Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
Click on a question below to see the answer.
Where is your office located?
Dr. Brock's' office is located in the Turtle Creek Professional Village. We are on 15th Street in between Bryant and Coltrane.
Map To Our Office.
What are your hours of operation?
Our office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and some Fridays. If a dental emergency occurs after office hours, call 405-341-0203. Our phones have an after-hours recorder that will direct you on how to leave a message for Dr. Brock. Dr. Brock will be paged and return your call as soon as possible.
Does your office accept insurance benefits?
As a service to our patients, our practice accepts most dental insurance programs, including non-managed care, indemnity (traditional) and PPO out-of-network. We are not part of any managed care network. Our accounting staff will prepare all the necessary forms for your dental benefits. However, we remind you that your specific policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company. Please keep in mind that you are responsible for your total obligation should your insurance benefits result in less coverage than anticipated. Our staff will gladly submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company so that you will know what your benefits will be. The fees charged for services rendered to those who are insured are the usual and customary fees charged to all our patients for similar services. Your policy may base its allowances on a fixed fee schedule, which may or may not coincide with our usual fees. You should be aware that different insurance companies vary greatly in the types of coverage available. Also, some companies take care of claims promptly while others delay payment for several months.
We are happy to assist you with your insurance needs and appreciate the trust and confidence you have placed in us for your health care.
Is Dr. Brock accepting new patients?
Dr. Brock is always looking forward to welcoming new patients into the practice. We currently have patients from Edmond and the Oklahoma City metro area as well as from out of state. Please call our office at 405-341-0203 to discuss your specific needs.
How long will my appointment take?
Even though every patient is different, we generally schedule 90 minutes for an initial appointment with Dr. Brock and our hygienist and 60 minutes for your recurring hygiene appointments. Other appointment times depend on the procedure and your specific situation.
Does Dr. Brock treat children?
Dr. Brock and the staff love working with children and actually offer what is called a "Happy Visit" for children who have not visited the dentist before. Special attention is given to explain everything that will happen to the child during their first visit for hygiene or treatment. Dr. Brock also provides prizes for the children at the end of the visit. Children's activities are available in the reception area to keep children occupied if they must wait.
How can I make my teeth brighter?
There are three treatment options for whitening or bleaching your teeth. The first is called chairside bleaching and is done entirely in Dr. Brock's' office. The procedure takes between 60 and 90 minutes per visit. The number of visits is determined by the level of discoloration of your teeth and the desired color at the completion of bleaching.
Whitening trays is completed at home by the patient. An impression is made of your teeth that is then used to make a custom-fitted tray. At the intervals specified by Dr. Jones, the patient places a bleaching gel in the tray and inserts in the mouth over the teeth. The length of time the tray is worn will be determined by Dr. Jones for each patient.
Veneers are permanent whitening as a contact lens thin porcelain shield that is bonded to the front of your teeth to create a dramatically brighter smile. This procedure is done in two appointments. The first to decide the shade and take impressions to be sent to the lab. At the second appointment, the Veneers are placed.
Certain areas of my teeth are sensitive to cold. Does this mean I have a problem?
It is possible that sensitivity is a sign of other oral health problems. It could mean that decay is developing on one of your teeth. It could also be caused by an exposure of a root surface. Clenching and grinding of teeth can also cause increased teeth sensitivity. Dr. Jones can determine the cause of the sensitivity and recommend treatment to ease the pain.
Why do I need to come back in 3 months for a cleaning instead of 6 months?
Just like everyone's health is different, so is their oral health. Medications or the ageing process can affect your mouth's natural ability to cleanse itself. Certain people lack adequate salivary flow to provide the natural cleanser that others have.
I chipped a tooth several years ago. There is no pain associated with it, but it is very noticeable when I smile. Can this be fixed?
Dr. Brock can discuss options with you including veneers, bonding, or crowns to give a natural, beautiful smile that you will be proud of.
What are the advantages of the rotary toothbrushes used in Dr. Brock's office?
Rotary toothbrushes are much like an electric toothbrush except they are battery operated. They provide a standardized motion for tooth brushing and help remove plaque in hard to reach places.
Studies have shown that a rotary toothbrush removes as much or more plaque as manual brushing and flossing combined. This is especially important for our patients that are unable to floss.
Will it hurt?
Dr. Brock will discuss the procedure, your ability to tolerate pain, allergies, medical conditions and any preferences for anesthesia before beginning to reduce the discomfort experienced by the patient.
How often should I brush and floss?
Although everyone's process for maintaining optimum oral health is different, it is generally considered important to brush for 2 minutes and floss your teeth thoroughly at least once a day. Tooth decay and gum disease can result by not removing plaque. A fluoride mouth rinse, toothpaste or gel recommended by the American Dental Association's Council on Dental Therapeutics can help teeth resist decay and make them stronger.
My gums bleed when I brush. Is this something I should be concerned about?
Possibly. Minimal bleeding can occur with overly vigorous brushing. Bleeding, swollen, or red and puffy gums can indicate periodontal or gum disease. Gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss, and it can lead to health problems such as strokes, heart attacks, and complications with diabetes and pregnancy. If you have bleeding gums, please call us for a check-up. Early detection of periodontal disease can prevent lengthy and costly treatments.
What is the difference between plaque and calculus?
Plaque is a clear, sticky deposit of bacteria that forms and tenaciously adheres to the surface of teeth and gum tissue. Plaque can begin to develop in as little as 4 hours after brushing. Research shows that plaque is a primary cause of tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque can be removed with brushing and flossing.
Calculus, also known as tartar, is the hardening of plaque that has aged if left behind after brushing. To minimize, we encourage brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Once plaque turns into calculus only a dentist or dental hygienist is able to take it off.
Why does Dr. Brock recommend fluoride treatments even though my insurance company says they may not be a covered benefit?
Regular use of fluoride in children makes tooth enamel harder and more resistant to the substances that cause tooth decay. Fluoride has also been proven to prevent tooth decay and root diseases in older adults. Fluoride is added to most public water supplies in safe amounts. Edmond’s water is not fluoridated due to it’s supply being a series of water wells. It can also be found in most toothpastes and mouth rinses. Any form helps to keep teeth strong. We strive to help all of our patients prevent tooth decay from occurring rather than only having the option to treat decayed areas later.
White filling vs. Silver filling?
Silver amalgam and composite resin are the two most common materials used to restore teeth damaged by decay. Each type of restoration provides certain unique benefits for the patient. For example, a silver amalgam can prove more durable on teeth that are subjected to a lot of biting pressure and are generally more cost effective. Resin fillings, however result in a more natural-looking smile because the color can be closely matched to your natural teeth. Additionally, since the compound actually bonds to your tooth, it can create a seal making the restored tooth even stronger than before. Dr. Jones can discuss your specific needs and preferences at your appointment.
Do I need to pre-medicate with an antibiotic before my appointment?
The American Heart Association’s current guidelines from January 2015
Preventive antibiotics prior to a dental procedure are advised for patients with:
1.artificial heart valves
2.a history of infective endocarditis
3.certain specific, serious congenital (present from birth) heart conditions, including
•unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits
•a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter intervention, during the first six months after the procedure
•any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device
4. a cardiac transplant that develops a problem in a heart valve.
The new recommendations apply to many dental procedures, including teeth cleaning and extractions. Patients with congenital heart disease can have complicated circumstances. They should check with their cardiologist if there is any question at all as to the category that best fits their needs.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons current guidelines:
Antibiotic prophylaxis may be considered when the higher risk dental procedures are performed on dental patients within two years post joint replacement surgery, on those who have had previous prosthetic joint infections, and on those with some other conditions.
Patients at Potential Increased Risk of Total Joint Infection:
•Immunocompromised/immunosuppressed patients
Inflammatory arthropathies: rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus
Disease, drug or radiation-induced immunosuppression
•Other Patients
Insulin-dependent (Type 1) diabetes
First two years following joint placement
Previous prosthetic joint infections
Malnourishment
Hemophilia
Why do I need a dental implant?
Some people lose teeth due to injury, tooth decay, periodontal disease, or a tooth may not have grown in. Whatever the reason, dental implants can help replace missing teeth and feel more natural than dentures and other dental restorations.
How long will the implant and restoration treatment take?
Depending on your dental needs, total treatment time for implants can range anywhere from a couple of months up to a year or more, depending on how the bone heals.
How do I take care of my dental implant?
To ensure that your implants last, take good care of your mouth. This means brushing and flossing every day, and having regular checkups with your dental team.
When can I come in for an appointment?
We would be very happy to answer your questions and schedule an appointment for your dental health. Just call our office at 405-341-0203 and we will arrange a time at your convenience.
