FAQs

Many new and returning patients have questions regarding all things dental. Dr. Toumanios (Dr. T) sits down now to answer those most frequently asked. He also offers you an opportunity to add your own question to this list via email (see contacts page for more information).

“I want my patients to feel comfortable with the procedures being done and to know why they are being done. There are no stupid questions. Even if your appointment is over and you get home and think of something to ask, call the office. My most frequently asked question, obvious though it may be, is: After the anesthetic wears off is it normal to feel sensitive, sore etc.?”

Q: At what age should I bring my child to the dentist? A: Age 4 is a good benchmark. I like the first visit to the dentist to be a positive one. We’ll take your child for a ride in the chair. We’ll count their teeth. We’ll polish their teeth. They get a prize from the treasure chest. Bribery works. I always like treating children when they are young. Later, I am not threatening to them. It is also important they see Mommy and Daddy get treatment from the dentist so they see everything is okay. It is one of the few experiences that can be shared as a family. Q: What is the office motto: A: Treat people the way you want to be treated. TOP Q: What is the office philosophy? A: I will do everything in my power to save teeth.

TOP

Q: I think I have a problem with Novocain - it makes my heart race. A. It is the epinephrine [adrenaline] that is used in some anesthetics that causes the rapid heart rate. We will use an anesthetic without epinephrine for your dental procedures. Q: I feel lightheaded when I get dental work done. A: You have low blood sugar. You should always eat before your dental procedures. Low blood sugar plus anxiety can lead to being dizzy or fainting. Q: Do I really need to get my teeth cleaned every 6 months? A: No, you should probably get your teeth cleaned more often. There is a direct correlation between plaque in the mouth and heart disease. Your general health improves if your mouth is healthy and infection free. Q: Do you participate in my dental plan? A: I don't know. Make a phone call to the office (973) 227-1256 and ask for Susan. If we don't participate in your dental plan there is a very good reason. Beware! If your policy sounds too good to be true it may be a DMO and you will be forced to get your dental work at a clinic. Q: I was told I need a root canal. Am I better off extracting the tooth and putting in an implant? A: NO! Keeping your natural teeth is ALWAYS the best option. [see dental philosophy] Q: Dr. T, you referred me to a specialist who is not participating in my dental plan. Can I see a different specialist? A: Yes, but be careful. There is a reason why I referred you to this individual. They share the same dental philosophy. They have a proven track record and I have a comfort level with the way they treat my patients. Most specialists will help you submit your paperwork and you'll get a reimbursement from your insurance. Q: I heard that silver fillings have mercury. Should I get all my silver filling removed and replaced with white fillings? A: No. It is true that the silver filling, called amalgams, have a small component of mercury but it is not considered dangerous. If there was a problem with these filling, I would have replaced the two that are in my own mouth. When these fillings break down and need to be replaced, t he trend is to go metal free with the white fillings [composites]. Q: Do my wisdom teeth need to be removed? A: Do they hurt? I tend to be conservative with wisdom teeth removal. If they are a constant source of infection, then yes. If you have room in your mouth for them, or, if they are deeply impacted with no symptoms, the answer is no. Q: The orthodontist told me that if I don't extract my wisdom teeth my other teeth will shift. A: I personally don't agree with this statement. Teeth shift because of a tongue thrust, an oral habit [biting nails], not wearing the retainer, periodontal ligaments shifting the teeth and/or a growth spurt. It's unlikely that wisdom teeth will affect what's happening in the front of the mouth. I'm also a fan of a permanent retainer when possible [that can be removed when your child reaches adulthood]. Q: Do I still need antibiotics for mitral valve prolapse? A: Probably not. The American Heart Association has changed their protocol for pre- medication prior to dental procedures. Check with your cardiologist. You may be taking antibiotics unnecessarily. Q. Are you a laser dentist? A. I don't use lasers in my private practice. Lasers are good at cutting soft tissue, of which I do very little. Q. Do you do one hour bleaching? A. No. I was in a group practice where the one hour bleaching machine was purchased. My patients told me it was the most painful procedure that they've ever had! I like to be thought of as a "painless" dentist, so I don't do one hour bleaching. I also don't know the long term effect (from affect) on the nerves of the teeth with this procedure. At the very least, the short term sensitivity can be quite extreme. Q. Do you do bleaching in your office? A. Absolutely! We offer two forms of bleaching; one with custom trays, the other with stock trays. The material used is both concentrated yet highly buffered with minimal sensitivity. It is gradual and my family and staff have had the procedure done with excellent results.