Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions:

Does insurance cover my procedure?

• Our administrative team will check the available insurances and coverages prior to your first visit. We are able to determine an approximate coverage on your dental insurance based on percentage and remaining balance. This information will be provided to you on your first visit. The estimate applies only for your dental insurance. Medical insurance does not always divulge coverages and we are at times unable to determine how much of the procedure is covered. The estimate is not a guarantee. Sometimes insurance companies cover less than the estimate, in which case the balance would be the patient’s responsibility.

Can the surgery be completed on my first visit?

• In most instances, your first visit is for a consultation only. However, if you do not wish to be asleep for the surgery and are comfortable with “novocaine” only for the procedure, we will attempt to accommodate your request as much as our schedule will allow. However, if there is a medical condition that might require clearance or premedication, we might need to set up a second appointment for the surgery. If you have a strong preference for completing your procedure on the first visit, please let us know prior to the visit, so we may allot additional time in our schedule. Except for the most extreme circumstances, we generally do not condone surgery under general anesthesia on the first visit. There are certain precautions that need to be taken to maximize the safety of the anesthesia.

Will I need additional x-rays?

• If your dentist has given you x-rays, please bring it with you to your first appointment along with the referral slip. In many circumstances, we will a panoramic x-ray to obtain a comprehensive view of the entire upper and lower jaws for diagnostic purposes. If your appointment is for a single tooth (not a wisdom tooth or an impacted tooth) we can typically use a small X-Ray versus a panoramic x-ray. When scheduling your appointment we will usually be able to tell you the type of X-Ray we would need.

Can I be asleep for my surgery?

• Yes, as long as there are no coexisting medical conditions that would make it unsafe. If you have significant dental anxiety, being asleep for the surgery will make the procedure much more tolerable and pleasant. For your safety, we generally do not provide the general anesthesia on the first visit. On extenuating circumstances, such as a limited schedule or if you are traveling a long distance, we can accommodate a same day procedure. However, this will require a lot of preparation and planning prior to the visit, so your patience is appreciated.

Can I make payments?

• We have multiple patient financing programs that provide up to 12 month interest free loans that can be used for your procedure. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover cards.

Can I get coverage through my medical insurance?

• Most medical insurances do not cover dental services, such as extractions. There are certain procedures, such as biopsies that are typically covered by your medical insurances. Our administrative team has extensive experience in dealing with the various insurance companies in our region and have a good baseline knowledge of their tendencies. We will submit a preapproval for procedures that are sometimes commonly covered under medical policies, but there is no guarantee for coverage. Medical insurance companies generally do not provide a fee schedule for the degree of coverage. Therefore, we will not know how much is covered until after the procedure.

If I have been seen in the office before, will I need another consultation exam?

• If you were seen within the past year, you likely will not need another consultation visit. However, for extensive, complicated cases or if your medical history has changed significantly, we will need to see you prior to the surgery to further evaluate these changes.

If I have been seen by my dentist, will I need another consultation exam?

• Yes, you will be a new patient to our practice and therefore we will need to evaluate the treatment you require.

 I.V/General Anesthesia

Can I be asleep for my surgery?

• Yes, as long as there is no medical condition that would make it unsafe. If you are anxious or apprehensive about the surgery, we have the capability to make sure you are asleep, comfortable and don’t recall any part of the surgery. You will most likely not remember when the IV was placed. We will first give you Nitrous Oxide along with Oxygen (Laughing Gas) to relax you, you will probably not recall after the procedure when we give you local anesthesia in the area of the surgery or the pressure from the procedure. If you have had a previous bad experience or would prefer to not remember any of the surgery, you will find this option very appealing.

 Is it safe to be asleep? Am I going to wake up?

• Our anesthesia technique does not include any intubation or paralysis, which is routine for hospital surgeries. Therefore, there are no major complications. Our practice’s track record of major complications from anesthesia is flawless. Furthermore, the numbing medicine is given after you are asleep.The general anesthesia is administered by our fully trained doctor up to 5 times per day, five days per week. Our equipment is new and up-to-date and we are completely prepared for any and all emergencies. Dr. Eisner and our entire surgical team have been extensively trained to handle any emergency situation, should it arise. Since our inception in INSERT YEAR, our office has never had a major complication associated with the anesthesia. A conservative and safe approach is our approach.

 Will I remember any part of the surgery?

• If you are young, healthy and have no history of medical problems, there is a greater than 95% chance that you will remember nothing from the surgery. Many people do not remember going home. However, there is a small percentage of people who have a very high tolerance to medication, either due to genetic predisposition or previous history of substance abuse, or who have difficult airway management issues (for example, severe sleep apnea). If you are in this group of patients, there is a small chance that you will remember some talking or conversation towards the end of surgery. This will not be a traumatic or painful memory, since you will be numb and will not be feeling any discomfort. Although our priority is your comfort, our ultimate goal is your safety.

Will I need an IV?

• Yes. The IV is the method we use to give the medication to help you fall asleep. We will first give you laughing gas to make the IV portion stress less. The IV is a small, child-size catheter; so it is much less traumatic than a conventional emergency room IV. For most of our patients, the IV is not an issue even with patients with initial fears of the IV.

What are the side effects of the anesthesia?

• With our method of anesthesia, the chance of undesirable side effects is greatly reduced. There is always a risk of nausea, vomiting, and hiccups from any anesthesia. Since the total amount of medication is less than a conventional hospital anesthesia, the probability of this side effect is significantly lessened. Also, there is a small percentage of people who become emotional or combative when waking up from the anesthesia. They are not crying because they are hurting; rather, it is a side effect of the medication. Most of the time these patients do not remember their reactions, but it can be difficult for loved ones to witness. It is only temporary for a few hours after the surgery and there are no long-term effects.

Is there an anesthesiologist present at the surgery?

• Dr. Eisner had extensive direct patient care with the medical anesthesiology department at Charity Hospital. He is extremely well qualified, expert in the field, for the type of anesthesia we administer. Therefore, for the type of anesthetic we use, a separate anesthesiologist is not needed.

Wisdom Teeth 

When is the best time to have my wisdom teeth removed?

• Early, preferably during your teenage years. There is an enormous advantage in removing your wisdom teeth before the roots have had a chance to grow. Your recovery is much quicker, the surgery is technically easier, and the risk of complications is much lower.

My wisdom teeth aren’t bothering me. Why should I have them removed?

• Your wisdom teeth if impacted or decayed are not useful teeth. They do not aid in chewing or function. However, they are located in the very back of your jaw, where it is difficult for your toothbrush or floss to reach. This difficulty in hygiene makes the teeth much more susceptible to cavities and infection. When wisdom teeth are removed at a later age, the surgery becomes more difficult and the recovery time is prolonged.

How long is the recovery?

• Everyone heals differently. Generally, when the wisdom teeth are removed during the teenage and 20′s, recovery is usually much quicker. On an average if you have your Wisdom Teeth removed on a Thursday you can return to school or work on Monday. However, when the roots are fully formed with a solid foundation to the jawbone, the recovery is longer. A broad estimate for recovery time is less than a week if under 30 years old; 1-2 weeks for patients in their 30′s to 40′s; and more than 2 weeks for patients older.

What type of pain medicine will I need?

• We recommend two types of medicines following the surgery. The first medicine is a strong narcotic, typically Percocet. These medicines have many undesirable side effects, and therefore should only be used for breakthrough episodes of discomfort. The second medicine is ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), which will provide baseline pain relief and assist with swelling without the side effects of the stronger narcotics which can be started on your third post-operative day.

Can I be asleep for the surgery?

• Yes, and this option is highly recommended, as long as there is no medical condition that would make it unsafe. If you are anxious or apprehensive about the surgery, we have the capability to make sure you are asleep, comfortable, and that you don’t recall any part of the surgery. You will likely not remember the local anesthetic, sounds of the instruments, or pressure from the procedure. If you have had a previous bad experience, or would prefer to not remember any of the surgery, you will find this option appealing.

How many wisdom teeth can I remove at one time?

• It depends on the difficulty of the procedure. When removing wisdom teeth in younger patients, we generally recommend removing all four at the same time while the patient is asleep. However, at more advanced ages, when there is potential for increased difficulty, we sometimes recommend treating one side of the mouth at a time. For example, the upper and lower wisdom teeth on the right side would be removed first, followed by the removal of the upper and lower wisdom teeth on the left side after the right side has fully healed.

Dental Implants

Can the implant be placed at the time of extraction?

• Sometimes. The two factors that determine if this is possible are (1) anatomy and (2) amount of available bone. Once all pre surgical planning is completed, Dr. Eisner will let you know if you are a candidate for this option.

 Do implants work? Is there a guarantee that they will work?

• As with any surgery, we cannot guarantee unconditional success. All implants are foreign bodies. Therefore, there is always a chance for failure. There have been incredible technological advances in the field of dental implantology in the last ten years. Better materials, surface treatments and implant designs have dramatically improved the success rates. In the 1980’s dental implants were given survival rates as low as 60%. Currently, the standard of care is over 90%. In our experience of performing over thousands of implants, failure rate is 1 in 20 (5%). Our practice uses the most trustworthy and most reliable implants available. Most important is having a Doctor you can trust that will advise if you are an ideal implant candidate.

What are the potential complications?

• For implants in the lower jaw, there is the risk of lip and chin numbness. For implants in the upper jaw, there is the risk of exposure into the sinus. Dr. Eisner has the experience and capabilities of high tech diagnostic planning to dramatically decrease the risk of these complications and can and will advise you prior to treatment if he believes implants are not your best solution.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?

• If you have moderate to severe anxiety for any dental procedure, we offer the option of being asleep for the procedure. It is a very safe, pleasant and stress-free form of anesthesia that is recommended for implant surgery, but not required. The other option is to numb the area with local anesthetic only, much like a regular visit at the dentist. For patients having a single implant, in most cases local anesthetic will usually suffice. Placement of a single implant can be compared to having a regular surgical extraction.

Do Implants Need Special Care?

• No special care is needed, but they do need to be brushed and flossed regularly and professionally maintained with regular visits to your dentist.

 Are You A Candidate For Implants?

• Very few patients are poor implant candidates, and when they are, it is due to unfavorable anatomy or poor habits. Most people can have missing teeth replaced with implants, but some will require bone and soft tissue procedures prior to the implants to achieve optimum results. Dr. Eisner should be able to predictably determine your prognosis and risks at your consultation visit.

I’m having a front tooth replaced with an implant, will I have to be toothless during the healing period?

• No. If you are replacing a front tooth with an implant, there will be some form of temporary, removable replacement while the implant heals. This healing period can take up to 4 – 6 months, but during that time, your dentist will fabricate a device that will replace the missing tooth with a temporary partial denture, retainer or splint. This device will be placed at the time of implant surgery.