing are necessary for healing and is recommended approximately 6-8 hours
following surgery. An interdental brush may also be recommended by the doctor. Flossing is
recommended at least one time a day and brushing (with a soft bristle brush) is necessary at least 3
times a day. Keeping the teeth and gums clean is important for healing!
4. Tooth sensitivity to temperatures (especially cold) is normal for several months after surgery and
should gradually improve in time.
5. The sutures may loosen or dislodge before your next appointment; however, this usually is not a
problem.
6. A light and soft diet is advised on the day of surgery. Foods that are spicy or crunchy should be avoided
for 1-2 weeks following surgery.
7. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our office.
We welcome new patients and appreciate the friends and family you refer to us.
For questions, email us at drmock@bellatlantic.net