4555
William Penn Hwy • Bethlehem, PA 18020 • 610-866-0552
Your FAQs Answered
by Dr. Howard Goldstein
The Right Answers to Your Questions
We would like to make sure you can get your questions answered conveniently and clearly. That is why Dr. Howard Goldstein has compiled the following FAQs and answers. Of course, if you have further questions, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.
- How does Dr. Howard Goldstein keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
- Can you show me what my smile can look like ahead of time with that imaging equipment?
- How do I know when it is time to come in for a check up?
- What makes you different than any other practice I might visit?
- What different payment options do you provide?
- Crowns and Veneers… can you tell me more about these procedures?
- Is it true that I can have a crown made in one appointment without needing to wear a temporary?
- What is a Fixed Bridge actually like?
- What exactly is a Dental Implant?
- I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. Can you help me?
- Do you accept my insurance plan?
- My gums bleed when I brush my teeth. Should I be concerned?
- I have been told that I need gum surgery or I
will lose my teeth. Is there
a less painful alternative? - Why do you have computers in all the dental treatment rooms?
- How can a dentist eliminate or cut down on my migraine headaches?
- Do you accept referrals?
- What can I do about the dark line at the gumline from my old crowns?
- Can I have a removable partial denture where there is no metal showing?
- What is different about how you make Full Dentures?
- Are you a family dentist?
- Do you have emergency appointments?
- I have always been extremely nervous about going to the dentist. What can be done about it?
How does Dr. Howard Goldstein keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Dr. Goldstein subscribes to the latest dental journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental industry, and takes time on a regular basis for continuing education and hands-on programs. He not only shares his learning with the entire staff, but all team members keep up with their own areas of expertise through continuing education as well.
Can you show me what my smile can look like ahead of time with that imaging equipment?
Yes! We routinely use dental imaging to help our patients visualize the end results of cosmetic and restorative work. By simply asking the right questions, taking various photos of your current smile, and keying in the correct input into the computer, we will generate a graphic image to demonstrate accurately how your procedure will affect your smile.
How do I know when it is time to come in for a check up?
The time-span between check ups can vary greatly with each individual, according to their current state of dental health. For example, an average healthy adult patient typically benefits from a professional cleaning and check up every six months. While twice daily brushing and daily flossing go a long way towards maintaining a healthy mouth, it is wise to check for plaque that has hardened into tartar (calculus), requiring professional cleaning to avoid gum disease (gingivitis). On the other hand, a patient who has been treated for gingivitis may require more frequent visits to keep the situation under control and prevent further trouble. In addition, gingivitis (and periodontitis) are the major causes of bad breath. When you visit our office, we will establish an appropriate treatment plan for you based on the findings of our comprehensive oral examination.
What makes you different than any other practice I might visit?
Our practice is set apart by our attitude: about treatment, technology, and about patients. First of all, we treat you just exactly as we would treat our own family members, considering your needs first, listening to your concerns, thoroughly examining all aspects of your dental health, and carefully explaining everything to you. Only then do we determine the proper treatment strategy for your particular situation.
Our practice is also set apart by the high level of technology that we have invested in to help us carry out procedures comfortably, effectively, and efficiently. You just will not find a place as friendly as our office. You will have to come in and see for yourself! We look forward to meeting you.
What different payment options do you provide?
We accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards. We also provide access to a special interest-free financing option known as Care Credit. Simply let us know ahead of time if you desire to use this option and you can get set up directly online or at our Bethlehem - Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania dentist's office.
Crowns and Veneers… can you tell me more about these procedures?
With today's technology, materials, and advanced techniques, we have many options for restoring weak, broken, chipped, or discolored teeth…bringing your smile back to it is original (or better!) shape and function. For unattractive front teeth, we can create pretty, natural shapes and shades by applying paper-thin porcelain veneers to the fronts or beautiful life-like porcelain crowns to the whole tooth.
For example, we can apply an all-porcelain crown to cover the entire outside of the problem tooth. Crowns are also helpful to cover large areas of decay.
Veneers are similar to crowns but mostly only cover just the front of the tooth. They are generally used on front teeth that do not have any prior restorations and either the shape or color needs to be changed.
For more information on either of these procedures, please feel free to talk with Dr. Goldstein during your visit or visit our online dental library on crowns and veneers.
Is it true that I can have a crown made in one appointment without needing to wear a temporary?
Yes it is. At Excel Dental Care we have the latest advance in technology for those needing crowns.
It is called CEREC 3D CAD/CAM technology and it involves the computerized
construction of your crown from a solid block of porcelain while you are in
the office.
No impressions are needed with this technology. The crowns fit better than
ever and look great since there is no metal in them.
For more information on this revolutionary procedure to construct your crown
without the added inconvenience of multiple visits and temporary crowns,
please click here.
What is a Fixed Bridge actually like?
It is a restoration that is permanently joined onto the neighboring (abutment) teeth on either side of the toothless area and consists of three basic units: the false tooth or teeth (pontic) and abutment crowns. The most appropriate style depends on the strength and health of those neighboring teeth, as well as the location of the missing teeth in relation to the rest of your dentition. A bridge not only fills the missing space, thereby preventing repositioning of remaining teeth, but it also corrects an altered bite, improves chewing ability and speech articulation, and supports facial structures to preserve your appearance.
For more information on this procedure, please feel free to talk with Dr. Goldstein during your visit or visit our online dental library.
What exactly is a Dental Implant?
It is simply a small titanium post, inserted into the jawbone below the gum surface at the location of the missing tooth. As the bone integrates to the post, it forms a secure foundation on which your restoration, or artificial teeth, are then attached . Since they are permanently anchored in the jawbone, implants' stability and permanence restore your ability to speak and eat normally, supply support to facial musculature, and eliminate the inconveniences and discomforts of ill-fitting prostheses.
For more information on this procedure, please feel free to talk with Dr. Goldstein during your visit or visit our online dental library.
I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. Can you help me?
Dr. Goldstein has a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. Or, you may be a candidate for Invisalign's "Invisible Braces" - which many of our patients have found a tremendous success. In more pronounced cases, we might want to refer you to an orthodontist we work with. We would be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your individual situation.
Do you accept my insurance plan?
We currently are not on any traditional insurance plans, but we are well-versed in the latest insurance coverage trends, and will be glad to help you file in order to maximize the benefits due you.
My gums bleed when I brush my teeth. Should I be concerned?
Bleeding gums are never a good sign! Bleeding gums may be caused by improper, rough, "scrubbing" instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease.
We specialize in helping patients arrest and successfully treat all
stages of gum disease through the use of our excellent non-surgical soft
tissue management program as well as our
Laser Periodontal Therapy. To learn more about Laser Periodontal
Therapy, please
click here.
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I have been told that I need gum surgery or I
will lose my teeth. Is there
a less painful alternative?
Dr.
Goldstein is the first and most experienced dentist in the Lehigh Valley
to offer
Laser Periodontal Therapy through the use of the Periolase Laser.
This amazing laser takes away the scalpel and stitches that are a part of
traditional periodontal surgery as well as the post operative recovery,
pain, and time involved. For more information on this revolutionary
procedure to counter periodontal disease, please
click here.
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Why do you have computers in all the dental treatment rooms?
We make it a priority to keep our office updated with technology that allows us to provide top quality care. That means doing all we can to gain an accurate, detailed picture of your dental health, each time you visit. This is why we have invested in a state-of-the-art computer system, placing high-resolution monitors in each operatory. The computers and intraoral cameras allow us to look at an incredibly precise, magnified view of your mouth, ascertaining your health status and detecting any problems. Often we will uncover a situation that may have otherwise gone unnoticed, such as a cavity that needs more than just a filling.
Our computer system also helps us manage information, thereby improving our business management overall. Little by little, we are working toward a paperless office, with our computers handling charting, filing, appointments, reminders, and many other aspects of our practice. For our patients, this means having a complete file of information required to make treatment decisions only a click away. Further, it means handling administration conveniently at your chairside, rather than waiting at the front desk.
Finally, the automation provided by our computer system helps us manage our time better freeing us up to concentrate on what we do best: taking care of you.
How can a Bethlehem - Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania dentist eliminate or cut down on my migraine headaches?
Chronic, intense nighttime muscular parafunction has been shown to be a considerable influence on the triggering of migraine events. The Federal Drug Administration has recently approved a brand new treatment for migraines - and you can get it from Dr. Goldstein. This new treatment is called The NTI Tension Suppression System. The device involves placement of a small, removable appliance that fits over the front teeth and is worn primarily at night. It works by reducing night clenching activity by up to two thirds. There are NO DRUGS involved in the treatment.
Results of clinical trials of the NTI have shown:
- No side effects and no new pain
- 82% of NTI users had a 77% average reduction in migraine events
Do you accept referrals?
When our wonderful existing patients and friends refer their friends, relatives, and neighbors to us, we consider it the biggest compliment we could receive. Our Bethlehem - Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania dental practice is always looking for new people to meet and get to know.
What can I do about the dark line at the gumline from my old crowns?
In the past, crowns were usually made of porcelain fused to metal.
In a porcelain fused to metal crown, the porcelain is baked onto a metal substructure. The porcelain alone was not strong enough to not break from the forces of biting and chewing, so the metal was used underneath to add strength. The porcelain on these crowns looked too opaque and fake (picture white sink porcelain), because it had to block out the underlying metal. The dark line at the margin of the crown (where the crown meets the tooth) had to be in metal because the porcelain would be too thin here and crack. To hide this metal, dentists would often place this metal margin underneath the gumline. This metal margin is the darkness one sees in the gumline of many old crowns. Furthermore, if the gum recedes, the metal is exposed creating a very unattractive appearance.
This no longer has to be the case! The superior strength of today's all-ceramic (all-porcelain) crowns means that there is no longer a need for a metal substructure. That means no darkness at the gumline and no more ugly smiles! The all porcelain crowns also are much more natural looking because they do not have to be opaque to cover the metal. They look (and feel) just like natural teeth.
To learn more on crowns, click here or call us.
Can I have a removable partial denture where there is no metal showing?
For patients who are missing a number of front/side teeth, we can create a removable partial denture, designed for either the upper or lower jaw, made of an unbreakable acrylic. They are attached to existing teeth by means of precision acrylic clasps. These clasps are the same color as your gums and blend in, so others are not aware that you are wearing a removable partial denture. Nearly every patient that we have made one for, who previously had a metal removable partial denture, has said that besides looking better, these are much more comfortable to wear. Futhermore, by not having metal, no grooves or indentations have to be placed on your remaining teeth for retention, and there are no excessive forces to possibly injure teeth.
What is different about how you make Full Dentures?
Just because a patient has lost their teeth, does not mean that they have to look like they have fake teeth, when they have a denture made. Too many dentures look like a row of Chicklets. Not at this dental office. We take our time to make sure the final result is a natural and comfortable full denture . We have a try-in stage where the teeth are in wax, and we give plenty of time for the patient to look and say what needs to be changed. If a tooth needs to moved, no problem, we heat the wax and move it to the patients's liking. If the teeth are the wrong size or color, we change it. If the patient wants another opinion, we encourage them to bring a spouse, friend, child, or anyone whose opinion they respect, to this try-in appointment. If they have an old picture of themselves with a nice smile, bring it in and we will match it. The bottom line is, until the patient says that the denture looks EXACTLY right, we will not process it. This way the patient receives just what they want, with no suprises. We love to see a natural looking smile when the patient leaves.
Are you a family dentist?
Of Course!
Everyone from the very young to the mature enjoy their dental visits. Our children enjoy having their teeth cleaned here, and your child will too. It is important to start dental hygiene at a young age so no negative habits are formed. In addition, when a child enjoys their visit, any potential fear is eliminated. From children to great-grandparents, everyone is welcome and treated with respect.
Do you have emergency appointments?
Of course emergencies are welcome! Please call and we will schedule you promptly to evaluate your particular emergency.
I have always been extremely nervous about going to the dentist. What can be done about it?
There is an extremely safe technique that we call Medicated Relaxation Dentistry that Dr. Goldstein is able to use that puts even the most fearful patients at ease. Not all patients need this, but for those that do, this technique “works like a dream.” Dr. Goldstein has completed the training program of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS) and is certified by them and is an active member. Just imagine not being afraid to go to the dentist. You simply have a companion take you to our office. You then take a small pill at our office which keeps you totally relaxed and comfortable throughout the entire appointment. You will be monitored very closely throughout the procedure. You will be completely comfortable yet able to answer questions but you will feel no pain or anxiety. Relaxation Dentistry is great for busy people. Often you can receive years worth of dental treatment is a single visit.
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4555 William Penn Hwy • Bethlehem, PA 18020 • 610-866-0552
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