FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you don’t see your question below, we would be happy to help you. Please contact us to have your questions and concerns answered. We love hearing from you.

Frequently asked questions

If I am missing one or more teeth, what are my options?  Patients today have an array of options for replacing missing teeth. Dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants all have their advantages and disadvantages, though modern cosmetic and restorative dentistry has come to favor dental implants because they look and function just like real teeth and require no special care.

If you have lost a tooth or several teeth, we urge you to seek treatment. Adjacent teeth can shift into the gap left by a lost tooth; in addition, a missing tooth can lead to bone loss, hygiene problems, difficulties with speaking and eating, and much more. Today’s dental restorations are better than ever, and they can give you a strong bite and a beautiful smile. Contact Palm Springs Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today for a consultation to learn more about your options for tooth replacement.

who is a good candidate for dental Implants?  Nearly anyone who is missing one or more teeth, and desires a superior, long-lasting aesthetic result is a good candidate for dental implants. However, patients must have enough bone to support and stabilize the implant. Some individuals who have suffered bone loss as a result of gum disease or another condition may need bone grafting before a dental implant can be placed successfully. Drs. Shepherd or Tom will provide you with your best options.

Do you offer tooth-colored fillings? Can they replace my old metal? – The placement of tooth-colored composite fillings is one of the most commonly performed general dentistry procedures at Palm Springs Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. In addition to filling new cavities, these beautiful restorations can replace old metal fillings that have blackened, fractured, popped out, or that simply take away from the beauty of your smile.

How can I know I will be happy with my cosmetic dentistry?  The two highly experienced cosmetic dentists of Palm Springs Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Shepherd and Dr. Tom, take an individualized approach toward each patient’s treatment. Our dentists apply an artistic eye to smile makeovers, and they always consider your facial shape, the natural form of your teeth, and other factors so that you achieve optimal results. Teeth grinding can be caused by a range of factors; often, both emotional and physical factors are involved. Causal factors can include stress, sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, and crooked or missing teeth. Once the cause or causes of bruxism are determined, your dentist can develop a course of treatment.Treatment methods recommended may include:

  • Relaxation techniques if stress is at the root of the problem
  • Physical therapy
  • Muscle relaxants
  • A plastic tooth guard to wear at night during sleep

Bruxism can cause serious pain and headaches, as well as dangerous wear on the teeth. In severe cases, restorative dentistry techniques such as inlays or porcelain crowns are needed to rebuild teeth damaged by bruxism. Therefore, it is crucial to seek treatment for bruxism early to avoid waking up with headaches or jaw pain.

What are my payment options? – As a courtesy to you, we are happy to accept cash, personal checks, all major credit cards including American Express. Should you need an option for monthly payments or have major treatment needs, a complete payment plan is designed with an appropriate payment schedule to fit your budget using the financial assistance.

How can I finance my general, cosmetic, or restorative dentistry? – Palm Springs Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers you the opportunity to apply for Care Credit, an outside financing company that allows you to make monthly payments. Because we want to make your dental treatment affordable, we even pay the interest for you! We also accept the assignment of benefits for your insurance plan (with a few exceptions) and will ask you to be responsible for any amount not covered by your plan. When possible, we can also pace your desired treatment to fit your budget.

 

 

 

 

Dear Valued Patients:

While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety, as well as the safety of our team that serves you.

Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have seen this during your visits to our office. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable.

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued. We do this to make sure that our infection control procedures are current and adhere to or exceed each agencies’ recommendations.

You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect you and our team.

  • We will communicate with you via text shortly before your appointment to ask some screening questions. We will not see you if you have a fever over 100.4, persistent cough or sneezing.
  • Whenever possible, we request that you come alone to your visit to reduce the number of people in our waiting room. Feel free to call us for exceptions.
  • We do not require that you wait in your vehicle or outside prior to your appointment. If you prefer, just text or call us and let us know that you have arrived and are waiting in your vehicle or are outside.
  • Everyone entering the office is required to wear face masks at all times except during your dental treatment.
  • Our clinical team all wear required PPE for your protection as well as theirs.
  • We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find hand disinfectants in the treatment areas and checkout areas for you to use as needed.
  • We have installed clear barriers in the business area between you and our business team.
  • You may notice that we have reduced the seating capacity in our waiting room, as well as removed all magazines.  The area is sanitized often throughout the day.
  • Each area is equipped with HEPA air purifiers that removes 99.9% of aerosol particulates.
  • Your hygienist or assistant will record your temperature using a contactless thermometer prior to being seated.
  • You will be asked to rinse with a diluted amount of peroxide prior to and after your procedure.

 We look forward to seeing you again soon and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at (760) 416-1003 or text us at 760-416-1003.

Thank you for taking the time to read about how we are taking every precaution to keep you and your team safe.  We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming you back. If you are a new patient to our practice, Welcome and thank you for choosing us for your dental needs.

Sincerely,
Drs. Shepherd, Tom and the Entire Palm Springs Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Team