Frequently Asked Questions

Please bring your insurance card and your completed new patient forms. If you did not receive new patient forms ahead of your appointment, please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the forms.

Depends on the services you are receiving. First appointment: Dental evaluation 1-2hrs which includes a full set of x-rays, a comprehensive exam with photo documentation, and a thorough discussion of your health history, goals, and treatment options– may also include a cleaning and consultation about financing options and/or maximizing benefits. Cleaning – Depending on your oral health, a typical cleaning appointment takes one hour. It can be part of your first appointment or scheduled separately. Filling – A filling typically takes one hour or less to complete. Crown – The process of making a crown takes 1h for the first appointment, which include preparing the tooth, scanning and making a temporary crown. 30min for the second appointment were we cement the crown.

We’re happy to accept walk-in patients for dental emergencies, but we ask that you call ahead for routine visits and other non-emergency treatment.

Our office is well-equipped to provide treatment for emergencies during our normal business hours. We recommend calling ahead or in-transit to give us enough time to prepare for your arrival.

You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits. Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health.

These include:

• Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your over all health and also your dental health.
• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
• Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any sings of oral cancer
• Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease
• Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
• Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
• Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
• Teeth polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth-brushing and scaling.
• Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
• Review dietary habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health.

As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care, and to do so will require regular check-ups and cleanings.

Depends on service and insurance – We are a Delta Dental Premier Provider and a Superior Dental Care Preferred Network Provider.

Cost of care is very patient-specific. We offer a Free Consultation to assess the care needed and can offer more cost information upon completion of the consultation.

Your treatment at Toledo Dental Care will be as gentle as possible. We typically numb the treatment area for all procedures. For severe anxiety and complex procedures, we offer local anesthesia and conscious sedation.

Toledo Dental Care is committed to your comfort. We provide multiple options for pain-free dentistry to ease discomfort, and anxiety. For gentle numbing, we employ a 3-step process that our patients review as “the most comfortable numbing experience I’ve ever had.” We first apply a topical numbing gel to minimize discomfort followed by a preliminary shot to prevent burning before injecting a powerful numbing agent that penetrates deep into the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissue. For complex procedures and severe anxiety, we offer local anesthesia and Halcion, also known as “The Happy Pill.” Dr. Siblini prescribes “The Happy Pill” as an alternative to IV sedation. Please contact us in advance to allow yourself time to fill the prescription at your pharmacy before your appointment.

Generally, NSAID's (e.g. Motrin, or Aspirin) are not recommended during pregnancy. Codeine and similar narcotics (Tylenol #3) are commonly used during pregnancy. Short-term use is typically harmless to the fetus and you generally do not need to worry about birth defects. However, long-term (several weeks) use during pregnancy can result in some degree of fetal dependence and possibly withdrawal symptoms after delivery. It is important for your dentist and your obstetrician to work together in determining the pain management regimen that is right for you.

We’ve made it incredibly comfortable and affordable to brighten your smile with professional treatment to suit your whitening goals, sensitivity level, and lifestyle. We provide a Take-home gradual whitening: professional-grade whitening gel with custom-fitted trays

Although you have many options for cavity repair, we recommend choosing the treatment that will save as much of the natural tooth as possible.

• Fillings - for small cavities, choose a composite resin that matches the natural color of the tooth.
• Veneers - if the cavity is on the front of a tooth, you may want to consider a thin, natural-looking shell that covers the front of the tooth called a veneer.
• On-lays and In-lays - for larger cavities, we may suggest an in-lay (fits into the tooth) or an
  on-lay (fills the tooth and covers part of the surface).

• Crown - for severe decay that has compromised the strength of the tooth, we recommend
  a crown– a cap that covers the entirety of the tooth

While modern dentistry offers many ways to prevent tooth extraction, sometimes it's unavoidable due to injury, decay, or gum disease. Losing a tooth can lead to significant dental and cosmetic issues if not replaced. Missing teeth can cause jawbone atrophy and shifting of adjacent teeth, leading to decay, gum disease, and TMJ problems over time. It's crucial to replace lost teeth to maintain oral health and aesthetics.

Options for replacement of missing teeth:

Removable bridges (Partials or Flippers)

This type of bridge is a good solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, especially in complex dental situations where other replacement options are not possible. They are usually made of tooth-colored, artificial teeth combined with metal clasps that hook onto adjacent natural teeth. Removable bridges are the most economical option for replacing missing teeth, but may be the least aesthetically pleasing. This is because the metal clasps on the appliances are often impossible to completely conceal.

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Fixed bridges

This type of bridge is generally made of porcelain or composite material and is anchored(cemented) permanently to a natural teeth adjacent to the missing tooth site. The benefit of this type of bridge is that it is fixed (not removable) and it is very sturdy. The disadvantage is that in order to create a fixed appliance, two healthy, natural teeth will have to be crowned (capped) to hold the bridge in place.

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Dentures

This type of tooth replacement is used when most or all of the natural teeth are missing in one dental arch. Dentures are removable artificial teeth that are made to closely resemble the patients’ original teeth. Implants - Are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth. They may also be great to support ill fitting dentures. A dental implant is an artificial root that is surgically placed into the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth. An artificial tooth is placed on the implant, giving the appearance and feel of a natural tooth. Implants are very stable, durable, and are the most aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement option. If you are missing teeth, ask us if they need replacement and what options are available to you. Together we will select the best replacement option for your particular case. Prevention and early treatment is always less involved and less costly than delaying treatment and allowing a serious problem to develop

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Implants Overdenture

‍Snap-in dentures are a removable prosthesis secured to the jaw with 2-4 dental implants. Enjoy enhanced stability as they can snap into fixed dental implants. Fixed full arch dental implants (All on X implants)Enjoy your favorite foods again with a permanent, new smile with no palate coverage. Fixed full arch-dental implants, also known as full mouth dental implants, restore 90% chewing capacity so you can bite and chew with confidence.

Depending on the severity of the damage, it’s always best to restore the natural tooth with a one-visit crown or a veneer. A crown is used to cap the entire tooth, while a veneer is just a thin shell that covers the front of the tooth. If the tooth is beyond repair, extraction is necessary. Dr. Siblini can replace the extracted tooth with a bridge or an implant. These options are the last resort, each with its own set of pros and cons. The choice requires careful consideration of your past dental work and current health with your dentist. For more information on implants, read our article, “5 Things to consider with Dental Implants.”

We typically recommend alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash for enamel strength or alcohol-free oxidizing mouthwash for fresh breath. For patients with dry mouth or gum disease, we prescribe a combination of Chlorhexidine Mouthwash for its powerful antibacterial properties and a Prevident Fluoride rinse to strengthen enamel. Regardless of what mouthwash you choose, we recommend switching it up every three months to keep the bad bacteria guessing.

For most adult patients, we recommend a fluoride toothpaste with low-abrasivity levels to protect your enamel.

Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning. There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply cleaning the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.

       * What may cause bad breath?

• Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
• Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc. Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the bloodstream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
• Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
• Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.
• Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – May also contribute to bad breath.
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
• Tobacco products – Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.
• Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
• Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
• Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.

Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath. Also, review your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with your dentist.

Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease. Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). If plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease. Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing, and the use of other dental aids. Toothbrushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

• Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
• Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
• Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time. Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum-line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

• Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using as a wing motion.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum-line. Gently move the floss-up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist. Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage. Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.
• Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.
• Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives. Some medications have side affects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.
• Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.
• Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.
• Genetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease:

• Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
• Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
• Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
• New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
• Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
• Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
• Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
• Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

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We’re all at risk for having a tooth knocked out. More than 5 million teeth are knocked out every year! If we know how to handle this emergency situation, we may be able to actually save the tooth. Teeth that are knocked out may be possibly re-implanted if we act quickly, yet calmly, and follow these simple steps:

1. Locate the tooth and handle it only by the crown (chewing part of the tooth), NOT by the roots.
2. DO NOT scrub or use soap or chemicals to clean the tooth. If it has dirt or debris on it, rinse it gently with your own saliva or whole milk. If that is not possible, rinse it very gently with water.
3. Get to a dentist within 30 minutes. The longer you wait, the less chance there is for successful reimplantation.

* Ways to transport the tooth

• Try to replace the tooth back in its socket immediately. Gently bite down on gauze, a wet tea bag or on your own teeth to keep the tooth in place. Apply a cold compress to the mouth for pain and swelling as needed.
• If the tooth cannot be placed back into the socket, place the tooth in a container and cover with a mall amount of your saliva or whole milk. You can also place the tooth under your tongue or between your lower lip and gums. Keep the tooth moist at all times. Do not transport the tooth in a tissue or cloth.
• Consider buying a “Save-A-Tooth” storage container and keeping it as part of your home first aid kit. The kit is available in many pharmacies and contains a travel case and fluid solution for easy tooth transport.

The sooner the tooth is replaced back into the socket, the greater the likelihood it has to survive and possibly last for many years. So be prepared, and remember these simple steps for saving a knocked-out tooth.

You can prevent broken or knocked-out teeth by:

• Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports
• Always wearing your seatbelt
• Avoiding fights
• Avoid chewing hard items such as ice, popcorn kernels, hard breads, etc.

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