Dear Exceeding Expectations,

This is an important question! When you have dental insurance, your insurance company actually determines the fee that a doctor may charge for a crown. Depending on your insurance plan, the fee will vary, and your “out of pocket” expense will vary based on the benefits that your insurance provides.

For example, sometimes your insurance will cover 50% of the crown fee, sometimes they will cover 80%, and sometimes they cover even more.

Our fantastic treatment coordinator Melinda would be happy to discuss the details of your particular insurance plan, please give her a call at 702-341-9597.

Have a great day!

Dr. Banchik

Dear Painful Memories,

We are sorry to hear that you had an unpleasant dental experience.  Patient comfort is always our number one priority!

Dental treatment in our office is always performed while the patient is completely comfortable.  We make sure that patients are completely numb with a local anesthetic prior to beginning any dental work.  

While we do not offer sedation in our office, we ensure complete patient relaxation while in our care by offering anxiety-relieving medications. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have, please call us at 702-341-9597 if we can be of any further help.

Sincerely,

Dr. Banchik

Dear Concerned about Coverage,

Please accept our sincere apologies for the delay in response – we normally answer all questions in a very timely manner!

We are sorry to hear that you have lost your dental insurance and are experiencing financial strain – unfortunately we hear that a lot here in Las Vegas. In our office, we are always accommodating to all of our patients’ needs, and always keep our patients’ financial concerns in mind.

We absolutely welcome all patients with or without dental coverage!

In order to provide quality, thorough treatment, dentists are required to take x-rays and to perform a comprehensive oral examination to rule out the presence of any dental conditions that may require attention (i.e. dental cavities or gum infections).

Once patients establish a regular, consistent relationship with our office, it is no longer necessary to perform full x-rays at every check up.

Please don’t hesitate to call our office any time if you have any further questions – our treatment coordinators Melinda or Carrie are always there to answer any questions that you may have!

Sincerely,

Dr. Banchik

Dear Anonymous,

Our office offers laser teeth whitening, in addition to many other whitening options. We customize our whitening treatments based on each patient’s needs and desires, which ensures that we get not only successful results but also satisfied patients!

We would be happy to discuss all whitening methods with you, so please feel free to give us a call at your convenience.

Dear Nervous to Move,

We completely understand your concerns, it is scary considering a switch after such a long time with another practice. We would be happy to give you a tour of our office and answer any questions that you may have before you schedule an appointment. We are a very small, private practice, so we always make sure that all patients are treated with personal attention as well as great care and respect. Cleanings are performed by either myself or our wonderful, experienced hygienist, so please rest assured that you will be treated at all times by an experienced, qualified professional.

Our fees are very reasonable, we would be happy to discuss any financial considerations with you at any time. Please feel free to call us any time if you have any questions, we are always here.

Dear Filling Blue,

This is a great question, and we are sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your recent filling!

When it comes to filling cavities, there are several great options available. Amalgam (silver) fillings are still used quite frequently, although most patients (and doctors) choose natural, tooth-colored restorations instead. Due to the controversies that surround amalgam, we no longer place silver fillings in our practice. Depending on the size of the cavity, we recommend either a white composite filling, or a tooth colored inlay. Both of these restorations last a long time, and look great – they are virtually invisible.

So if you want your teeth to look naturally white and beautiful, ask your next dentist about these options, or come visit us in Summerlin and we’ll be happy to help!

Dear Bobby,

You’re right – many people are anxious at the dentist, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that sedation dentistry is the answer for everyone.

Sedation dentistry is ideal for those who suffer from an extreme dental phobia, such as those who have had a highly traumatic dental experience in the past. Sedation can be administered two ways: intravenously (IV) or orally.

Many dentists today offer various types of sedation to make sure that their patients are comfortable. Most of our patients don’t need any medication for their regular dental visits. Others do great with some light anxiety-easing medications, such as Valium (Diazepam).

If you are considering sedation dentistry however, there are two important ways to ensure your safety:

1. Make sure that the dental professional who administers IV sedation has completed an ADA-accredited program specifically for controlling dental pain and anxiety.
   
2. Make sure your dentist completes a thorough pre-operative evaluation in order to assess your health history for any possible negative drug interactions you may have. Be sure to also let your doctor know of any medical conditions you may have, or any medications, including over the counter ones, that you are taking.

Billboards advertise lots of great products these days, but it’s important to make sure that these products are right for you. Together, you and your dentist can make the right decision.

Dear Anthony,

I can definitely see how this seems like a clever marketing ploy. The truth is that although only a few brands have replacement indicators, these colorful bristles or indicators are simply a helpful and important reminder to regularly replace your toothbrush.

To keep working effectively, toothbrushes must be replaced at least every three months. In fact, studies have shown that a new toothbrush is 30% more effective at removing plaque than your worn-bristled old one. With time and regular use, toothbrush bristles become more porous, which allows bacteria and fungus to grow.

There are also other good reasons to replace your toothbrush, such as after a cold or if someone else uses it. Even if you use a toothbrush sanitizer however, we suggest that you replace your toothbrush whenever the bristles look worn or after three months of use, which ever comes first.

So you may have to buy a replacement brush a little more often, but it’s a small price to pay for clean and healthy teeth!