General Dentistry FAQs

General Dentistry consists of a wide array of dental procedures that are used in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of conditions, disorders, and diseases affecting the teeth, mouth, and gums.

General dental services include:

• Sedation Dentistry
• Dental Fillings
• Dental Implants
• Crowns & Bridges
• Oral Cancer Screening
• Dentures
• Sportsguards
• Nightguards
• Dental Hygiene
• Sealants

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• Cavities: The erosion of tooth enamel that occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches, such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy) are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities, or caries.
• Broken or Chipped Teeth: When a tooth is cracked or broken, the tooth’s root may be exposed, which can make it susceptible to infection and may even cause severe pain and discomfort.
• Abscessed Tooth: An infection of a tooth at the root or between the gums and a tooth. Causes include severe decay and trauma. When a tooth is exposed, bacteria can infect the tender, central part of the tooth called the pulp. Infection may also spread from the root of the tooth to the jaw bones.
• Tooth Sensitivity: A sharp, sudden, or dull pain coming from within the tooth which occurs when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures, sweet or sour foods and drinks, or even by cold air. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth. Tooth sensitivity can occur when the dentin (layer under your teeth) becomes exposed due to receding gums.
• Gingivitis: The earliest stage of periodontal disease, which often causes the gums to become red, swollen, and will bleed easily when flossing. Gingivitis is generally caused by below average oral hygiene, and can be remedied with regular, professional treatment and improved, consistent home care.
• Periodontic Disease (Periodontitis): Advanced stage of gingivitis, where plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. If left untreated, gums form pockets, separating from the teeth. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and both gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed. Unfortunately, this destructive periodontal-related bacteria can circulate throughout the blood stream, having severe adverse effects on a person’s heart and lungs, causing heart attacks and even strokes.

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• Sedation Dentistry: The use of conscious, oral sedation medication that makes anxious or fearful patients calm and carefree when visiting the dentist.
• Dental Fillings: Restoring the function, stability, and appearance of existing teeth using various techniques and materials
• Dental Implants: Titanium tooth root that is fused to the jaw bone that can add stability and support to crowns, implant-supported bridges, and even dentures
• Crowns: Artificial tooth made of very high quality, tooth-colored porcelain (other materials available upon request) which covers & protects a defective tooth or dental implant
• Bridges: A false, replacement tooth that is supported & bonded to the adjacent teeth
• Oral Cancer Screening: Uses the Velscope to provide enhanced visual detection of cancer or pre-cancerous (abnormal) tissue, and can be easily administered during routine dental examinations
• Dentures: Removal, prosthetic dental appliance constructed to replace a persons already missing teeth, which can be supported with dental implants for maximum function and support
• Dental Hygiene: The practice of keeping the mouth and gums clean in order to prevent gum disease and other issues, which requires at-home care as well as professional treatments
• Sportsguards: Plastic dental appliance that is used by athletes to prevent and protect the teeth from trauma induced injuries while practicing sports
• Nightguards: Plastic dental appliance that is used by people to prevent and protect the teeth from grinding or trauma that is induced while sleeping
• Sealants: A clear, plastic coating that is applied to the individual teeth which helps prevent decay

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In order to maintain the best oral health possible, there are two primary components:

• At-Home Care
• Brushing: Brushing your teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste at least twice per day is definitely recommended. However, brushing after each meal or snack is ideal. You should replace your tooth brush every few months, as the bristles do wear out from regular use. Using a rotating toothbrush, such as the clinical-grade Rotadent, will give you the best results in order to maintain optimal oral health.
• Flossing: Flossing at least once per day is definitely recommended. However, flossing after each meal is ideal. Many people underestimate the importance of flossing, but it is crucial to your oral health. Food that is trapped between your teeth will feed bacteria that releases damaging acids to the enamel, causing cavities, periodontal disease, etc.
• Regular Dental Visits
• Professional Cleanings: Many people do not realize that there are various types cleanings that are necessary to maintain your dental health, which is primarily dictated by your home care regiment and the regularity that you visit your dentist. A cleaning from a certified dental hygienist will include the removal of plaque (scaling), polishing, flossing, oral hygiene assessment, and oral hygiene instructions. It is recommended that you see your dental hygienist at least twice per year, but for people with slight to extreme periodontal disease, they may need to see the hygienist once every three months.
• Dental Examinations: A detailed dental examination will include careful probing of your teeth and gums. Your dentist should diligently assess each tooth individually for it’s proper function and stability, as well as the the condition of your gums, determining if there are any indications of periodontal disease. This part of the exam will let your dentist know if there are any issues with that patient’s teeth which need to be addressed, from which he/she can make recommendations as to how you can fully restore your individual situation.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Using the state-of-the-art, non-invasive Velscope, Dr. Goldsmith can detect abnormal tissue in your mouth and throat, that may or may not be cancerous. When detected at its earliest stage, oral cancer is more easily treated and cured and survival rates are as high as 82%.

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Generally speaking, yes, the purpose of dental insurance is to pay for your general dentistry. However, one must realize that the amount of dental benefits you may have with your plan all depends on the type of plan and the benefits associated with that particular plan.

Dr. Goldsmith is a certified provider for a wide variety of dental insurance plans, including: Delta Dental, United Concordia, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Humana, United Healthcare, Dental Benefit Providers, amongst many others.

There are literally thousands of different dental insurance plans, and each one is different, with varying covered services, payment amounts, providers, frequency limitations, etc. No matter what your insurance situation may be, Dr. Goldsmith and his caring staff are here to ensure that you maximize your dental insurance benefits so the you get the very best care possible with the least out of pocket expense. We would be happy to help you understand your dental benefits. Please call (317) 357-4018 for more information on your particular dental insurance plan.

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ABSOLUTELY! WE ARE ALWAYS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!!

For over 30 years, DR Jerrold Goldsmith, DDS has been a comprehensive general and cosmetic dental practice that is dedicated to making your experience as easy and comfortable as possible, choosing non-invasive options when appropriate. We believe that the less dentistry is truly the best dentistry. Whether you are 4 years old or 94 years old, we are well equipped to serve your every need.

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• Since we like to take a holistic approach to serving the needs of our patients, we first start by collecting a little background information. This information gathering step includes us collecting general contact information (name, address, phone numbers, email address, nearest relative, etc.), a detailed health history (such as any health-related issues, allergies, premedications, etc.), dental insurance information, etc.
• We then will take and review the necessary diagnostic films, such as panoramic and bite wing x-rays. These critical x-rays reveal issues or conditions in your mouth which can not be seen with the naked eye. At that time, we may also take a few intraoral camera images of your mouth or problem areas, so that you have a better visual understanding of our diagnosis as it pertains to your oral health. We feel that patient education is very important, and it helps to have photos so that you can see first-hand exactly what’s going on inside your mouth.
• Then, the doctor will probe each tooth individually, which will allow him see and feel any and all potential issues that you may have with your teeth. Such issues may include cavities, old worn out fillings, etc.
• Once he has a complete understanding of your physical and oral health, he will put together a comprehensive treatment plan, which will detail every treatment or service needed to bring your oral health its optimal form and function.
• Once the detailed plan is completed, one of our patient coordinators will discuss with you how we can fit this dental treatment into your life and budget, utilizing and and all dental insurance benefits, payment plans, etc.
• As an added bonus, we would be happy to include a FREE photo smile makeover, so that you can see yourself with an amazing smile!

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• First thing is first, call your dentist! If you don’t have a dentist, call our office at (317) 357-4018 to be seen immediately. Typically in the case of a dental emergency, the longer you wait to be seen, the worse your situation will get (and more expensive)! We try to save a little time on our schedule each day to accommodate dental emergencies.
• Second, take your preferred, over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as Ibuprofen (preferred), Aspirin, Tylenol, etc.
• Rinse thoroughly with warm salt water.

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Absolutely! Dr. Goldsmith is proud to offer & accept a fantastic, flexible monthly payment plan:

CareCredit

The nation’s leader in patient payment plans with four million customers, is a convenient, low minimum monthly payment program for your entire family specifically designed to pay for healthcare and elective treatment not covered by insurance.

• CLICK HERE to APPLY NOW for CareCredit.
• On the right side of the page, click on the button that says “Apply Now”.
• Fill out the application form. (Be sure to include a co-signer if necessary)
• Write down or print out your account number. If you don’t have the account number, we can look it up in our office.

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Dr. Jerrold Goldsmith offers conscious oral sedation for the fearful and anxious patients. The doctor prides himself in his gentle hand, and his calm, relaxed demeanor. Once you get a chance to meet him, you may not need sedation. However, it is always an option for all of our new and existing patients.

CALL (317) 357-4018 or CLICK HERE to Request a FREE General Consultation & FREE Photo Makeover!