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Read our Frequently Asked Questions below to see if we have the answers you're looking for!
Appointments
What are your office hours?
Basin Dental Suite is open Mondays – Thursdays, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Fridays, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.
We accept walk-ins; however, we would appreciate a call 15 minutes prior to your arrival.
Please note that our office will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas
How do I schedule an appointment?
For your convenience, we offer the following methods to schedule your appointments:
- Online scheduling: To request appointment availability, please Click Here to fill out the form. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
- Call our office at (432) 260-9636
- Email us at A.esho@basindentalsuite.com with your preferred date or day of the week and time range, and our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
How often should I schedule regular check-ups?
The American Dental Association recommends twice-yearly exams and cleanings. Some people may need more frequent check-ups based on their dental needs. After your first exam, we will be able to determine the best frequency for your dental health.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
- Completed new patient forms
- Insurance card/information
- List of current medications and medical conditions
- X-rays taken in the last 6 months (if available)
What if I need to reschedule?
Please call our office at least 48 hours in advance of your appointment. We’ll work with you to help you find another date that fits your schedule.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that unforeseen situations may arise that are out of our control. If you miss an appointment, kindly call the office at (432) 260-9636 and our scheduling coordinator will be more than happy to find a date and time that is better suited for you.
What if I need emergency dental care?
If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you within 24 hours. If you need urgent dental care after our office hours, please call the office at (432) 260-9636 and directions will be provided on how to best handle your emergency
Treatments
What services do you provide?
Basin Dental Suite provides general, pediatric, cosmetic and restorative dental services. Please click on our Dental Services tab for more details.
What happens during my first visit?
We conduct a thorough examination on your first visit to determine the best course of action to achieve your desired dental health goals. During this visit, we will:
- Take a full mouth series of x-rays to identify any current problems and detect early signs of tooth decay. We also use this information as a baseline to determine the frequency of future dental visits.
- Assess gum condition and health.
- Examine teeth for cavities and the condition of old dental restorations.
- Perform a head and neck exam, including the salivary glands and lymph nodes, for swelling or other abnormalities.
- Screen for oral cancer and TMJ issues (jaw joint).
- In most cases clean and polish your teeth.
Why do I need to discuss my medical conditions with the dentist?
Many health conditions manifest signs in the mouth and these can affect oral health and function. As a result, your medical information is very important in diagnosing issues with your teeth, gums and mouth.
How often do fillings need to be replaced?
Fillings can last for many years, but over time they tend to wear down, discolor, crack and sometimes fall out. Early detection of problems with fillings can help prevent new cavities from forming under the fillings which, if undetected, can lead to more serious problems. If you happen to be experiencing pain on a tooth that’s been filled please let us know. We’ll check your fillings at every visit to determine if any need to be replaced.
Do you use composite (tooth colored) or amalgam (silver) fillings?
Composite fillings are widely preferred to amalgam today to fill new cavities and replace old fillings needing repair. However, there are some instances when amalgam is still recommended, based on your individual health profile. In addition, some insurance providers will not approve composite fillings in posterior teeth, which would increase your out-of-pocket expenses.
Are xrays necessary?
Absolutely. Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools. Many oral conditions occur between teeth or under the gums or bones, undetectable by the human eye, and may have no early signs or symptoms. Left untreated, these conditions can create serious dental and general health problems, including loss of teeth and heart problems. Early detection with x-rays can make treatment much less painful, faster, and less expensive. The American Dental Association recommends getting a full series every three years.
Sedation
What types of sedation do you use?
Many dental procedures can be completed under local anesthesia. However, to help more anxious patients relax, or for more complex procedures, inhalation sedation (including nitrous oxide) and oral sedation are available. Unfortunately IV sedation is currently not available at this location, however, should you absolutely require IV sedation, our team would be happy to direct you to a location that offers this service.
What is Novocaine?
The most common anesthesia, Novocaine works by blocking the nerve that supplies sensation to the teeth in a specific area. You feel no pain during the procedure and are totally alert, aware, and able to function normally. The effect wears off fairly quickly with no side effects.
What is Inhalation Sedation?
Known as nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” you’ll experience a feeling of euphoria after just 2-3 minutes of breathing in the gas. You’ll be aware of your surroundings and able to respond to questions. Inhalation sedation has very few side effects and is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped.
What is Oral Sedation?
This general anesthetic allows you to be conscious but feel nothing during treatment. We provide you with medication to be taken before your appointment, allowing you to be fully relaxed by the time we begin your dental treatment. You may not be safe to drive, so you should expect to have someone bring you to our office and take you home after your appointment.
What is IV Sedation?
These drugs are administered into the blood stream, allowing you to close your eyes and relax in a semi-conscious state with little or no memory of the treatment. You will not be safe to drive, so you should expect to have someone bring you to our office and take you home after your appointment.
CHILDREN
When should I start cleaning and brushing my child’s teeth?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should begin cleaning your child’s gums with a soft cloth soon after birth. As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and just a smear of toothpaste. When you come in for your child’s first visit, we’ll show you how to brush properly.
Can my teenager come alone to the appointment?
Please note that patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all visits. We want to meet with both of you to discuss findings and treatments, and to address your questions and concerns.
How often do fillings need to be replaced?
Fillings can last for many years, but over time they wear down, discolor, crack and sometimes fall out. Early detection of problems with fillings can help you avoid getting cavities under the filling and causing more serious decay. Let us know if you’re experiencing any pain. We’ll check your fillings at every visit to determine if any need to be replaced.
At what age should I schedule my child's first visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends visiting the dentist as soon as the first tooth appears, or by the child’s first birthday. We can look for potential problems and help your child get to know us as their friend. These early visits can make your child’s experience with a dentist a positive one.