FAQs

Answers to Common Questions

Why are checkups recommended every six months, even for people with great oral health?
I do not like drills. Are there any other options?
Does your office use lasers?
My smile is missing teeth. What do you suggest I do?
What are mini dental implants?
How can I improve my smile?
What is the difference between veneers and Lumineers?
Are there differences between over-the-counter teeth whiteners and professional teeth whiteners?
Do you accept my dental insurance?
Can I finance my dental work?
Do you accept referrals?

Why are checkups recommended every six months, even for people with great oral health?
We use DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection to find cavities in the earliest stages, and often that means that you don't see or feel them. Early detection allows us to provide the most conservative treatment, which saves you time, expense, and possible discomfort. We also use the VELscope to screen for oral cancer, a disease that will affect more than 30-thousand Americans this year. Oral cancer is deadly, but early detection offers an 80-percentcure rate. Gum disease is another sneaky problem that we try to catch early. It has been linked to stroke, heart attack, osteoporosis, and other health risks, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults.

I do not like drills. Are there any other options?
We offer air abrasion, an alternative to the traditional dental drill. With air abrasion, a stream of air and tiny abrasive particles whisk away decay. Because the tool emits no vibration, heat, or noise, the factors that cause pain associated with a dental drill, most patients don't even need anesthetic.

Does your office use lasers?
We use many kinds of lasers for precise, comfortable dentistry… DIAGNOdent is our cavity-detection laser. It will scan your teeth to find decay and areas prone to decay, and we will not have to inspect each of your teeth with a traditional dental hook.

Our soft-tissue laser allows us to treat gum disease, perform crown lengthening, harvest and place gum grafts, reduce gum tissue for esthetics, and do biopsies. You will need no stitches after laser surgery, and bleeding is minimal. Most patients recover more quickly after laser surgery than they do following traditional surgery.

Our hard tissue laser removes decay, replacing the traditional dental drill. We can also do bone grafts with this laser.

My smile is missing teeth. What do you suggest I do?
You'll need to first schedule a consultation with Dr. Dowell. He can assess your oral health and discuss options for replacement teeth. In general, you can choose from crown and bridgework, partial or full dentures, or dental implants. As the most natural prosthetic to natural tooth structure, a dental implant offers the most long-lasting, comfortable, natural-looking choice.

What are mini dental implants?
MDIs are dental implants that hold dentures in place, and they can be surgically implanted in one day. Implant-supported dentures create a reliable hold and freedom from messy adhesives! Learn more about MDI on their website.

How can I improve my smile?
That sounds like an easy question to answer, but it isn't! Your smile is unique, and we won't compromise your individuality with smile enhancements. Smile design dentistry done right requires an initial consultation in which we will discuss your goals, preferences, and options for care. Generally speaking, we may suggest porcelain veneers or Lumineers, teeth whitening, all-white restorations, and/or replacement teeth. Orthodontics may also be involved. After your comprehensive evaluation and consultation, we'll present a smile makeover plan for your new smile. We offer digital imaging for smile previews, as well.

What is the difference between veneers and Lumineers?
Lumineers are actually a brand of veneers that requires minimal or no tooth preparation prior to placement. Some patients prefer Lumineers because of the quick application and reduced risk for sensitivity. However, others prefer traditional veneers because of their completely customized design.

Are there differences between over-the-counter teeth whiteners and professional teeth whiteners?
Over-the-counter whiteners are not as efficient as professional-grade treatments. The whitening kits you buy at the drugstore are not customized to fit the shape of your teeth, making them messy and ineffective. In addition, they typically only whiten two to three shades. With professional whitening you have more options. You can visit our office and receive a one-hour whitening treatment that will leave your teeth up to 10 shades whiter. We also have home teeth whitening kits that are custom designed for maximum comfort and efficiency. Each night for a week or two you’ll need to apply our professional-grade whitening gel to the trays, and then wear them at night. Within just a few days, you’ll notice a difference, and by the time treatment is complete, you’ll smile with confidence. Take-home trays can also touch up and maintain in-office whitening.

Do you accept my dental insurance?
Dr. Dowell is an in-network provider with Delta and Anthem. Our insurance specialist will estimate your benefits and file your claim for you. Please be prepared to pay your co-pay or deductible during your visit.

Can I finance my dental work?
We have partnered with CareCredit, a trusted name in third-party financing, in order to make dentistry more affordable. CareCredit offers revolving credit, low monthly payments, and no interest for up to 18 months for patients who qualify. Visit the CareCredit website to fill out an online application.

Do you accept referrals?
Yes, and thank you for your confidence. We appreciate your referrals and promise to extend the same comprehensive, caring service to your friends and coworkers that we give you every time you visit.

Our progressive, fully digital practice has two convenient locations in Carrollton and Minerva. Call today to schedule your appointment or consultation. We look forward to bringing out the best in your smile.