Office Policies:
Do you accept Dental Insurance? Yes, we accept many dental insurance plans. We are participating providers with Hawaii Dental Service, Delta Dental, HMSA, HMAA, and Aetna. We accept Cigna, Aetna, Metlife, United Health Care Dental, GEHA, United Concordia, and Tricare (ask about our Military Discount) . Please bring your Dental Insurance card with you to your visits.
Are you a quest provider? No.
Are you a HMO provider? No.
Do you treat children? Yes.
What are your payment policies? Co-payments (the estimated uninsured portion of your bill) are due at the time of treatment.
Do you accept CareCredit? Yes.
What is your cancellation policy? We do not "overbook" appointments so we reserve time just for you. Therefore, like most dental offices, we require 24 hours notice for cancellations. Cancellations within the 24 hour period are charged $35.00.
What are your privacy policies? We keep patient information strictly confidential, and as such comply with HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) guidelines. For your convenience we keep a printed copy of our privacy policies in our patient waiting room and on the website on the "patient forms" page.
Clinical Questions:
Do you see patients who have a fear of the dentist? It is quite common for patients to have some apprehension, particularly if they have not been to a dentist in a while. There is really very little reason to be nervous. Dr. Takenishi and staff will fully explain your treatment. With short term anesthetics, your dental work should be pain free.
Do you have treatments for bad breath? Yes, but it is important to properly diagnose the cause of bad breath first.
I cracked a tooth and I have a big event coming up. Can you fix it today? Yes. We offer same day crowns that are conviently made in office through state of the art, digital technology.
I think I am grinding my teeth at night. Is there a treatment for this? Teeth grinding is a common but serious condition. Teeth grinding quite often occurs during sleep. It can cause teeth to be dramatically worn down, cracked, or have sensitivity. It can affect your ability to chew, and can even affect your appearance if not corrected. If untreated tooth grinding can lead to crowns, root canals, bridges, implants, and even full dentures. Grinding during sleep can often be corrected with a simple "night guard" that protects your teeth.
What is the big deal about flossing? Flossing has many advantages for your dental health. It should be considered equally important to brushing your teeth. Generally we recommend the patients floss at least once per day. Flossing can prevent tooth decay and gum disease by cleaning areas that toothbrush bristles can't reach. By keeping teeth cleaner and free of staining foods, it also keeps them whiter by keeping gums and spaces between teeth free of bacteria, flossing can also prevent bad breath. And finally, because it helps prevent tooth decay, flossing can keep your overall dental costs low.
What causes tooth loss? The most common causes of tooth loss are tooth decay and periodontal disease. Tooth decay is a major cause of tooth loss in children, and periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults and children.
How does plaque attack the gums? Plaque can also produce harmful byproducts that irritate the gums, causing gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease. If plaque isn't removed daily, it will build up into a hard deposit. If plaque continues to form it can irritate the gums, and a pocket may develop between the teeth and gums. Plaque build up can eventually destroy the gums and bone that support the teeth.
How do you stop plaque attacks? Two key factors in preventing dental plaque are fluoride and dental sealants.
How many times should I brush my teeth? The American Dental Association (ADHA) advocates brushing twice each day.
Which is better: a manual toothbrush or an electric one? Comparisons have been made between electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes to look at the ability of each to remove plaque and prevent or reduce tartar buildup, this reducing gum disease. These research studies have shown both powered and manual toothbrushes to be equally effective when used correctly.
What are the proper brushing techniques? http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/brushing.htm
What kind of toothpaste should I use? There are a lot of products to choose from, and much of the decision depends on individual preference. A fluoride toothpaste is essential for optimal oral health.
What is the best way to get my teeth whiter? Most people have teeth that are naturally darker than "pure" white. If you want them whiter, the best thing you can do is talk to your professional oral health care provider about your options. Sometimes all it takes is a professional prophylaxis to remove stain and then abstinence form behaviors that stain, such as drinking coffee or tea, or smoking tobacco. Some people respond well to the use of whitening toothpastes while some do not. Tooth whitening treatment is another option.
When should a child have his or her first dental appointment? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child have his or her first oral health care appointment around age one. ADHA suggests an oral health visit as soon as the baby's first tooth erupts.
What is a dental hygienist? A dental hygienist is a licensed health care professional, oral health educator, and clinician who provides preventive and educational services supporting total health for the control of oral diseases and the promotion of oral health. A registered dental hygienist has graduated from a minimum two-year college program that includes classroom studies and extensive supervised clinical experience. A dental hygienist also must pass a national written exam and a comprehensive state clinical exam to earn the RHD license.
