Below are some frequently asked questions from our patients.

If your question is not here feel free to contact us and ask!

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How do you look out for the safety of your patients?

Very well, actually! In addition to following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), we use disposable products as often as possible. Between each patient visit, we thoroughly clean treatment rooms and sterilize reusable instruments in an autoclave. Because we value safety, we've invested in a digital radiograph, which emits about 80% less radiation than a traditional X-ray machine. If you have questions about our safety and sterilization methods, call us. We'll answer your questions with enthusiasm because we love dentistry and our patients!

My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

Bleeding is usually a sign of a problem. When gums bleed, the cause usually stems from brushing too hard or from early-stage gum (periodontal) disease, called gingivitis. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily oral care. If your gums show signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep hygiene treatment to alleviate your symptoms and renew periodontal health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults and has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, respiratory problems, and, most recently, dementia. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to significantly damage your health, so call for an assessment now. We'll help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!

What are dental implants and how long do they last?

Dental implant restorations are a safe alternative to bridges, partials, or full dentures. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth because of a titanium anchor attached to the jawbone. Once the implants are secured, Dr. Spink will attach handcrafted, permanent crowns or your prosthetic to complete your smile. The restorations will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. The life of the implant depends on your age, oral status, and personal hygiene. With proper maintenance, they last most people a lifetime.

How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?

Depending on your unique case, we may suggest porcelain veneers or Invisalign clear braces. Read more about these procedures in our cosmetic services area.

I have chronic headaches. Can you help?

Chronic headaches may be a symptom of a misaligned bite, bruxism (teeth grinding), or TMJ disorder. Dr. Spink will carefully examine your occlusion (bite), jaw, head, and neck to determine the underlying causes of your pain. Oftentimes, he can correct the problem with a custom nightguard. Call our Birmingham dental office if you have more questions about headache relief with non-surgical therapies.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Absolutely. We bet you didn't know that teeth whitening, in some form, has been around since the 1700s. Modern teeth whitening uses safe and effective bleaching gel to melt away stains and discolorations. We offer Zoom! Whitening to brighten smiles up to eight shades in a single office visit. Call today to schedule your appointment.

Does your office use lasers?

We use many kinds of lasers for precise, comfortable dentistry... DIAGNOdent is our cavity-detection laser. It scans teeth to find decay and areas prone to decay and eliminates the need to inspect each of your teeth with a traditional dental hook.

Our soft-tissue laser allows us to treat gum disease, perform crown lengthening, harvest and place gum grafts, reduce gum tissue for esthetics, and do biopsies. You won't need stitches after laser surgery, and bleeding is minimal. Most patients recover more quickly after laser surgery than they do following traditional surgery.

Our hard tissue laser removes decay, replacing the traditional dental drill. We can also do bone grafts with this laser.

Do you accept dental insurance?

We know that different people need to fulfill their financial obligations in different ways, and therefore try to be as flexible as possible. We'll not only file your insurance for you, but also work to ensure that you understand what's expected of you personally.

What are my payment options?

We accept cash, checks, all major credit cards, and debit cards. Financing is available through CareCredit, where no interest for 12 months is available for those who qualify. Call us or visit CareCredit online for more details.

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