Monica R. Puderbaugh, DDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are checkups recommended every six months, even for people with great oral health?
When do you like children to have their first dental visit?
What is periodontal disease?
How do you look out for the safety of your patients?
How are digital X-rays better than traditional radiographs?
What is iTero?
My smile is missing teeth. What do you suggest I do?
How can I make my smile brighter?
How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?
Do you accept dental insurance?
How can I pay for my dental care?
Will I be charged if I miss an appointment?
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's before you see or feel them. Early detection allows us to provide the most conservative treatment, which saves you time, expense, and possible discomfort. We also 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-percent cure 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.
When do you like children to have a first dental visit?
We want to see your child when they have teeth! Most children respond well to a dental visit around age three, though the ADA recommends children have a first visit at one year of age. Bring your child with you to your appointment so that he or she can become acclimated to the dentist's office. If you notice any development problems with your child's mouth or teeth, call us to schedule a visit immediately. Otherwise, we'd like to begin teaching your children how to care for their teeth and gums when they reach three or four years of age. By age four or five, they can begin hygiene treatments and regular checkups.
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What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease is an infection of the gums and bone that support teeth, and it usually starts early in life, then progresses as a person ages. It all starts when plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus) below the gum line. This irritates vulnerable soft tissues and infection can set in. Combined with decaying food particles lodged between teeth and bacteria emitted by plaque, the infection can spread quickly. Symptoms are so mild in the early phase, many patients don't recognize them: red, tender, swollen gums, bleeding when brushing teeth. As the condition progresses, gums recede from teeth and pockets of bacteria form. The bacteria can destroy gum tissue and bone, causing tooth and bone loss. Recent studies have linked gum disease to heart attack, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and pregnancy complications. Good news is, gum disease can be prevented with regular trips to the dentist and proper home care. Call our South Charleston dental office today to reserve your appointment.
How do you look out for the safety of your patients?
Very well, actually! In addition to following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and OSHA, we use disposable products as often as possible. Between each patient visit, we thoroughly clean treatment rooms and sterilize reusable instruments in an autoclave. Because we value safety, we have invested in a digital radiograph, which emits about 80-percent less radiation that a traditional X-ray machine. We also use intraoral cameras and digital photography for close-up images, which promotes accurate diagnoses. If you have questions about our safety and sterilization methods, call us. We'll answer your questions with enthusiasm because we love dentistry and our patients.
How are digital X-rays better than traditional radiographs?
When compared to traditional radiography, digital X-rays emit 80-percent less radiation. Detailed images are immediately projected on a chairside monitor, providing visual aids for the dentist to explain your condition and treatment options. We can transfer digital X-rays and photographs quickly via the Internet to insurance companies and specialists, as well. Digital X-rays require no hazardous developing chemicals, so they're earth friendly!
What is iTero?
iTero is a handheld wand that takes 3D, digital impressions of your teeth. If you need lab-made restorations, including crowns, veneers, and dentures, the iTero will make you experience quicker and more comfortable. You won't have to endure a tray of putty hardening in you mouth, and the digital scan only takes about 3 to 5 minutes. We'll send the digital image to the lab for immediate processing and more accurate results. We're proud to offer this exciting, new technology to our patients.
My smile is missing teeth. What do you suggest I do?
You'll need to first schedule a consultation with the dentist. 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 a comfortable, natural-looking, easy-to-care-for choice.
How can I make my smile brighter?
We offer Zoom! Whitening and custom-made take-home trays with professional whitening gel for safe and effective teeth whitening. Zoom! is a light-activated system that can deliver a brilliant smile in one office visit. If you prefer, whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home with prescription-grade whitening gel and custom mouth trays. Home whitening yields excellent results – up to eight shades or better! Two weeks of use produces optimal results, but if your teeth reach the desired shade before then, simply discontinue treatment.
How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?
Depending on your unique case, we may suggest porcelain veneers or Invisalign clear braces. Dr. Chapman or Dr. Puderbaugh will sit down with you and review your dental records, their assessment of your situation, and options for treatment. We offer financing and convenient appointments to make dentistry fit with virtually anyone's lifestyle.
Do you accept dental insurance?
We currently accept all private care insurance plans (plans that do not require you to select a dentist from a list or require our office to accept a reduced fee for service) and are in-network with a few plans as well. We will bill your insurance as a courtesy. Click here for more information about dental insurance.
How can I pay for my dental care?
We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and personal checks (for existing patients with an established payment history). If you need an extended payment option, we work with CareCredit and CitiHealth, two trusted names in third-party financing.
CareCredit offers:
- NO down payment
- NO interest for up to 12 months for qualified applicants (up to 24 months for Invisalign)
- NO prepayment penalties
- Low interest loans
- Long-term loans
- Revolving credit for other medical, dental, vision procedures
- Easy online payment option
- Easy online application process
CareCredit has helped more than six million patients afford the procedures they want or need. With 20 years in the patient finance industry, CareCredit has established a stellar reputation.
Will I be charged if I miss an appointment?
A specific amount of time is reserved especially for you and we strongly encourage our patients to keep their appointments. If you must change your appointment, we require at least 24 hours notice to avoid a $35/hour cancellation fee (emergencies are an exception).
