Because every question matters…If you have questions, Baker & Graham Dental has your answers. The following are common questions others have asked us about dentistry and oral health issues. If you have any other questions you don’t see here, please feel free to call. Our team looks forward to hearing from you and to helping you.
A: Yes, because your comfort is our top concern. Our team is specially trained in the latest relaxation techniques and provides an environment where you feel safe, in control, and gently cared for. If needed, medication can be provided to relax you before your visit. Our team is trained to be alert, compassionate, and aware of your concerns, so that each of us makes your visit as comfortable as possible. Feel confident about your procedure knowing Baker & Graham Dental invests in the latest technology to ensure your visit is as comfortable, efficient, and easy as possible.
A: Millions of people struggle with embarrassing halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Let Baker & Graham Dental help you feel confident interacting with others again. Explore the following checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem: twice daily brushing, daily flossing and tongue cleaning, regular professional cleanings, and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances. However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, Baker & Graham Dental offers several solutions.
First, you may receive a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue and significantly alleviates odor. If needed, we are happy to recommend for you a specially-prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, we may also suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, in which case you may need to visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.
A: If you suffer from a broken tooth or from a severe deterioration of a tooth due to cavities (decay), a crown may be a great solution, while allowing you to keep your original tooth structure. Decay in your tooth eats away at the healthy tooth structure much like rust eats away at metal. If not removed, decay will deteriorate the tooth to the point where extraction is the only viable treatment option. Sometimes, decay is removed leaving healthy tooth structure, but not much of it. In those instances, a crown can then be placed, restoring the look and function of your tooth while allowing you to keep your natural, underlying tooth structure. Most crowns are precision-milled porcelain or full metal (gold or silver) and are individually customized for each application in each patient, giving you a natural, long lasting smile.
A: Yes, Baker & Graham Dental offers digital radiographs (X-rays). Digital radiographs use less radiation and are safer for you than traditional film radiographs ― all the while producing higher quality imges. Enjoy the benefits of a dental team dedicated to researching the latest trends in technology to find solutions to promote your overall health, safety, and comfort.
A: You receive so many benefits from fluoride. In children, it helps strengthen the permanent teeth that are forming and is vital for strong decay-resistant teeth. Fluoride is one of the most effective elements in preventing tooth decay as it combines with the enamel to strengthen it against decay. It may also reverse microscopic cavities by enhancing the process in which minerals are incorporated into the teeth. The most effective way to get fluoride is by drinking water containing the right amount of the mineral (about 1ppm parts water). Fluoride also helps fight against sensitivity and is good for exposed root surfaces, which are more susceptible to decay. It helps prevent recurrent cavities around fillings and crowns. Drs. Baker & Graham recommend an in-office application, which has a high concentrate of fluoride safely administered by our trained team.
A: Experience a dental office that offers a variety of options to replace missing teeth, while guiding you through the best option for your specific condition. By replacing missing teeth either with a bridge or implant, you alleviate the problems associated with missing a tooth and you return your smile back to its beautiful, full appearance. A bridge is one solution for replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, Dr. Baker or Dr. Graham place a porcelain restoration into the vacant space, restoring the functionality and look of your smile. A dental implant is also an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has bonded to the bone, it can act as a new, solid support for a natural looking, porcelain restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth, or an entire set of teeth, offering more function and permanence than traditional dentures.
A: Starting from your very first visit, you can look forward to building a trusting and lasting relationship with Drs. Baker & Graham. During your first appointment, your overall dental and oral health will be assessed with a comprehensive oral evaluation. Upon completion of your medical/dental health form, we will ask you to walk us through your goals regarding your smile, teeth, and gums. Digital photos and radiographs (X-rays) are taken of your teeth to identify any areas of decay, cracked teeth, and/or malfunctioning restorations. Our goal is to preserve as much of your teeth as possible by catching decay in its earliest stages. Your gums are also assessed, and a recommendation is made for the appropriate hygiene treatment for you. All of this information is taken into careful consideration to develop a customized, personal treatment plan perfectly suited to help you meet your smile goals.
A: Yes! Over the years patients have given us the compliment of referring family and friends to our practice. Your confidence in our care motivates us to continue to strive for excellence. Thank you for your referrals. Your trust and support are greatly appreciated.
A: Yes, Baker & Graham Dental offers monthly payment plans with our financial partner, Care Credit™. You can also benefit from our variety of payment options for your treatment so that it fits comfortably into your personal financial goals. Work with our team to create the solution that best accommodates you and that allows you to have the beautiful, healthy smile you have always desired.
A: Dental insurance is designed to assist you in paying for your dentistry. Most procedures are not fully covered by your insurance. Cosmetic dentistry, in particular, is not covered by most dental insurance plans. To help you afford your smile, Baker & Graham Dental offers a variety of payment options in addition to a monthly payment plan provided by our financial partner, Care Credit™. We also pay special attention to maximizing the benefits that your insurance does provide. Ask us how you can comfortably afford your dentistry and maximize your dental insurance benefits.
A: Nothing should stand in your way of a beautiful, healthy smile. Let us help make your dental care financially comfortable and affordable. To ensure your financial comfort, Baker & Graham Dental also proudly offers a variety of options to meet your lifestyle, such as:
Our office is happy to estimate your fees and insurance reimbursement amounts before beginning your recommended treatments, and we will gladly file insurance forms for you. Optimal, comprehensive dentistry is what we practice, and we do not base our treatment on what insurance will or will not pay. Our dental team proudly bases your treatment on what is best for you, and any treatment not paid by insurance is your financial responsibility.
A: It is certainly not desirable to have bleeding gums following brushing. However, the condition may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough ”scrubbing” instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled toothbrush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or, gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If this problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods or if it occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set-up an evaluation appointment.
A: Periodontal disease, also called gum disease or gingivitis, refers to the infection of the supportive tissues of the mouth due to toxic bacteria found in plaque. Many individuals suffer from some degree of gum disease often without knowing it. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss, break down of the soft tissue in the mouth and jaw and other significant health problems. The latest medical research proves a strong link between periodontal disease and other serious medical conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, premature childbirth, and stomach and kidney problems. Your Baker & Graham Dental team assesses and diagnoses your periodontal health and if needed, recommends the appropriate therapy to restore your gums and supportive tissues. Then, our specially trained hygienists administer advanced periodontal therapy.
A: A sealant is a plastic material usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth — premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids and guarding against disease-causing bacteria.
Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. However, toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to efficiently extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food, resulting in less tooth decay.
A: While both treatments can be safe and effective, Baker & Graham Dental prefers to utilize an at-home, professional whitening treatment to give you a dazzling, white smile. Your custom home whitening kit involves a special tray that is customized to fit over your teeth. You also receive prescription whitening gel, which is inserted into the tray before you wear it. Dr. Baker or Dr. Graham provide you with detailed instructions about the use of and how long you should wear the tray each day. In approximately two–to-four weeks, you have a brilliant, white smile.
A: If you have concerns about your oral health, now is the time to contact us. Delaying needed treatment often results in further damage to your oral health, leading to increased discomfort and costly problems. If affordability concerns are preventing you from going forward with needed treatment, let our team work with you to find a payment plan that easily fits into your financial lifestyle. We are here to help you.
800 South 28th Ave - Hattiesburg, MS 39402 - 601.268.3333
