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As your dental professionals, we encourage
you to ask questions and share your concerns. Just call us or make
an appointment to discuss whatever you're curious about, and read
through this section in the mean time in case you find a quick answer. How do I become
a patient at Ames Dental - where do I start?
Thank you for choosing Ames Dental
for your future dental care. Getting started here is so easy: just
call 219-865-8251 and schedule your new patient appointment. Should
you have a dental emergency when we are not in the office, you
may call Dr. Ames at home at 219.462.1279. Other than emergencies,
we
see all patients on an appointment basis. Because it is important
to us you receive both the time and attention you deserve at each
of your visits, please call in advance so ample time may be reserved
for you. Also, we make every effort to honor scheduled appointment
times and ask our patients do the same. We look forward to hearing
from you!
How does Dr.
Ames keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
As a member of many professional organizations,
Dr. Ames has immediate access to the most advanced research and effective
technologies in dentistry today. He and his staff seek the best continuing
education opportunities available, and have just built a new facility
to offer the finest technology in the most comfortable atmosphere.
Make your appointment today and see the difference for yourself! Can you show
me what my smile can look like ahead of time with imaging software?
Yes, we enjoy showing you the potential
of your smile through a process we call dental imaging. Through dental
imaging, Dr. Ames will take your photo and do some digital image
alterations to create a smile similar to what your smile will look
like after the recommended treatment. He'll sit down with you in
a consultation room and discuss the smile possibilities and point
out the differences so you'll have outstanding information with which
to make your decision. How do I know
when it's time to come in for a checkup?
The doctor and hygienist will let
you know what interval is right for you. Normally, this falls within
a three to six month range, but it varies from patient to patient.
You'll make your appointments ahead of time (over the phone or at
the end of your previous patient visit) and then you'll be kindly
reminded with cards and/or calls. Do you accept
referrals?
Many of our best patients have been
referred to us by other patients. If you're a patient ready to spread
the word about our excellent care, feel free to give your family
and friends this web address and our phone number. Please ask them
to speak directly with Dr. Ames when they call. This is the highest
sign of appreciation, and we will find a special way to reward you.
It's gratifying to know you are so pleased with our care! Do you accept
my insurance plan?
All dental insurance is accepted in
this practice, and we are happy to file claims directly as a courtesy
to our patients. For planning any non-emergency treatment, we will
request a "predetermination of benefits" from your insurer. At Ames
Dental, you can rest assured we will do everything we can to help
you receive maximum allowable benefits. Will I be
charged if I need to cancel an appointment?
No, but we hope you understand Dr.
Ames' time is reserved just for you, so it's important for you to
be on time to each appointment. We call to remind you 48 hours in
advance. If missing appointments or canceling too late is proven
to be a repeated problem, we will address the issue with you in a
personal way. Please honor our time as we honor yours, but we understand
things come up and cancellations are sometimes unavoidable. What do I
do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
Dr. Ames says "Call me at home - my
home number is on my appointment card and my business card. I'll
be there for you. The number is 219.462.1279." I have a temporary
crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes off or breaks?
Call the office immediately and trust
that, while this may or may not be an emergency, we'll want to take
care of it promptly. What different
payment options do you provide?
At Ames Dental, fees reflect the extent
and quality of dentistry performed in our office. For your convenience,
we accept cash, personal check, Visa and MasterCard. A 5% courtesy
credit will be applied to charges for procedures over $500 when services
are prepaid. Although payment is due at the time of service, we try
to give extra consideration to patients receiving long-term care
as well as seniors and those experiencing financial difficulty. Please
discuss any special financial arrangements with our office manager
at the time of or prior to your appointment. How can I
ask Dr. Ames questions directly?
Dr. Ames loves contact with patients
and checks email frequently if you'd like to email him. He would
also love to receive a call from you. If neither of those options
seem appropriate, just call and ask for an appointment to speak with
the doctor. Any member of the staff welcomes the opportunity to speak
with you at any time, and wants you to expect professionalism, confidentiality
and care. What do I need to know about bleaching/whitening?
Regardless of how well you care for
your teeth, it is inevitable that, over time, some yellowing or discoloration
will occur. Discoloration can be caused by aging, the consumption
of substances that stain your teeth (such as coffee, tea or tobacco),
excessive fluoride, or the deterioration of a tooth's nerve. We offer an in-office whitening treatment,
which can be completed within a one-hour appointment. We also have
in-home methods you can perform yourself. If you're interested in
knowing more about whitening, make an appointment to speak with Dr.
Ames. He'll be able to give you the exact information you're looking
for and answer any other questions you may have. Make sure to ask
about the free bleaching we'll offer you with the comprehensive exam!
What precautions
do you take to ensure patient safety?
We document your medical history in
order to have a better understanding of your needs. We have emergency
kits and oxygen on hand so we're prepared in case anything urgent
arises. Our staff members have emergency phone numbers available
as well. We also have very high-tech standards for sterilization.
One of our employees is a former hospital nurse with expert training
in this area. We have a state-of-the-art sterilization center with
dry heat, autoclave and ultrasonic cleaning capabilities, along with
other equipment to make sure everything is completely clean. My gums bleed
after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Yes, it is. You should consult us
about this as soon as possible, so we can help you by exploring possible
options for the bleeding gums and then decide upon the best solution. I brush everyday,
but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?
Are you flossing? That's important
for fresh breath and a healthy mouth so, if you're not flossing,
try that! Stale breath can also be dietary related, so we can discuss
your diet with you to help determine the possible source. Most often,
bad breath is caused by disease or bacteria build-up in your mouth,
so we recommend you visit us for regular cleanings and maybe some
product recommendations as well. I want my
front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What
would you recommend?
There are several options, including
recontouring, veneers, crowns or even non-traditional braces that
will straighten your teeth through a series of removable aligners.
Dr. Ames would love to meet with you and discuss your options. |
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