Frequently Asked Dental Questions in Bowling Green

What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?

We see you as an individual, treating you with consideration and care. We strive to provide you with the best quality treatment to insure that you receive the highest level of oral health. We are exceptional because we stay informed, offering the most advanced technologies and services available in dentistry.

What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?

Emergencies often do not happen during regular business hours but that does not mean you should have to wait until we are open. If you have a dental emergency, please contact our office voice mail and tell us the nature of your emergency. We will return your call as soon as possible.

I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes off or breaks?

If your crown comes off or breaks, carefully wrap all pieces and put them in a safe container, then contact us immediately. Do not attempt to re-glue pieces back in place as this may cause more discomfort or damage.

How can I safely whiten my teeth?

Dr. Utz offers three cutting edge whitening program, including the VENUS Teeth Whitening System. For more information about VENUS or our other whitening treatments, please contact our office so we can assist you in determining the best choice for you.

Do you accept my insurance plan?

Our office accepts most insurance plans. We will make every effort to maximize your insurance benefit. Our proposed treatment will always be based on what is the appropriate course of treatment for your overall dental health and not just what your insurance may pay for. Either of our helpful front desk team members is available to speak to you about maximizing your benefits.

My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

Bleeding gums after brushing can result from one of several causes, such as rough brushing or using bristles that are not appropriate for your gum tissue. Bleeding gums may also be a sign of gum disease, which can be related to other systemic diseases of the body. We suggest you contact our office to set up an appointment so we can determine the cause of your bleeding gums.

I really do not like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?

We understand that visiting the dentist may cause some of our patients to feel nervousness or stress. With that in mind, we strive to provide you with an experience that is both relaxing and comfortable at every stage of your visit. We believe that when you know what to expect, you will have a positive experience in our office.

Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and partials…where can I learn more about these procedures?

Our office information systems have been designed to provide you with the knowledge you need to make the best decisions for your oral health. Here on our website, you will find information about our restorative and cosmetic services. If you desire further information about other dental topics, visit the American Dental Association. Below you can find brief descriptions of each of these procedures.

Crowns: Designed to fit snugly and function as normal teeth, crowns are used on cracked, broken, decayed, or worn teeth and are designed to protect those teeth from further damage as well as preserve your jaw’s correct natural alignment.

Porcelain Veneers: These are thin sheets of ceramic bonded directly to the front surfaces of teeth. They are highly resistant to coffee, tea or other staining agents and closely resemble healthy, white tooth enamel.

Onlays: Inlays and onlays are strong, attractive, and safe alternatives to metal fillings. Onlays are used for large restorations. They restore the area inside the cusp and extend over one or more sides of the tooth. Because of their size, they are usually made of porcelain.

Inlays: These are used to restore the area of tooth inside the cusps. Inlays are a conservative tooth restoration, which means they require far less drilling and preparation of the tooth than a metal filling. Inlays are usually made of porcelain or composite resin, making them “invisible” in your smile.

Partials: Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases that are connected by metal framework. Partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more aesthetic than metal clasps and they are nearly invisible.

I brush every day, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?

Despite daily brushing, millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath. Some tips to prevent halitosis are listed below. If you still experience bad breath after trying them, we suggest you set up an appointment to get our help with this very common problem.

• Twice Daily Brushing
• Daily Flossing
• Tongue Cleaning
• Regular professional Cleanings
• Careful cleaning of any dentures or removable appliances

I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?

We offer several alternatives to braces. For information about the various cosmetic services Dr. Utz offers, please visit our services page or feel free to call us for some initial information on how we can improve your smile without braces. We put great new smiles on our patients’ faces every day!